Duo commit to AFC Wimbledon

Jake Nicholson and Tom Beere have both been told that they can stake a claim for regular first-team football next season after signing professional contracts at AFC Wimbledon.

Jake, age 21, and Tom, age 19, are both viewed as rising talents, but assistant manager Neil Cox has challenged the pair to make sure that they are in contention from the first day of pre-season training.

Speaking to Dons Player, Neil Cox, said: “Jake showed a really good appetite for the game at the end of last season. When Jake came in he just wanted to get on the ball and pass it and it did not matter to him if he gave it away. He works really hard, makes a lot of runs forward, and we know that he has goals in him. Jake is going to be one of our midfielders for next season and he will be pushing the others hard. Though he is one for the future, from day one of pre-season Jake has to push for a spot in the team.

“Tom is a second year professional who did really well last season after suffering an injury. Shaun North has worked really hard with him and Tom finished the season very strongly. He showed a lot of determination and skill and he also scores goals. He finished the season as one of the best youngsters and it’s nice to see a lad come through from the academy. We’re looking for him to progress as a second-year pro and push for a first-team start. If Tom can earn 10-15 starts next season that will be good for him. We want young players to come through so that we can progress as a football club.”

Former Tottenham Hotspur youngster Jake, who is pictured above left with his daughter Isabella, joined Wimbledon in February and made four appearances for the Dons, scoring one goal.

Tom, who was offered a second pro deal before scoring the winner in the London Senior Cup Final, officially put pen to paper today after the expiration of his first year contract. He came through the AFC Wimbledon academy after joining on trial following a short spell at Millwall.

Dons Player subscribers will be able to view a squad update from Neil Cox later today and interviews with Jake and Tom will follow in the coming days.