Midfielder chooses a Dons return

Neal Ardley has today beaten off competition from League 1 clubs to bring midfielder Jake Reeves back for a second spell with AFC Wimbledon.

The 21-year-old, who had a previous loan spell with Wimbledon in November, 2012, has this time signed permanently for the Dons and Neal Ardley hailed his arrival as a “great addition”.

Speaking during an interview for Dons Player, the Wimbledon manager said: “Jake’s previous loan spell with us was cut short and he only played a handful of games. But in a team that was struggling I saw him in training every day and thought ‘wow, this player is so good’. When Brentford called him back I was devastated. I think he would have played a big part in us staying up that season. I’ve tried twice to sign him before when he was at Brentford and Swindon.

“I was aware of the deal that he was on at Swindon and when he was not getting as many games as he would have hoped for I got straight onto his agent, who told me Jake was considering leaving. I said that Jake knows how much I rate him and I would love to have him back at Wimbledon. Four League 1 clubs tried to sign Jake and they all threw their hats in the ring once they heard Jake was going to be available. He’s going to be a great addition and I’m delighted.”

Jake made 34 league appearances for Brentford between 2011 and 2014, before making the switch to League 1 Swindon last summer. However, Jake played only 12 times for the Robins and Neal Ardley believes he can reignite the player’s career at Wimbledon.

“Jake has not played as many games as he should have in his career,” added Neal. “He should have played around 100 games by now, but we will give him that platform here. Jake’s fitness levels are remarkable and if we did the bleep test I think Jake and Dannie Bulman would be top. Jake is that sort of player; he has an edge to him, he can see a pass and his technique is very good. I think he is better than this level, but we just need to get him up to speed. I think the fans will really like him.”

Dons Player subscribers will be able to watch a video interview with Jake Reeves and a full update from Neal about his January transfer plans will also feature on our premium channel.