AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson: ‘There was no need for deadline day business – the squad is in good shape’

Johnnie Jackson says AFC Wimbledon would have only made deadline day additions if something “popped up” and praised the planning that went into assemeling his squad for the 2024-25 season.

The Dons signed 10 players this summer, with Joe Pigott, Alistair Smith, Matty Stevens and James Furlong all arriving.

Will Nightingale, Jack Currie and Josh Davison all left Plough Lane.

Riley Harbottle’s arrival on August 15 from Hibernnain on a permanent signing signalled the end of Wimbledon’s summer window – there was no deadline day activity in SW19.

“Me and Craig [Cope, head of football operations] spent the whole day together just incase anything popped up,” said Jackon.

“That would have been the case – it would have been something popping up.

“It wouldn’t have been part of our planning. We have the planning aspect done really well this summer. 

“We have built a good squad that we think is competitive and has a lot of competition for places.

“I’m leaving good players out of the team and good players in the stands, which is tough as a manager.

“That’s what we asked for – to get the squad in that place.

“That’s how you get through the season. We weren’t going to do anything for the sake of it, and yesterday was that case.”