AFC Wimbledon defender set for loan exit

AFC Wimbledon defender Ethan Sutcliffe looks set to head out on loan this summer, the South London Press understands.

The 19-year-old was named on the bench in Wimbledon’s League Two opening day goalless draw at Grimsby.

Centre-back Sutcliffe made his first team debut for the Dons in October 2021, playing 37 minutes in an EFL Trophy game against Crystal Palace’s U21s.

He featured with the first team squad over pre-season, starting against Brentford B and Portsmouth and being named in the matchday squad for the 2-0 win over Wealdstone.

Dons boss Johnnie Jackson hailed Sutcliffe’s performance following the 1-0 pre-season win over League One side Portsmouth, telling the club’s website: “I thought the young lad did great. 

“Last season he had a really bad injury that was very tough to take for him. He was with us during the last pre-season, had his loans and then his campaign was curtailed. 

“He’s missed a big chunk of football – I was actually reluctant to bring him off because he was doing so well.

“He played 90 minutes at Brentford [B] on Friday and I think he was magnificent tonight.”

PICTURE: LUCY DIXON