Dons snap up ex-Charlton defender

AFC Wimbledon have announced the signing of former Charlton Athletic defender Chris Gunter on a one-year deal.

The Welsh full-back becomes Johnnie Jackson’s second signing at Plough Lane, joining former Millwall captain Alex Pearce as the two summer arrivals so far.

The 32-year-old left the Valley at the end of last season and made more than 50 appearances under Lee Bowyer, Nigel Adkins and Johnnie Jackson during his time with the Addicks.

Gunter will bring a wealth of experience to the Wimbledon defence. The right-back by trade, who can also feature at centre-back or left-back, has recorded more than more than 550 professional appearances across his career.

The ex-Reading and Nottingham Forest defender is also steeped in international acclaim. Gunter has picked up more than a century of caps for the Welsh national side and was a part of the squad that recently qualified for the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

Johnnie Jackson told the club website: “I’m delighted to have brought in someone of Chris’s calibre. His character is really important as well. 

“We’ve brought in an experienced international who will be a big help on and off the football pitch with the way that he conducts himself and trains every day.

“He’s a versatile player that can play in a number of positions across the backline. It all happened pretty quickly after we had initial contact. I worked with him last season, and we have always had a good relationship. It was something that he was keen on as soon as we got in contact.

“We’ll be mixing it up. We want experience, but at the same time, we will be looking at getting some younger ones in. It’s not about age, it’s about the experiences that they’ve had in the past.”