AFC Wimbledon have proven themselves to be a solid side in the first half of the season, currently occupying fifth place in League Two with a relatively small squad at their disposal.
However, January is a chance to freshen things up so naturally there may be a few players that move on as manager Johnnie Jackson prepares his squad for a promotion push.
Romaine Sawyers has already moved on following the conclusion of his short term deal, opting to make the step up to League One with Bristol Rovers.
This article looks at four players that could find themselves waving The Wombles goodbye this month.
Huseyin Biler
Huseyin Biler has been on the books at AFC Wimbledon for a long time, having come through the South London side’s academy.
Despite being in and around the first team squad for a number of years, Biler has never really broken through into the starting eleven, only ever acting as back-up.
This season the defender has made just six league appearances, all of which have come from the bench. It’s been rare for Biler to get more than a few minutes on the pitch at a time.
Now it may be time to let the 22 year old compete for first team football elsewhere as it seems unlikely he’ll ever find his feet at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
A drop in division seems likely for Biler so perhaps Sutton United could be a good destination for him. He could remain local whilst still competing at a respectable level in the National League.
James Furlong
Given that AFC Wimbledon have a small squad at their disposal, the remaining players on this list have all played a reasonable amount of football this season.
However, in the case of James Furlong, it’s quickly becoming evident that he’s not up to the standard required to remain in the first team.
The 22-year-old on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion has made 15 league appearances so far this season, but hasn’t started any games since November 19th in a 2-2 draw with Accrington Stanley.
As a left-sided player, it appears he’s had minimal impact at both ends of the pitch, particularly going forward. His only contribution has been an assist in their FA Cup against Dagenham & Redbridge.
From a Brighton perspective, it makes little sense to leave Furlong at AFC Wimbledon as a benchwarmer, so he could be recalled and sent to another team in League Two.
A suitable destination for Furlong would be Swindon Town. They’re starting to pick up a few results under Ian Holloway and a loan signing would be a cheap way of adding depth to their squad.
Joe Pigott
Once upon a time, Joe Pigott was a prolific striker for AFC Wimbledon. He was a standout player in what was then a League One side. Unfortunately since his departure from South London in 2021, his career has stagnated.
The striker re-joined The Wombles on loan from Leyton Orient in the summer but has failed to match his previous form.
The 31-year-old has played 18 league games this season but has only managed to score two goals, assisting a further one. His impact on the pitch has been so minimal that he didn’t even make it off the bench in AFC Wimbledon’s last two games.
Similarly to Furlong’s situation, this will likely be considered as a failed loan move. However, Leyton Orient may let Pigott stay out on loan for the season as they’re currently storming up the League One table without his help.
If he does get recalled, it would probably only be to move somewhere else in League Two where he has a chance to be the main man again.
Teams like Colchester United and Tranmere Rovers are desperately in need of a striker so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Pigott move to one of these bottom half sides.
Matty Stevens
Underperformance has been the main reason behind the previously suggested departures, but in the case of AFC Wimbledon’s star striker Matty Stevens, it’s an entirely different story.
The 26-year-old has been nothing short of clinical since his arrival from Forest Green in the summer. In 23 league appearances the striker has scored 12 goals and assisted a further one.
This form has put him in contention for top scorer in the division alongside the likes of Walsall’s Nathan Lowe and Bromley’s Michael Cheek.
However, the one negative for AFC Wimbledon is that performances of such a high standard can often attract interest from teams in higher divisions.
If a big-budget side from League One comes in with an offer, the South London club may have to consider selling their talisman for the benefit of the club long term.
With this being said, the upside with Stevens is that he’s yet to prove himself at any level higher than League Two. He only has a handful of League One appearances to his name.
Inexperience at a higher level combined with a high price tag due to his contract length might be enough to keep Stevens at AFC Wimbledon. If he does stay put that could be the catalyst the Wombles need to make a promotion charge.
AFC Wimbledon fans, what are your thoughts?