Goode signing the first of many for MK Dons this summer

Defender Charlie Goode will be the first ‘of many’ signings this summer after he agreed to a move to MK Dons.

The 30-year-old centre-back is fresh from the League One play-offs with Stevenage, missing out on a final spot after defeat to Stockport County.

The defender has plenty of experience at League One level, having played for Scunthorpe United, Northampton Town and Wigan Athletic in the third tier. But he also has experience at the highest level too, having featured for Brentford in the Premier League in 2021.

Bolstering Paul Warne’s back line, Goode is first over the line is what is anticipated in being a busy summer window at the club as they prepare for League One following their promotion last season.

And the former Stevenage man is keen to get his feet under the table at Stadium MK.

“I’m delighted to have joined MK Dons,” he said. “I’m happy it’s all done, and I can now focus on the new season ahead.

“I’ve had lots of good conversations with Paul Warne; he’s a manager I always felt I’d play for. I know how he wants to play, and I know he’ll get the best out of me.

“There’s lots of quality here at this club, which also has huge ambition, and that’s something I really wanted to be a part of.

“I’m buzzing to have signed and can’t wait to get started. I look forward to meeting all the supporters soon.”

Boss Paul Warne said the signing of Goode brings in the right sort of attributes he is eager to see more of at MK1, while priming supporters for a lot of business before the start of the season in August.

He said: “This marks our first signing of the summer, a first of many, and it’s great news to be welcoming Charlie to the club.

“He brings a lot of natural leadership skills to the group and to the back line and will create a good competition for places. Obviously, we have very good defenders at the club already, but I think Charlie adds something else that we need.

“He’s good at passing through the lines and is aggressive on the pitch – you know he understands the game.

“He had an amazing season last year with Stevenage, conceding very few goals, and playing a massive part in lots of clean sheets there. Charlie knows what winning looks like – and that is a big part of football.

“He's also a really good person. I tried to sign him a few seasons ago; in the end it didn't happen, but I’ve spoken to him on many occasions – including after good results and congratulating him on the odd goal or performance – so it wasn't a difficult decision for me when I knew he was out of contract.

“Charlie had a big achievement recently with getting himself in the EFL League One Team of the Season and we welcome him to MK Dons to help strengthen us for the step-up to the third tier.

“Charlie knows this league, he knows what winning looks like, and he will be a perfect fit in our already very professional dressing room.”