Five things you may not know about MK Dons’ latest addition – Joe Mason.
Home Town Beginnings
Born in Plymouth, Joe Mason began his career with his home-town club Plymouth Argyle joining the academy at the age of 10. Having signed his first professional contract with the club in 2009, Mason would make his competitive debut for The Green Army in December 2009.
Mason would feature 54 times for Plymouth, scoring 10 goals and assisting three before moving to Cardiff City for £250,000.
Youth International
Despite being born in Devon, Mason is eligible to play for the Republic of Ireland via his Mum. He would represent his nation at Under-16 and Under-18 level before featuring for the Under-19s in their UEFA European Championship qualification games.
Mason would make his Under-21 debut in July 2010 in a 1-0 defeat against Switzerland.
EFL Experience
Throughout his career, Mason has featured over 200 times in the EFL, with 185 of them appearances coming in the Sky Bet Championship. After moving to Cardiff City from Plymouth Argyle, the 28-year-old would spend time on loan at Bolton Wanderers while under contract with the Bluebirds.
In January 2016, Mason moved to Wolverhampton Wanders for an undisclosed fee, he’d make 39 appearances with the Club, while also enjoying loan spells with Burton Albion and Portsmouth.
Time across the pond
Although the majority of Mason’s career has been in England, the forward has spent time playing aboard. In February 2018, Mason moved to Colorado Rapids on loan until the End of the MLS Season. He’d play 14 games in the MLS scoring against Kansas City, FC Dallas and Minnesota United.
Individual and Team Honours
Having arrived in Cardiff under Malky Mackay, Mason was handed a key role within the side and would rack up 12 Sky Bet Championship goals in 46 appearances. His performances for Cardiff that season saw him named Cardiff City’s Young Player of the Year.
That same season, Mason helped Cardiff reach the Football League Cup Final and would open the scoring 19-minutes into the tie, however, Cardiff would eventually lose to Liverpool on penalties.
The following campaign, Mason was part of the Cardiff City side that were crowned Champions during their promotion to the Premier League.
