MK Dons have agreed a deal to sign Stephen Wearne for an undisclosed fee from Vanarama National League side Gateshead FC and becomes the first signing of the 2024 January transfer window. The deal is subject to EFL and FA approval.
The attacking midfielder will now be reunited with his previous Head Coach Mike Williamson at MK Dons. Wearne, aged 23, has put pen to paper on a long-term deal at Stadium MK.
Wearne has made a total of 75 senior professional appearances whilst representing Sunderland, Torquay United, Grimsby Town and Gateshead. He has scored 18 goals and accumulated 16 assists throughout his career so far.
In an exclusive interview with iFollow MK Dons, Stephen Wearne said “I’m delighted to be here, I’m a bit overwhelmed!
“It’s an amazing Club with amazing facilities and I’m really excited to get going. I’ve had all these different learning experiences at so many clubs, but ultimately, I think this one here will get the best out of me.
“I learned so much from Mike (Williamson) in my previous short time with him, more than I have with any other coach. Coming here and playing for him is something that I couldn’t say no to.”
MK Dons Head Coach Mike Williamson previously signed Wearne at Gateshead prior to his Stadium MK move. On his relationship with Mike and his staff, Stephen added:
“Mike and his staff got the best out of me, not just as a player, but as a person too. Coming here, I know that they will all get the best out of me.”
Within the current campaign, Wearne has contributed 11 goals to his total tally of 20 over his career so far, which also rewarded the former Gateshead midfielder with the National League Player of the Month honour for November 2023 as he saw five successful strikes in just four games during that period.
Wearne was signed by Mike Williamson at The Heed in March 2023. But despite Williamson’s departure for MK Dons last October, the attacking midfielder continued his impressive form in the Vanarama National League competition.
Now reunited with one another, Mike Williamson had this to say about his familiar signing “As soon as Stephen came through the door at Gateshead, you could see he was a different class.
“His personality and work ethic on and off the field makes him a perfect example for the type of player we want here. He will fit in really nicely and improve us as a team.”
