Heading into the 2024/25 season, it seemed unlikely that James Tilley would play a major role in AFC Wimbledon’s starting lineup. His poor form at the end of the previous season, along with a tactical shift under manager Johnnie Jackson, positioned the former Brighton youth product as a potential fringe player.
However, when squad rotation gave Tilley a chance, he seized it. Now, with his contract expiring at the end of the season, Wimbledon must act quickly to avoid interest from other clubs, which could lead to a cut-price move in January or a free transfer next summer.
### James Tilley: Benefitting from a Position Change
During the second half of the 2023/24 season, Tilley struggled to make an impact. He scored all seven of his league goals within the first two months of the season but managed only five more across cup competitions, failing to find the net from November onwards. By the summer, some fans were open to the idea of selling him if it meant generating some funds for the club.
Yet, Johnnie Jackson’s opinion was what mattered most, and he decided to give Tilley a chance, reworking his role for the 2024/25 season. Throughout pre-season, Tilley was tested in an advanced left-midfield role, but his performances were inconsistent. Meanwhile, James Furlong and Aron Sasu excelled at left wing-back, forming a reliable rotation in that position.
However, when Sasu suffered an injury in August, Tilley was presented with a prime opportunity to reestablish himself in Jackson’s plans, making it difficult for Furlong, on loan from Hull City, to reclaim the spot. Tilley impressed with a standout defensive display against Ipswich Town in the Carabao Cup, where he effectively marked Jack Clarke, a new signing from Sunderland, and kept substitute Omari Hutchinson quiet.
In addition to his defensive work, Tilley contributed offensively, creating chances during his forward runs, even if he didn’t register a goal or assist initially. His form eventually translated into the scoresheet, as he netted his first goal of the season—his first in nearly a year—during a midweek game against Morecambe FC, dribbling through the opposition’s defense before firing a superb shot into the top right corner.
This performance highlighted that, despite his new defensive responsibilities, Tilley remains a creative asset for Wimbledon.
### AFC Wimbledon’s Transfer Decisions: Avoiding Past Mistakes
Wimbledon must decide whether to extend Tilley’s contract or risk losing him for a nominal fee in January or on a free transfer next summer. While there are no clear signs of interest from other clubs, his current form could attract attention from League Two teams or even clubs in higher divisions.
Wimbledon has experienced several key players leaving on free transfers, such as Joe Pigott in 2021 and earlier cases like Lyle Taylor and Tom Elliott. These departures represented missed opportunities for the club to earn transfer fees that could have been reinvested. However, more recent sales, including those of Jack Rudoni, Ayoub Assal, and Ali Al-Hamadi, show a shift in strategy, as the club has focused on securing fees and reinvesting in replacements.
With a few players, including Tilley, out of contract next summer, the January transfer window could be crucial for Wimbledon. The club must decide whether to renew and retain their core group or sell and bring in suitable replacements, ensuring they maintain the strength and balance of the squad for the remainder of the season.
| AFC Wimbledon contracts expiring in 2025, according to Transfermarkt | ||
|---|---|---|
| Player Name | Age | Option for Further Year |
| James Tilley | 26 | Yes |
| Isaac Ogundere | 21 | Yes |
| Josh Neufville | 23 | No |
| Ryan Johnson | 28 | No |
| Lewis Ward | 27 | No |
| James Ball | 28 | No |
| Huseyin Biler | 22 | Yes |
| Ryan McLean | 24 | No |
| John-Joe O’Toole | 36 | No |
| Morgan Williams | 19 | No |
| Paris Lock | 20 | No |
Whatever decision is made regarding Tilley’s future between now and the end of the season, one thing is certain: he has excelled at left wing-back, displaying confidence and comfort in his new role. While some of this success can be attributed to Johnnie Jackson’s guidance and the positive atmosphere within the squad, Tilley’s performances suggest that he could be one of the best—and perhaps most underrated—players in the league this season, regardless of where AFC Wimbledon finishes in the standings.
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