Sutton United are delighted to announce the signing of experienced defender Will Nightingale.

The 29-year-old centre-back arrives at the VBS Community Stadium having spent last season with Aldershot Town, and prior to that he had enjoyed an outstanding career with AFC Wimbledon, where he established himself as one of the club’s most respected and influential figures both on and off the pitch.

A product of the Wimbledon academy, Nightingale spent over two decades with the Dons, joining at the age of nine and progressing through the youth ranks before making his first-team debut in 2015. He would go on to make over 200 senior appearances for the club, becoming a key figure in the heart of defence and earning the admiration of teammates and supporters alike.

Throughout his time at Plough Lane, Nightingale demonstrated remarkable loyalty and resilience, overcoming a number of injury setbacks to establish himself as one of the club’s leaders. His determination and professionalism saw him regularly entrusted with captaincy responsibilities, while his commitment to the club made him a popular figure among the Wimbledon faithful.

Nightingale was part of the AFC Wimbledon squad that secured promotion to League One  in 2016, a landmark moment in the club’s modern history. He would go on to spend several seasons competing in League One, gaining valuable experience at a higher level and helping the Dons navigate some of the toughest challenges in the EFL, and his contribution to their escape from relegation in 2019, despite at one stage being ten points from safety, earned him the Player of the Year award. He also had the distinction of scoring Wimbledon’s first goal in front of spectators at the rebuilt Plough Lane ground in a 3-3 draw against Bolton in August 2021, previous games there having been played behind closed doors because of Covid.

In 2023 Will moved to Scottish Premiership club Ross County on a season long loan that was extended for a further season in 2024, and made 38 appearances before returning to Wimbledon, where he was released last year and joined Aldershot, but his long service for the Dons saw him granted a testimonial game in June featuring two teams of Wimbledon legends.

Known for his leadership, defensive organisation and uncompromising style of play, Nightingale brings a wealth of experience to Chris Agutter’s squad ahead of the new season.

Sutton United Manager Chris Agutter said:

“Such an impressive man, calm and composed with a real-winners’ edge….another addition who is a leader of men and is proven at a higher level – another brilliant defensive addition who will make a huge difference to the defensive level of the team, whilst alongside Jordy and Kirky will also give us a great basis to build the attack from”

Speaking after signing for the U’s, Will Nightingale said:

“From my first conversation with the manager, it was clear how passionate he is about the football club and where he wants to take it. You want to be around people who are fully invested and driven to be successful and that’s exactly the feeling I got.

Having grown up in the area, I understand what the club means to its supporters and what it means to represent Sutton, which makes the opportunity even more special.

I’m looking forward to getting started and doing my bit to help the club achieve its goals.”

Everyone at Sutton United would like to welcome Will to the Club and wishes him every success in amber and chocolate.