Milton Keynes Dons have signed midfielder Stephen Wearne for an undisclosed fee from National League side Gateshead.
Wearne, 23, becomes the Dons' first signing of the January transfer window and reunites with former head coach Mike Williamson, who joined the Dons from Gateshead earlier in the season.
Beginning his career with Middlesbrough's youth setup, Wearne moved to Sunderland before eventual spells with Torquay United, Grimsby Town, and lately with Gateshead, where he accumulated 75 first-team appearances, predominantly in the National League.
This season, Wearne has been in fine form for the Heed, netting 11 goals in 23 appearances. He is capable of playing through the middle or out on either flank and should fit in well with Williamson's system, where he can be a plug-and-play addition to the team, wherever they need him.
Speaking of joining the Dons, Wearne commented: "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."
Speaking of his relationship with Williamson, Wearne explained: "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."
"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."
Williamson himself commented on his first signing in charge of the Dons, saying: "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."
