Luton-born winger Josh Neufville could face off against his hometown club in League One next season after he played a pivotal role in AFC Wimbledon’s promotion through the League Two play-offs.
The 24-year-old scored the semi-final goal that got the Dons past Notts County and booked their place at Wembley where he played a full part in the 1-0 victory over Walsall. The victory lifts the south London side to the third tier of English football, where they’ll look forward to fixtures against the Hatters for the first time since 2019, after Town suffered a second successive relegation.
Neufville grew up in Marsh Farm and began his football journey with Crawley Green FC before joining Luton Town’s academy at under-10 level, and the grassroots club expressed immense pride in their former player’s achievements, posting on X (formerly Twitter): “Massive congratulations to former @CrawleyGreenYth player Josh Neufville on promotion in the play offs today! From us all at Crawley Green fc #oneofourown#dirtyclaret“
His story serves as an inspiration to young footballers in Luton and beyond, illustrating the success that can be achieved with hard work and perseverance, particularly as he was released by the Hatters after they won promotion to the Premier League two years ago.
But after spells at Yeovil and Sutton United, he moved to Wimbledon and has been a standout performer for the Dons this term and was named player of the season. His pace and versatility on the right flank have been instrumental in the team’s success, culminating in a solid display during the final.
The decisive goal came in first-half stoppage time when Myles Hippolyte found the bottom right corner, giving Wimbledon the lead they would maintain for the rest of the match. The Dons’ defence, which conceded the fewest goals in League Two during the regular season, held firm against Walsall’s attempts to equalise.
Neufville’s contributions throughout the season have not gone unnoticed. His ability to adapt to a wing-back role under manager Johnnie Jackson’s system has added a new dimension to Wimbledon’s play, combining defensive duties with attacking thrust.
Speculation had linked Neufville with a move away from AFC Wimbledon if they didn’t win promotion but now the Dons are set to compete in League One next season, Neufville may remain a Womble.
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