The fallout from Josh Neufville’s shock departure from AFC Wimbledon has continued to dominate headlines, and now one of English football’s most respected pundits has had his say. Sky Sports analyst and former midfielder Jobi McAnuff has slammed Wimbledon’s decision to part ways with the versatile right-sided star, insisting the Dons will come to regret their choice.
Neufville, 24, was a vital cog in Wimbledon’s promotion-winning 2024/25 campaign, playing every single match and registering five goals and five assists as the Dons clawed their way into League One. His tireless energy, lung-busting runs, and attacking output made him a fan favourite at Plough Lane, where chants of his name were still ringing just weeks before his contract expired.
Yet when the dust settled this summer, the board failed to extend his stay, allowing him to join fellow newly-promoted side Bradford City on a free transfer. For many, it was a baffling call. For McAnuff, it was a blunder of the highest order.
“They’ll regret this one — no two ways about it,” McAnuff blasted on Sky Sports’ EFL Debate Show. “Josh was Wimbledon’s engine. He’s exactly the sort of player you build a squad around, not one you let go for nothing. Bradford took advantage, and look at them now. He’s absolutely flying.”
Indeed, Neufville’s impact at Valley Parade has been immediate and profound. The Bantams, who were hardly among the pre-season favourites for promotion, currently sit at the top of League One after ten games, with their free summer signing playing a starring role.
Operating at right wing-back under manager Graham Alexander, Neufville has redefined the position, combining defensive grit with attacking thrust. In his first ten league appearances, he has already contributed three goals and one assist — including a dazzling curler against Blackpool that had fans on their feet.
“Josh has been phenomenal,” Alexander praised after Bradford’s latest win. “He gives us energy, width, and goals from deep. More importantly, he’s hungry — you can see he’s out there to prove a point every time he steps on the pitch.”
Bradford fans have been quick to embrace their new star, hailing him as one of the bargains of the season. One supporter summed it up on social media: “Wimbledon’s mistake is our masterstroke. Neufville for free? That’s daylight robbery.”
His rise has been even more remarkable considering his career trajectory. A product of Luton Town’s academy, Neufville initially broke through as an out-and-out winger before finding his true calling as a wing-back. At Wimbledon, he matured into a player capable of contributing at both ends of the pitch — the kind of modern-day utility player managers dream about.
McAnuff highlighted this evolution in his criticism of the Dons’ board. “It’s rare you find a player who can defend, attack, score, and assist from the same role. That’s exactly what Josh brings, and Wimbledon let him go at the peak of his powers. For me, that signals poor planning.”
Meanwhile, at Plough Lane, the mood is far less upbeat. Wimbledon have endured a rocky start to life in League One, and the absence of Neufville’s dynamism has been glaring. Fans have vented their frustration, directing much of it at the hierarchy. “We let our best player walk for free,” one long-time supporter fumed. “If that’s ambition, then God help us.”
While the season is still young, the early signs suggest that Bradford may have pulled off one of the transfers of the season, while Wimbledon may spend months — or even years — wondering how they allowed their brightest spark to slip through their fingers.
For Neufville, though, the focus remains simple. “I’m just here to play football, enjoy myself, and give everything for Bradford,” he said with a grin. “The rest will take care of itself.”
But as Jobi McAnuff and countless others have warned, Wimbledon may already be bracing for the painful truth: letting Josh Neufville go could prove to be the decision that defines their season.
Firstly, we didn’t have a choice. It would have needed the wages equivalent to 3 first team players to even be in the same postcode at Bradford’s offer.
Secondly, “Wimbledon have endured a rocky start to life in League One”. I’m very happy to have started so poorly and still be in the playoffs when nearly all pundits tipped us to finish bottom.