MK Dons announce Stevenage defender Charlie Goode as first new signing of summer window

MK Dons have announced the signing of defender Charlie Goode as their first summer signing, with the 30-year-old joining from Stevenage.

Goode joins the Dons on a free transfer after expiry of contract with Stevenage, who had offered him a new deal that Goode chose to turn down in favour of a move to Milton Keynes. The defender’s contract length has not been disclosed by MK Dons.

In his two year spell at Stevenage, Goode was a regular, with the defender making 45 appearances in all competitions in the just-completed 2025-26 season for a Stevenage side that qualified for the League One play-offs.

Before joining Stevenage, Goode spent time with Scunthorpe, Northampton and Brentford. He also had loan moves with Sheffield United, Bradford and Wigan, and made 6 Premier League appearances for Brentford in their first Premier League season.

MK Dons Head Coach Paul Warne said he was looking forward to working with Goode next season.

He said, “This marks our first signing of the summer, a first of many, and it’s great news to be welcoming Charlie to the club.

“He brings a lot of natural leadership skills to the group and to the back line and will create a good competition for places. Obviously, we have very good defenders at the club already, but I think Charlie adds something else that we need.

“He’s good at passing through the lines and is aggressive on the pitch – you know he understands the game.”

Goode voiced his own delight to get the move sorted ahead of next season, which will see the Dons return to League One after a 3 season absence.

He said, “I’m delighted to have joined MK Dons, I’m happy it’s all done, and I can now focus on the new season ahead.

“I’ve had lots of good conversations with Paul Warne; he’s a manager I always felt I’d play for. I know how he wants to play, and I know he’ll get the best out of me.

“There’s lots of quality here at this club, which also has huge ambition, and that’s something I really wanted to be a part of.

“I’m buzzing to have signed and can’t wait to get started. I look forward to meeting all the supporters soon!