Jake Kenny Reeves (born 30 May 1993) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for EFL League Two club AFC Wimbledon.

Jake Reeves
Reeves training for Brentford in January 2013.
Personal information
Full name Jake Kenny Reeves[1]
Date of birth (1993-05-30) 30 May 1993 (age 31)[2]
Place of birth Lewisham, England
Height 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)[3]
Position(s) Midfielder
Team information
Current team
AFC Wimbledon
Number 4
Youth career
2006–2009 Tottenham Hotspur
2009–2011 Brentford
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2011–2014 Brentford 34 (0)
2011St Albans City (loan) 2 (0)
2012AFC Wimbledon (loan) 5 (0)
2014 Swindon Town 10 (1)
2015–2017 AFC Wimbledon 109 (4)
2017–2020 Bradford City 43 (1)
2020–2021 Notts County 41 (5)
2021–2023 Stevenage 68 (5)
2023– AFC Wimbledon 44 (3)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 16:56, 5 October 2024 (UTC)

He began his career in the youth system at Tottenham Hotspur, before beginning his senior career with Brentford in 2011. He joined Swindon Town in August 2014, leaving at the end of the year, returning to AFC Wimbledon in January 2015.

Career

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Brentford

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Born in Lewisham,[4] Reeves moved from Tottenham Hotspur to Brentford in 2009 and was given a two-year scholarship.[5] He captained the youth team during the 2010–11 season and was given his first team debut by Nicky Forster in the last game of the season,[6] when he replaced Myles Weston after 82 minutes of a 4–4 draw with Huddersfield Town.[7] At the end of the season he signed a two-year professional contract to be part of the Development Squad. Described by new boss Uwe Rösler as a "big option",[8] Reeves made his first start for the club on the opening day of the 2011–12 season in a 2–0 home win over Yeovil Town.[9] He was due to move on loan to Hayes & Yeading United in November 2011, but the move was delayed on 17 November due to ill health,[10] before the deal was cancelled entirely a week later.[11] He made only two further substitute appearances for Brentford during the 2011–12 season, making 11 appearances in total,[12] but by January 2012, Director of Youth Football Development Ose Aibangee had stated that Reeves "is considered a member of the first team squad".[13]

Reeves started Brentford's first game of the 2012–13 season against Walsall in the League Cup first round, but he lasted only 25 minutes before being sent off for a challenge on Adam Chambers.[14] He failed to feature for Brentford again until making a starting appearance in a 2–1 Football League Trophy defeat to Southend United in December. In an FA Cup match versus Chelsea on 17 February 2013, Reeves was left concussed following a collision with opposition defender David Luiz.[15] Reeves signed a new two-year deal in April 2013,[6] after making 15 appearances during the 2012–13 season.[16]

Reeves was made available for loan in October 2013,[17] after managing just one league start during the first four months of the 2013–14 season.[18] He instead saw regular action in the Development Squad during the first half of the season, making seven appearances.[19] Reeves scored the first senior goal of his career in an FA Cup first round tie against local neighbours Staines Town on 9 November, bagging the second in a 5–0 victory.[20] Despite regular substitute appearances and a start under new manager Mark Warburton,[21] Reeves was again made available for loan in February 2014.[22] The departure of central midfielder Toumani Diagouraga on loan and injury to Adam Forshaw saw Reeves win his second start under Warburton in a 2–0 win over Tranmere Rovers on 11 March.[23] Reeves made sporadic appearances through to the end of the season and celebrated the Bees' automatic promotion to the Championship after a 1–0 win over Preston North End on 18 April.[24] In the 2013–14 season, Reeves made 25 appearances and scored his first goal for the club.[25]

After failing to be named in any Brentford league squad in the opening month of the 2014–15 Championship season,[26] Reeves was made available for loan on 18 August 2014.[27] He chose to terminate his contract by mutual consent on 29 August and departed Griffin Park.[28] Manager Mark Warburton said Reeves "needs to play week-in, week-out. With the level of player we have here, that opportunity is not available at Brentford now".[28] Reeves made 47 appearances and scored one goal during his time with the Bees.[3]

St Albans City (loan)

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Reeves joined Conference South side St Albans City on a work experience loan in February 2011, linking up with fellow Brentford youth teammate Kyle Vassell.[29] He made two league appearances.[30]

AFC Wimbledon (loan)

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Reeves moved on loan to League Two club AFC Wimbledon on 5 November 2012. He made his debut the following day in a 2–0 defeat at Exeter City.[31] He was recalled by Brentford on 4 December 2012 due to an injury crisis.[32] He made five appearances and scored no goals.[16]

Swindon Town

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Reeves signed for League One side Swindon Town on 29 August 2014, on a short-term deal running until January 2015.[33][34] After his arrival, he said "I've got a lot of energy to give to the team and you'll hopefully see some good passing ranges too. I also hope to score a few goals".[35] Reeves made his debut for the Robins with a late substitute appearance for goalscorer Jonathan Obika in a 2–1 victory over Bradford City on 13 September.[36] He scored his first goal for the club on his fifth appearance, scoring the second goal in a 3–0 win over Barnsley on 27 September.[37] Reeves left the club in late December 2014, after his deal expired.[38] He made 12 appearances and scored one goal, managing just three starts.[26]

AFC Wimbledon

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In December 2014, it was reported that Reeves' former club AFC Wimbledon had shown interest in signing him.[39]

In January 2015 Reeves rejoined the club on a permanent deal.[40]

Bradford City

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In June 2017 he was linked with a transfer to Bradford City.[41][42] He signed a three-year contract with the club in July 2017, after moving for an undisclosed sum thought to be around £150,000.[43][44] In September 2017 he spoke positively of the pressure expected of him,[45] and in October 2017 of the team's strong start to the season.[46] In January 2018 he suffered a recurrence of a groin injury he first had in November 2017, potentially ruling him out until the end of the season.[47] In August 2018 he was stated to be close to returning to fitness.[48] In November 2018 he was still injured and hadn't appeared played for the club since January 2018.[49] In February 2019, after 13 months of injury, club manager David Hopkin said he was still unsure when Reeves would return to play.[50] In April 2019 new City manager Gary Bowyer (the fourth since Reeves was injured 15 months before) said he wanted Reeves to play as he would suit his management style.[51] In May 2019 it was announced that Reeves would continue his rehabilitation throughout the summer break, ahead of the 2019–20 season.[52] In June 2019, Bowyer said that he had noticed a more positive attitude from Reeves,[53] and in August 2019 Bowyer said that Reeves' input on footballing matters was beneficial.[54] In September 2019, after 20 months of injury, Bowyer said there was no pressure on Reeves as he continued his rehabilitation.[55] In November 2019, Bowyer said that Reeves was getting fitter and had joined in with team training for the first time since his injury.[56] Later that month he was an unused substitute in the 1–1 FA Cup draw away at Shrewsbury Town,[57] before returning to the first-team as captain in the EFL Trophy game at home to Rochdale three days later.[58][59] Reeves later thanked Bowyer for his support throughout his injury,[60] whilst Bowyer also praised Reeves, describing him as being like a "new signing",[61] and setting the standard for other players.[62] In January 2020 he was critical of the club's away form.[63] In February 2020 he said he felt under pressure to perform for new City manager Stuart McCall, whom he had played under previously.[64] Reeves later revealed that he didn't train with the team for two years due to injury.[65]

On 26 May 2020 it was announced that he was one of 10 players who would leave Bradford City when their contract expired on 30 June 2020.[66]

Notts County

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He signed for National League club Notts County on 18 August 2020.[67]

Stevenage

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Reeves agreed terms with League Two club Stevenage on 21 June 2021, officially joining the club upon the expiry of his Notts County contract.[68][69] Reeves scored his first Stevenage goal on the opening day of the season against Barrow.[70]

Third spell at Wimbledon

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In May 2023, it was announced that he would return to AFC Wimbledon on 1 July 2023.[71] He was named Wimbledon's Player of the Year for the 2023–24 season.[72]

Personal life

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Reeves is a Charlton Athletic supporter.[73][74]

Career statistics

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As of match played 5 October 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Brentford 2010–11[75] League One 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2011–12[12] League One 8 0 0 0 1 0 2[a] 0 11 0
2012–13[16] League One 6 0 2 0 1 0 1[a] 0 10 0
2013–14[25] League One 20 0 2 1 2 0 1[a] 0 25 1
Total 34 0 4 1 4 0 4 0 46 1
St Albans City (loan) 2010–11[30] Conference South 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
AFC Wimbledon (loan) 2012–13[16] League Two 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
Swindon Town 2014–15[76] League One 10 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 12 1
AFC Wimbledon 2014–15[76] League Two 23 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 2
2015–16[77] League Two 40 1 1 0 0 0 4 0 45 1
2016–17[78] League One 46 1 5 0 1 0 2 0 54 1
Total 109 4 6 0 1 0 6 0 122 4
Bradford City 2017–18[79] League One 25 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 27 0
2018–19[80] League One 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2019–20[81] League Two 18 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 19 1
Total 43 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 46 1
Notts County 2019–20[82] National League 0 0 0 0 1[b] 0 1 0
2020–21[82] National League 41 5 0 0 2[b] 0 43 5
Total 41 5 0 0 0 0 3 0 44 4
Stevenage 2021–22[83] League Two 27 2 3 0 2 0 3 0 35 2
2022–23[84] League Two 41 3 4 0 2 0 3 0 50 3
Total 68 5 7 0 4 0 6 0 85 5
AFC Wimbledon 2023–24[85] League Two 38 2 3 2 1 0 3[a] 0 45 4
2024–25[86] League Two 6 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 8 1
Total 44 3 3 2 2 0 3 0 53 5
Career total 311 19 21 3 12 0 25 0 367 22
  1. ^ a b c d Appearance(s) in Football League Trophy/EFL Trophy
  2. ^ a b Appearance(s) in the FA Trophy.

Honours

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AFC Wimbledon

Stevenage

Individual

References

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  1. ^ "EFL: Club retained and released lists published". English Football League. 23 June 2016. Retrieved 6 October 2017.
  2. ^ Jake Reeves at Soccerway. Retrieved 30 May 2019.
  3. ^ a b Jake Reeves at Soccerbase  
  4. ^ Rollin, Glenda; Rollin, Jack, eds. (2012). Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2012–2013 (43rd ed.). London: Headline. p. 439. ISBN 978-0-7553-6356-8.
  5. ^ "Brentford FC Player Profiles". 5 July 2014. Archived from the original on 5 July 2014.
  6. ^ a b "Reeves Signs New Contract". Brentfordfc.co.uk. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
  7. ^ "Jake Reeves". Retrieved 5 January 2015.
  8. ^ "Brentford FC – News, views, gossip, pictures, video – Get West London". Hounslowchronicle.co.uk. 22 July 2011. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
  9. ^ "BBC Sport – Brentford 2–0 Yeovil". Bbc.co.uk. 6 August 2011. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
  10. ^ Chris Slavin (17 November 2011). "Brentford youngster's United loan move hit by illness". Uxbridge Gazette.
  11. ^ Jacob Murtagh (24 November 2011). "Brentford block midfielder deal". Uxbridge Gazette.
  12. ^ a b "Games played by Jake Reeves in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  13. ^ "Brentford | News | Latest News | Latest News | YOUTH DEVELOPMENT UPDATE". Archived from the original on 12 April 2012. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
  14. ^ "BBC Sport – Walsall 1–0 Brentford". Bbc.co.uk. 11 August 2012. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
  15. ^ David Hytner (17 February 2013). "Chelsea's David Luiz says sorry for challenge on Brentford teenager". The Guardian.
  16. ^ a b c d "Games played by Jake Reeves in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  17. ^ "Dons boss Neal Ardley rules out move for Brentford man Jake Reeves". Get West London. 9 October 2013. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
  18. ^ "Jake Reeves". Retrieved 5 January 2015.
  19. ^ Ciaran Brett. "2013/14 Brentford Development Squad stats". Archived from the original on 9 August 2016. Retrieved 5 January 2015.
  20. ^ "BBC Sport – Brentford 5–0 Staines Town". Bbc.co.uk. 9 November 2013. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
  21. ^ Chris Wickham. "PETERBOROUGH UNITED 1 BRENTFORD 3". Retrieved 5 January 2015.
  22. ^ Jacob Murtagh (6 February 2014). "Bees boss plans to loan out fringe players". getwestlondon. Retrieved 5 January 2015.
  23. ^ "BBC Sport – Brentford 2–0 Tranmere Rovers". BBC Sport. Retrieved 5 January 2015.
  24. ^ "BBC Sport – Brentford 1–0 Preston North End". BBC Sport. Retrieved 5 January 2015.
  25. ^ a b "Games played by Jake Reeves in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  26. ^ a b "Jake Reeves". Retrieved 5 January 2015.
  27. ^ Jacob Murtagh (18 August 2014). "Brentford midfielder made available for loan". getwestlondon. Retrieved 5 January 2015.
  28. ^ a b Chris Wickham. "Jake Reeves departs". Archived from the original on 3 September 2014. Retrieved 5 January 2015.
  29. ^ "Saintsnet – St Albans City F.C. Official | Match Preview". Sacfc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 8 November 2014. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
  30. ^ a b "Profile". Aylesbury United F.C. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  31. ^ "Exeter City 2–0 AFC Wimbledon". BBC Sport. Retrieved 6 November 2012.
  32. ^ "Reeves recalled by Bees". Clubcall. Retrieved 8 December 2012.
  33. ^ "Reeves is a Robin". Retrieved 5 January 2015.
  34. ^ Sports Reporter. "Town sign midfielder Reeves". Swindon Advertiser. Retrieved 5 January 2015.
  35. ^ "Reeves Excited About Town Challenge". Retrieved 5 January 2015.
  36. ^ "Bradford City". ESPNFC.com. Retrieved 5 January 2015.
  37. ^ "BBC Sport – Barnsley 0–3 Swindon Town". BBC Sport. Retrieved 5 January 2015.
  38. ^ "Reeves heads for Town exit". Swindon Advertiser. Retrieved 5 January 2015.
  39. ^ "Swindon Link Sport – EXCLUSIVE: Town to return to Reeves contract discussions next week". Archived from the original on 11 January 2015. Retrieved 5 January 2015.
  40. ^ "Dons win race for Jake – News – AFC Wimbledon". www.afcwimbledon.co.uk.
  41. ^ Seckington, Kaylee (25 June 2017). "League One rivals bid for Dons midfielder, according to reports". getsurrey.
  42. ^ "Bantams closing in on Reeves raid". Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  43. ^ "Bradford City seal deal with Wimbledon midfielder Reeves". Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  44. ^ "Jake Reeves: Bradford City sign AFC Wimbledon midfielder for undisclosed fee". BBC Sport. 4 July 2017.
  45. ^ "Bantams high hopes bring out best in me, says Reeves". Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  46. ^ "Bantams will stay on the level, says Reeves". Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  47. ^ "Bradford City midfielder Jake Reeves could be out for season with groin injury". Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  48. ^ "Reeves "not a million miles away" from Bradford City return". Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  49. ^ "Bantams boss frustrated by Reeves' on-going absence". Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  50. ^ "Bantams boss: I don't know when Reeves will be back". Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  51. ^ "Bantams boss: Reeves would suit my style of play". Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  52. ^ "Bantams absentee Reeves working through summer". Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  53. ^ "Bantams boss: Reeves in happier place now". Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  54. ^ "Bowyer: Reeves can be future coach". Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  55. ^ "Bantams boss: No pressure on Reeves for return". Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  56. ^ "Reeves waiting for Bantams green light". Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  57. ^ "Recovering Reeves primed to hit Trophy trail". Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  58. ^ "Leasing.com Trophy (Sky Sports)". SkySports.
  59. ^ "BANTAMS REACTION: City knocked out but Bowyer so pleased for returning Reeves". Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  60. ^ "Reeves grateful for backing from boss after making long-awaited Bantams return". Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  61. ^ "Bantams boss: There aren't many leaders like Reeves". Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  62. ^ "Returning Reeves setting the standard for Bantams". Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  63. ^ "Reeves: Time for Bantams to get show on the road". Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  64. ^ "Reeves: I want to get back to my best for Bantams boss". Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  65. ^ "'For two years I didn't train with the team': Jake Reeves on his Bantams injury hell". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. 13 October 2023.
  66. ^ "TEN BANTAMS TO DEPART". www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk.
  67. ^ "Jake Reeves signs". www.nottscountyfc.co.uk.
  68. ^ "Jake Reeves joins Stevenage". Stevenage F.C. 21 June 2021. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
  69. ^ "Jake Reeves: Stevenage sign midfielder after Notts County exit". BBC Sport. 21 June 2021. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
  70. ^ "Stevenage 1-0 Barrow". BBC Sport.
  71. ^ "AFC Wimbledon to re-sign Reeves from Stevenage" – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  72. ^ a b "Player of the Year Awards: Full list of winners". www.afcwimbledon.co.uk. 29 April 2024. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
  73. ^ "REEVES ON FACING BOYHOOD CLUB". Retrieved 20 October 2017.
  74. ^ "Bantams midfielder Reeves: Parky put paid to my Charlton dream". Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  75. ^ "Games played by Jake Reeves in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  76. ^ a b "Games played by Jake Reeves in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  77. ^ "Games played by Jake Reeves in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  78. ^ "Games played by Jake Reeves in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 August 2016.
  79. ^ "Games played by Jake Reeves in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 5 August 2017.
  80. ^ "Games played by Jake Reeves in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  81. ^ "Games played by Jake Reeves in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 November 2019.
  82. ^ a b Jake Reeves at Soccerway. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  83. ^ "Games played by Jake Reeves in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 6 November 2021.
  84. ^ "Games played by Jake Reeves in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
  85. ^ "Games played by Jake Reeves in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
  86. ^ "Games played by Jake Reeves in 2024/2025". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 August 2024.
  87. ^ Pilnick, Brent (30 May 2016). "AFC Wimbledon 2–0 Plymouth Argyle". BBC Sport. Retrieved 24 December 2018.
  88. ^ "Stevenage players are the true heroes of promotion season says Steve Evans". The Comet. 29 April 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2023.