AFC Wimbledon have lost another attacking option as forward Antwoine Hackford completes a permanent move to Swindon Town, according to a BBC Sport report published on 1 September. The 22-year-old joins the Robins on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee, becoming the 10th signing of manager Ian Holloway's summer recruitment drive.

A single full season at Plough Lane

Hackford arrived at AFC Wimbledon last summer on a permanent basis, having previously built up experience through a series of loan moves after starting his career at Sheffield United. He had short-term spells at Alfreton Town, Burton Albion and Port Vale, and it was during his time at Vale Park that he contributed to the club's promotion to League One. His industry and movement in that spell attracted attention, and Wimbledon moved quickly to bring him to south London on a full-time footing.

He repaid their faith in part, scoring six goals across his only full season at the club. That return, however, has not been enough to keep him at Plough Lane, and AFC Wimbledon will now need to assess their options up front having already seen young winger Nkeng depart earlier in the window.

What his departure means for Wimbledon

The exit leaves AFC Wimbledon's attacking department noticeably thinner ahead of what promises to be a demanding League One campaign. Hackford was capable of operating across the front line and offered versatility that managers value at this level. His ability to press and run in behind, qualities he demonstrated during his loan at Port Vale, will not be easy to replace at short notice given that the summer window has now closed.

The club's recruitment team will be under pressure to ensure the squad depth is sufficient, particularly given the intensity of third-tier football over a 46-game schedule. Whether Wimbledon have a replacement lined up, or whether they intend to redistribute minutes among existing forwards, is not yet clear from the available information.

Hackford's next chapter

At Swindon, Hackford is understood to have reunited with former Port Vale team-mates Mitch Clark and Connor Ripley, according to the BBC Sport report. That familiarity may ease his transition at the County Ground, though the Robins and Wimbledon will now be opponents in the same division, meaning Hackford could yet face his former club before the season is out.

The deal is reported as a straight permanent transfer for an undisclosed fee, with no details of any sell-on clause or further options published at this stage. At 22, Hackford is entering what many regard as a key developmental window for a forward, and both he and Wimbledon will hope, from their respective positions, that the move proves worthwhile.

A window of change at Wimbledon

The departure comes amid a broader period of squad movement at Plough Lane. As well as losing Nkeng, the club welcomed Philippe Sessegnon back to the club this summer, a signing that generated considerable excitement among supporters. The challenge for Wimbledon's management is to ensure that arrivals of that nature offset the loss of younger players such as Hackford, who depart with sell-on value and upside.

With the window shut, the focus now turns entirely to the pitch. AFC Wimbledon will want to demonstrate that their squad, as currently constituted, is equipped to compete in League One across a long and competitive season.

Frequently asked

Why did Antwoine Hackford leave AFC Wimbledon?
Hackford left Wimbledon at the end of his first full season at Plough Lane, where he scored six goals, after Swindon Town agreed an undisclosed permanent fee for the 22-year-old forward.
How many goals did Hackford score for AFC Wimbledon?
Hackford scored six goals in his only full season with AFC Wimbledon before his departure to Swindon Town on a two-year deal.
Who has AFC Wimbledon lost in the summer transfer window?
AFC Wimbledon have lost at least two attacking players this summer: young winger Nkeng and forward Antwoine Hackford, who joined Swindon Town permanently.