Jake Reeves Explained

Jake Reeves
Fullname:Jake Kenny Reeves[1]
Birth Date:1993 5, df=y
Birth Place:Lewisham, England
Position:Midfielder
Currentclub:AFC Wimbledon
Clubnumber:4
Youthyears1:2006–2009
Youthclubs1:Tottenham Hotspur
Youthyears2:2009–2011
Youthclubs2:Brentford
Years1:2011–2014
Clubs1:Brentford
Caps1:34
Goals1:0
Years2:2011
Clubs2:St Albans City (loan)
Caps2:2
Goals2:0
Years3:2012
Clubs3:AFC Wimbledon (loan)
Caps3:5
Goals3:0
Years4:2014
Clubs4:Swindon Town
Caps4:10
Goals4:1
Years5:2015–2017
Clubs5:AFC Wimbledon
Caps5:109
Goals5:4
Years6:2017–2020
Clubs6:Bradford City
Caps6:43
Goals6:1
Years7:2020–2021
Clubs7:Notts County
Caps7:41
Goals7:5
Years8:2021–2023
Clubs8:Stevenage
Caps8:68
Goals8:5
Years9:2023–
Clubs9:AFC Wimbledon
Caps9:40
Goals9:3
Club-Update:13:37, 17 August 2024 (UTC)

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

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

Brentford

Born in Lewisham,[2] Reeves moved from Tottenham Hotspur to Brentford in 2009 and was given a two-year scholarship.[3] 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,[4] when he replaced Myles Weston after 82 minutes of a 4–4 draw with Huddersfield Town.[5] 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",[6] 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.[7] 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,[8] before the deal was cancelled entirely a week later.[9] He made only two further substitute appearances for Brentford during the 2011–12 season, making 11 appearances in total, but by January 2012, Director of Youth Football Development Ose Aibangee had stated that Reeves "is considered a member of the first team squad".[10]

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.[11] 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.[12] Reeves signed a new two-year deal in April 2013, after making 15 appearances during the 2012–13 season.

Reeves was made available for loan in October 2013,[13] after managing just one league start during the first four months of the 2013–14 season.[14] He instead saw regular action in the Development Squad during the first half of the season, making seven appearances.[15] 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.[16] Despite regular substitute appearances and a start under new manager Mark Warburton,[17] Reeves was again made available for loan in February 2014.[18] 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.[19] 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.[20] In the 2013–14 season, Reeves made 25 appearances and scored his first goal for the club.

After failing to be named in any Brentford league squad in the opening month of the 2014–15 Championship season,[21] Reeves was made available for loan on 18 August 2014.[22] He chose to terminate his contract by mutual consent on 29 August and departed Griffin Park.[23] 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". Reeves made 47 appearances and scored one goal during his time with the Bees.

St Albans City (loan)

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.[24] He made two league appearances.[25]

AFC Wimbledon (loan)

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.[26] He was recalled by Brentford on 4 December 2012 due to an injury crisis.[27] He made five appearances and scored no goals.

Swindon Town

Reeves signed for League One side Swindon Town on 29 August 2014, on a short-term deal running until January 2015.[28] [29] 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".[30] 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.[31] 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.[32] Reeves left the club in late December 2014, after his deal expired.[33] He made 12 appearances and scored one goal, managing just three starts.

AFC Wimbledon

In December 2014, it was reported that Reeves' former club AFC Wimbledon had shown interest in signing him.[34]

In January 2015 Reeves rejoined the club on a permanent deal.[35]

Bradford City

In June 2017 he was linked with a transfer to Bradford City.[36] [37] He signed a three-year contract with the club in July 2017, after moving for an undisclosed sum thought to be around £150,000.[38] [39] In September 2017 he spoke positively of the pressure expected of him,[40] and in October 2017 of the team's strong start to the season.[41] 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.[42] In August 2018 he was stated to be close to returning to fitness.[43] In November 2018 he was still injured and hadn't appeared played for the club since January 2018.[44] In February 2019, after 13 months of injury, club manager David Hopkin said he was still unsure when Reeves would return to play.[45] 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.[46] In May 2019 it was announced that Reeves would continue his rehabilitation throughout the summer break, ahead of the 2019–20 season.[47] In June 2019, Bowyer said that he had noticed a more positive attitude from Reeves,[48] and in August 2019 Bowyer said that Reeves' input on footballing matters was beneficial.[49] In September 2019, after 20 months of injury, Bowyer said there was no pressure on Reeves as he continued his rehabilitation.[50] In November 2019, Bowyer said that Reeves was getting fitter and had joined in with team training for the first time since his injury.[51] Later that month he was an unused substitute in the 1–1 FA Cup draw away at Shrewsbury Town,[52] before returning to the first-team as captain in the EFL Trophy game at home to Rochdale three days later.[53] [54] Reeves later thanked Bowyer for his support throughout his injury,[55] whilst Bowyer also praised Reeves, describing him as being like a "new signing",[56] and setting the standard for other players.[57] In January 2020 he was critical of the club's away form.[58] In February 2020 he said he felt under pressure to perform for new City manager Stuart McCall, whom he had played under previously.[59] Reeves later revealed that he didn't train with the team for two years due to injury.[60]

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.[61]

Notts County

He signed for National League club Notts County on 18 August 2020.[62]

Stevenage

Reeves agreed terms with League Two club Stevenage on 21 June 2021, officially joining the club upon the expiry of his Notts County contract.[63] [64] Reeves scored his first Stevenage goal on the opening day of the season against Barrow.[65]

Third spell at Wimbledon

In May 2023, it was announced that he would return to AFC Wimbledon on 1 July 2023.[66] He was named Wimbledon's Player of the Year for the 2023–24 season.[67]

Personal life

Reeves is a Charlton Athletic supporter.[68] [69]

Career statistics

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueFA CupLeague CupOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Brentford2010–11League One0000000000
2011–12League One80001020110
2012–13League One60201010100
2013–14League One200212010251
Total340414040461
St Albans City (loan)2010–11Conference South20000020
AFC Wimbledon (loan)2012–13League Two5000000050
Swindon Town2014–15League One101000020121
AFC Wimbledon2014–15League Two232000000232
2015–16League Two401100040451
2016–17League One461501020541
Total10946010601224
Bradford City2017–18League One250101000270
2018–19League One0000000000
2019–20League Two181000010191
Total431101010461
Notts County2019–20National League00001010
2020–21National League4150020435
Total415000030444
Stevenage2021–22League Two272302030352
2022–23League Two413402030503
Total685704060855
AFC Wimbledon2023–24League Two382321030454
2024-25[70] League Two2100100031
Total403321030475
Career total3071921311025036122

Honours

AFC Wimbledon

2016[71]

Stevenage

Individual

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 23 June 2016 . EFL: Club retained and released lists published . 6 October 2017 . English Football League.
  2. Book: Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2012–2013 . . 2012 . 978-0-7553-6356-8 . Rollin . Glenda . 43rd . London . 439 . Rollin . Jack.
  3. Web site: 5 July 2014 . Brentford FC Player Profiles . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140705231017/http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk/team/player-profile/jake-reeves/22 . 5 July 2014.
  4. Web site: Reeves Signs New Contract . 4 February 2014 . Brentfordfc.co.uk.
  5. Web site: Jake Reeves . 5 January 2015.
  6. Web site: Brentford FC – News, views, gossip, pictures, video – Get West London . 22 July 2011 . 4 February 2014 . Hounslowchronicle.co.uk.
  7. Web site: 6 August 2011 . BBC Sport – Brentford 2–0 Yeovil . 4 February 2014 . Bbc.co.uk.
  8. Web site: Chris Slavin . 17 November 2011 . Brentford youngster's United loan move hit by illness . Uxbridge Gazette.
  9. Web site: Jacob Murtagh . 24 November 2011 . Brentford block midfielder deal . Uxbridge Gazette.
  10. Web site: Brentford News Latest News Latest News YOUTH DEVELOPMENT UPDATE . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120412054014/http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk/page/LatestNews/0,,10421~2497878,00.html . 12 April 2012 . 27 December 2017.
  11. Web site: 11 August 2012 . BBC Sport – Walsall 1–0 Brentford . 4 February 2014 . Bbc.co.uk.
  12. News: David Hytner . 17 February 2013 . Chelsea's David Luiz says sorry for challenge on Brentford teenager . The Guardian .
  13. Web site: 9 October 2013 . Dons boss Neal Ardley rules out move for Brentford man Jake Reeves . 4 February 2014 . Get West London.
  14. Web site: Jake Reeves . 5 January 2015.
  15. Web site: Ciaran Brett . 2013/14 Brentford Development Squad stats . 5 January 2015 . 9 August 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160809161732/http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk/news/article/201314-development-squad-stats-1710997.aspx . dead .
  16. Web site: 9 November 2013 . BBC Sport – Brentford 5–0 Staines Town . 4 February 2014 . Bbc.co.uk.
  17. Web site: Chris Wickham . PETERBOROUGH UNITED 1 BRENTFORD 3 . 5 January 2015.
  18. Web site: Jacob Murtagh . 6 February 2014 . Bees boss plans to loan out fringe players . 5 January 2015 . getwestlondon.
  19. News: BBC Sport – Brentford 2–0 Tranmere Rovers . BBC Sport . 5 January 2015 .
  20. News: BBC Sport – Brentford 1–0 Preston North End . BBC Sport . 5 January 2015 .
  21. Web site: Jake Reeves . 5 January 2015.
  22. Web site: Jacob Murtagh . 18 August 2014 . Brentford midfielder made available for loan . 5 January 2015 . getwestlondon.
  23. Web site: Chris Wickham . Jake Reeves departs . 5 January 2015.
  24. Web site: Saintsnet – St Albans City F.C. Official | Match Preview . https://web.archive.org/web/20141108205826/http://www.sacfc.co.uk/index.php/component/content/article/55-match-preview/1455-match-preview-bsb-south-chelmsford-h-on-sat-12th-feb-.html . 8 November 2014 . 4 February 2014 . Sacfc.co.uk.
  25. Web site: Profile . 14 May 2016 . Aylesbury United F.C..
  26. News: Exeter City 2–0 AFC Wimbledon . BBC Sport . 6 November 2012 .
  27. Web site: Reeves recalled by Bees . 8 December 2012 . Clubcall.
  28. Web site: Reeves is a Robin . 5 January 2015.
  29. Web site: Sports Reporter . Town sign midfielder Reeves . 5 January 2015 . Swindon Advertiser.
  30. Web site: Reeves Excited About Town Challenge . 5 January 2015.
  31. Web site: Bradford City . 5 January 2015 . ESPNFC.com.
  32. News: BBC Sport – Barnsley 0–3 Swindon Town . BBC Sport . 5 January 2015 .
  33. Web site: Reeves heads for Town exit . 5 January 2015 . Swindon Advertiser.
  34. Web site: Swindon Link Sport – EXCLUSIVE: Town to return to Reeves contract discussions next week . https://web.archive.org/web/20150111143900/http://www.swindonlinksport.com/2014/12/17/exclusive-town-to-return-to-reeves-contract-discussions-next-week/ . 11 January 2015 . 5 January 2015.
  35. Web site: Dons win race for Jake – News – AFC Wimbledon . www.afcwimbledon.co.uk.
  36. Web site: Seckington . Kaylee . 25 June 2017 . League One rivals bid for Dons midfielder, according to reports . getsurrey.
  37. Web site: Bantams closing in on Reeves raid . Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  38. Web site: Bradford City seal deal with Wimbledon midfielder Reeves . Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  39. Web site: 4 July 2017 . Jake Reeves: Bradford City sign AFC Wimbledon midfielder for undisclosed fee . BBC Sport.
  40. Web site: Bantams high hopes bring out best in me, says Reeves . Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  41. Web site: Bantams will stay on the level, says Reeves . Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  42. Web site: Bradford City midfielder Jake Reeves could be out for season with groin injury . Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  43. Web site: Reeves "not a million miles away" from Bradford City return . Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  44. Web site: Bantams boss frustrated by Reeves' on-going absence . Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  45. Web site: Bantams boss: I don't know when Reeves will be back . Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  46. Web site: Bantams boss: Reeves would suit my style of play . Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  47. Web site: Bantams absentee Reeves working through summer . Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  48. Web site: Bantams boss: Reeves in happier place now . Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  49. Web site: Bowyer: Reeves can be future coach . Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  50. Web site: Bantams boss: No pressure on Reeves for return . Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  51. Web site: Reeves waiting for Bantams green light . Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  52. Web site: Recovering Reeves primed to hit Trophy trail . Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  53. Web site: Leasing.com Trophy (Sky Sports) . SkySports.
  54. Web site: BANTAMS REACTION: City knocked out but Bowyer so pleased for returning Reeves . Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  55. Web site: Reeves grateful for backing from boss after making long-awaited Bantams return . Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  56. Web site: Bantams boss: There aren't many leaders like Reeves . Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  57. Web site: Returning Reeves setting the standard for Bantams . Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  58. Web site: Reeves: Time for Bantams to get show on the road . Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  59. Web site: Reeves: I want to get back to my best for Bantams boss . Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  60. Web site: 'For two years I didn't train with the team': Jake Reeves on his Bantams injury hell. 13 October 2023. Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  61. Web site: TEN BANTAMS TO DEPART . www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk.
  62. Web site: Jake Reeves signs . www.nottscountyfc.co.uk.
  63. News: Jake Reeves joins Stevenage. Stevenage F.C.. 21 June 2021. 21 June 2021.
  64. News: Jake Reeves: Stevenage sign midfielder after Notts County exit. BBC Sport. 21 June 2021. 21 June 2021.
  65. News: Stevenage 1-0 Barrow. BBC Sport.
  66. Web site: AFC Wimbledon to re-sign Reeves from Stevenage. www.bbc.co.uk.
  67. Web site: Player of the Year Awards: Full list of winners. www.afcwimbledon.co.uk. 29 April 2024. 22 June 2024.
  68. News: REEVES ON FACING BOYHOOD CLUB . en-gb . 20 October 2017.
  69. Web site: Bantams midfielder Reeves: Parky put paid to my Charlton dream . Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  70. Web site: Jake Reeves Football Stats AFC Wimbledon Age 31 Soccer Base . 2024-08-12 . www.soccerbase.com.
  71. News: Pilnick . Brent . 30 May 2016 . AFC Wimbledon 2–0 Plymouth Argyle . BBC Sport . 24 December 2018.
  72. Web site: 29 April 2023 . Stevenage players are the true heroes of promotion season says Steve Evans . 20 December 2023 . The Comet.