Northampton's Wembley-winning skipper joins new club after rejecting Stevenage deal

The centre-back, now 30, rose to prominence during 18 superb months at Sixfields, skippering Cobblers to play-off glory in 2020, and he remains the club’s record sale after joining Brentford for a seven-figure fee. He then played for Sheffield United, Blackpool and Wigan before joining Stevenage, named in the League One Team of the Season for 2025/26.

“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,” said Goode. “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.”

Head coach Paul Warne added: “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.

“He's also a really good person. I tried to sign him a few seasons ago; in the end it didn't happen, but I’ve spoken to him on many occasions – including after good results and congratulating him on the odd goal or performance – so it wasn't a difficult decision for me when I knew he was out of contract."