Stuart scored his first goal of the season against Kettering

AFC Wimbledon have signed Rushden & Diamonds captain Jamie Stuart for an undisclosed, nominal fee.

The 34-year-old defender has played 67 times for Diamonds since joining from Grays Athletic in the summer of 2009.

The Dons have been looking for cover for centre-half Brett Johnson, who is set to undergo exploratory surgery on a troublesome knee injury.

"It was vital that we signed an experienced leader," Wimbledon boss Terry Brown told the club website.

"With the number of important games coming thick and fast as we get to the business part of the season, I felt I needed more cover and Jamie fits the bill perfectly."

Rushden chairman Gary Calder said Stuart had left to be closer to his London home.

"Jamie spoke to [Rushden boss] Justin Edinburgh and said he was struggling with the travelling," explained Calder.

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"The manager only wants players who are fully committed to Rushden & Diamonds Football Club, therefore Jamie has left to join AFC Wimbledon."

Stuart started his career at Charlton, where he played 60 times, before going on to amass more than 150 appearances between 1998 and 2004 for Millwall, Bury and Southend.

A season at AFC Hornchurch followed before a five-year spell with Grays.

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