Neal's plans key to Elliott's decision
Giant striker Tom Elliott liked what he heard from AFC Wimbledon manager Neal Ardley and it persuaded him to sign for the Dons, rather than pursue interest from League One.
Having been part of Cambridge United’s squad that grabbed attention for a notable FA Cup run last season, it was time for a fresh challenge for the Leeds-born front man instead of a return North.
“One thing I remember that really stood out when talking to Neal was when he was a player he wrote down everything he didn’t like about how he was playing and he’s brought that into his managerial skills and that’s a great thing to do” said Elliott, on the instant connection between player and his new manager.
Neal’s enthusiasm and plans to improve Wimbledon this coming season were a decisive factor for the 24 year-old marksman.
“There was interest from a couple of League One and a couple of League Two teams, but all in all I think I made the right choice to come here.”
phases the former Leeds United product - such as being around an entirely new group of players at Wimbledon’s New Malden training ground. At 6 foot 4, it’s unsurprising that nothing
“I’ve played against Bayo (Akinfenwa), (Andy) Barcham and a few others, but nobody I know that well so it’s like a whole new crowd for me and I can only remember a couple of names, but I’m sure I’ll get to know them over the next few weeks!”
“League Two is a level playing field. It’s about who works the hardest and who does the right things at the right time. That’s what you’ve got to do, you’ve got to work hard in this league and hopefully with that little bit of consistency you’ll be up there and I’m hoping AFC Wimbledon do that this season.”
Tom Elliott in action for England under18s (Photo: Action Images}
The full interview with Tom Elliott, including his thoughts on teaming up with Bayo Akinfenwa, is now available to Dons Player HD subscribers.