Wimbledon boss on his transfer window signings
Neal Ardley has declared his satisfaction with the changes he has made to AFC Wimbledon’s squad during the January transfer window.
on loan for the rest of 2012/13.Neil Sullivan and Jonathan Meades (pictured above with Neal Ardley) and secured Kevin Sainte-LuceDespite missing out on targets before today’s deadline, the Wimbledon manager made his fourth signing this month with the addition of former Cardiff winger
Speaking to Dons Player, Neal Ardley said: “There is a lot to be positive about. One or two deals we were not quite able to get over the line today, but when you look back at what we have done during the past month I have to be happy. We got the great news today that Jonathan Meades is staying for the rest of the season, along with Neil Sullivan.
will bring something different to the midfield. Kevin is a young winger who I coached at Cardiff for three years and he can make a big difference in games.”Harry Pell needs to get up to speed with his fitness, but he is also a very good player and Chris Hussey, who has experience of playing in League 1 and good quality on the ball. Peter Sweeney“We have added
Kevin Sainte Luce, who had his contract terminated by the Bluebirds after assaulting a woman in a nightclub, has placed on record his regret over the incident and he is grateful to AFC Wimbledon for offering him a second chance.
Neal Ardley, who helped 19-year-old Sainte-Luce develop as a player during his time as Cardiff City’s Academy Manager, said: “Kevin got in a bit of trouble at Cardiff, but having brought him over from France and coached him for three years, I know what he did was totally out of character. While I do not condone what he did, I felt that Kevin deserved a second chance. If he fulfils the football potential I know he has got then he will excite the fans.”
Sainte-Luce, who was born in Guadeloupe but raised in Paris, progressed through Cardiff’s Academy and has made one first-team appearance in the Capital One Cup against Northampton in August.
He said: “I am so sorry for what I did at Cardiff and it was the first time that I had ever been in trouble with the police. Neal knows me well from Cardiff and I am thankful for this opportunity. I just want to become a better footballer now at Wimbledon and show the fans what I can do.”
, who is now contracted for the rest of 2012/13.Will AntwiNeal Ardley added that he has also tied up the Wimbledon future of centre-back
with immediate effect.Callum McNaughton, Kieran Djilali and Ryan HervelMeanwhile, AFC Wimbledon can confirm that the club has released
Neal Ardley said: “In this situation you have to sit down with the players and explain to them what direction we are going in. Their opportunities in terms of games and training with the first-team would be limited and that is not going to be the best for any of them. We decided that Callum, Ryan and Kieran are not going to be a part of what we are doing going forward.”
AFC Wimbledon wishes the trio all the best in their future careers.
to subscribe.upporters can still take advantage of a Dons Player January sale until midnight tonight. This offers a subscription for just £18.99 until 18 August, 2013. With exclusive interviews, WDON commentary of every game, and match highlights, you can get the latest AFC Wimbledon news first. Click on Dons Player offerDons Player subscribers can view the full video interview with Neal Ardley on our premium site later,along with the thoughts of Jonathan Meades on extending his loan deal. S