Neal adds experienced Kelly Youga for crucial run-in
Neal Ardley has today bolstered his squad with the signing of versatile former Charlton Athletic defender Kelly Youga.
The 27-year-old, who has been without a club since leaving Ipswich in January, can play anywhere in defence and Youga is likely to go straight into the Wimbledon squad for tomorrow night’s League 2 match at Southend United.
Wimbledon manager Neal Ardley believes the African defender, who started his career at Lyon in France, is capable of reigniting his career with the Dons after injury problems curtailed his progress at Charlton.
Speaking to Dons Player, Neal said: “Kelly can play anywhere across the back four. He came in and trained with us last week and looked very good in training. We feel that he will be a big plus for us during the final stages of the season. Kelly had a bad injury a few years ago when he was at Charlton and he was at Ipswich earlier this season, mainly as cover, but he was released in January. We have signed a player who was playing in the Championship at his peak so hopefully he can bring that experience for us.
“Kelly came highly recommended by several people who had worked with him and it is good that he is not another loan player. He is what we need at the moment because with Peter Sweeney, Jim Fenlon and Will Antwi all out and Curtis Osano still struggling we are a bit short and it means that Jonathan Meades can play in a more advanced position.”
Youga has also had loan spells at Bristol City, Bradford City and Scunthorpe and was at Yeovil Town earlier this season.
Dons Player subscribers can watch a full video interview with Neal Ardley later this afternoon, which includes a preview of tomorrow night’s Southend United match.