Manager moves plans for 2015/16 up a notch
Neal Ardley has revealed the outcome of talks with AFC Wimbledon’s playing squad today as he aims to move the club forward next season.
Ross Worner, Jack Smith, Mark Phillips and Alfie Potter have not been offered new contracts for 2015/16 after meetings with Neal Ardley at the club.
AFC Wimbledon wishes all four players every success in their future careers, along with midfielder Chace Jacquart, who left the club weeks ago.
The Wimbledon manager also said that he had reached a “joint decision” with Sammy Moore about his future and the popular midfielder will now leave the club in search of a fresh challenge.
Speaking during an interview for Dons Player, Neal Ardley added that the club was in negotiations with Callum Kennedy to agree a new contract with the left-back and Bayo Akinfenwa has been offered new and improved terms.
“It is a difficult time with players being out of contract and we have to decide whether we are going to offer new deals to players or not,” said Neal. “With Ross Worner, Mark Phillips, Jack Smith and Alfie Potter we have decided not to re-offer terms of engagement with the club. It is tough and we wish them all the best because they have been great servants for us.
“We have had a difficult and emotional time with Sammy Moore lately. Today, we had a really good heart to heart about his future. We both feel that a fresh start is probably needed so that he can get back to enjoying his football again, which is important after everything he has been through. It was a joint decision. I think it is going to be the best thing for him and what a fantastic servant that guy has been for this football club.
“We are negotiating with Callum Kennedy because we would like to keep him. His attitude and performances were fantastic last season and we think there is even more to come. We have also offered new and improved terms to Bayo Akinfenwa. We hope he will accept them and stay here.”
Neal also revealed that the club had taken up the option on George Francomb’s contract to keep the consistent winger at AFC Wimbledon.
We wish to point out that all the other permanent players in the squad are all under contract.
Sammy Moore joined AFC Wimbledon almost five years ago from Dover and he quickly became a favourite with Dons supporters. His dynamic midfield performances in 2010/11 helped Wimbledon to promotion into the Football League, though he missed the play-off final at Manchester due to injury. In AFC Wimbledon’s first season back in the Football League he earned the club’s Player of the Year award.
Sammy’s consistent performances in the midfield holding role were crucial to AFC Wimbledon’s survival in Neal Ardley’s first season as manager in 2012/13 and he has been a vital part of the squad ever since.
The club wishes to thank Sammy Moore for his efforts in a Dons shirt and a tribute from Neal Ardley will follow soon on the official website.
A full five-minute interview with Neal Ardley, including an update on improving the squad, will appear on Dons Player shortly.