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Adebayo Akinfenwa says it was an easy decision to drop down to League Two and join Wimbledon.
Akinfenwa rejected a new contract at Gillingham to sign for the Dons this summer. The forward, 32, had offers from other League One teams but wanted to move to Wimbledon after hearing Neal Ardley’s vision.
“Neal told me what he was trying to build here and that resonated with me,” said Akinfenwa. “It was not a hard decision because I think something good can happen with this team.”
Wimbledon finished 20th last season, just three points above the relegation zone and Akinfenwa is confident they will improve on that this season.
He said: “We are not here to make up the numbers. We have got a good squad, a good balance of experience and youth, so we are going into the new season confident. If our experienced guys can help the younger ones, there is no reason why we can’t have a good season.”
Wimbledon start at home against Shrewsbury on Saturday and Akinfenwa added: “We have had a good pre-season and hopefully we get off to a good start in front of our own fans.”
Players in
Adebayo Akinfenwa (free, G’ham), Ade Azeez (free, Charlton), Dannie Bulman (free, Crawley), Joe McDonnell (undisc, Basingstoke), Mark Phillips (free, Southend, below), James Shea (free, Harrow Boro), Jack Smith (free, Millwall), Matt Tubbs (loan, Bournemouth).
Players out
Charlie Fayers (released), Jim Fenlon (free, Ross County), Jack Midson (free, Eastleigh), Kaid Mohamed (loan, N’ampton), Luke Moore (free, Margate), Aaron Morris (free, G’ham), Charlie Sheringham (free, Ebbsfleet), Charlie Strutton (free, Braintree).
First five games
Sat v Shrewsbury (h), Aug 16 v Luton (a), Aug 19 v Southend (a), Aug 23 v Hartlepool (h), Aug 30 v Stevenage (h).
