Football Season Guide

AFC Wimbledon

In


Ryan Clarke (gk) (Northampton), Dominic Poleon (att) (Oldham), Dean Parrett (mid) (Stevenage), Chris Whelpdale (mid) (Stevenage)

Out


Connor Smith (sp) (mid) (contract expired), Adebayo Akinfenwa (r) (att) (Wycombe), Sean Rigg (r) (def) (Newport), Adebayo Azeez (r) (mid) (Patrick Thistle), Callum Kennedy (sp) (def) (Leyton Orient)

AFC Wimbledon's remarkable story continued at Wembley in May, as the Dons overcame Plymouth to claim the sixth promotion in their 13-year history. This is a dream come true for their fans, especially as this will be the first time in their history that they will be in the same division as MK Dons, who were formed after FC Wimbledon was moved to Milton Kenyes and eventually had its name changed. The two slashes between Wimbledon and MK Dons will arguably be the most high-profile League One games of the upcoming season, while the Dons' fans also have South Lodnon derbies with Charlton and Millwall to look forward to. They may have finished only seventh in League Two last season, but the gap between the third and the fourth tier seems to have decreased over the recent years, with newly promoted sides tending to do well, with the best example of this being Burton, who completed a set of back-to-back promotions last season. Neal Ardley has managed to keep the majority of his side's important players, with the most important thing being that big striker Lyle Taylor is still with the club. He will have it all to prove, after previously failing at League One level with Sheffield United and Scunthorpe, showing glimpses of potential but struggling for consistency. The list of arrivals is short but looks promising, with Dominic Poleon, Dean Parrett and Chris Whelpdale all being proven League One players, who are all expected to become regular starters. Wimbledon's current squad is a mix of youth and experience and seems rather well balanced in all areas of the team. Moreover, Ardley has formed a group that is known for its team work and togetherness and it is hard to see the Dons to be dragged into a relegation battle in what will be their first-ever season in the third tier.

Target


Their goal will be to stay well clear of danger and they look well capable of achieving it. A midtable finish definitely seems realistic.