Ardley eyes up Dons promotion

Wimbledon midfielder Neil Ardley claims he turned his back on a possible move to the Premiership because he believes he can get there with the Dons next season.

Ardley could have left Wimbledon on a free transfer this summer and was a rumoured target for both Everton and Aston Villa. But Ardley chose to renew his contract with Wimbledon instead, signing a new three-year deal.

The 29-year-old has put a clause in his contract that he can leave if they fail to get promoted next May, but Ardley is confident he won't have to do so.

He said: "I decided to stay because there are exciting times ahead for Wimbledon and I want to be part of it. The club are heading the right way off the field and this is in the best shape we have been in for years in terms of the coaching and the quality of the players we have bought. I've been here for over 10 years as a professional and this is the most thorough pre-season I've ever had."