Dons manager Neal Ardley: I’m a realist – I can’t even think about January transfer window yet

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

AFC Wimbledon issued a public statement of support for Neal Ardley this week – but the under-pressure boss knows the threat of being sacked is still firmly there.

Dons chief Erik Samuelson underlined that funds will be available in January to try and revitalise the club’s League One fortunes after their slide into the bottom four.

But Ardley said: “Thinking about January is a really wishful thing. I’m a very honest guy and very humble. This little run we have been through, at most other clubs it would have led to me being out of work.

“I understand that. I’m very thankful to everyone I’m still in the job. I’m focusing on the next game. If I can put us in a position to turn it around and everyone has total belief in me again then I’ll start focusing on what we need in January. The statement this week clarified things for the fans.

“It doesn’t say I’ve got until January. They aren’t saying they are going to sack me on Friday, either. They will do the right thing for the club. That could mean there is no change in 10 days time or Neal Ardley perhaps isn’t the guy. Some people think it is time for me to go and others think I should get more time. It’s about percentages.

“I’ve had an in-depth discussion with the board, and rightly so, who have asked: ‘What is going on?’ There should be a grilling with the run of results that Wimbledon have had.”

The Dons players spent six hours with sports psychologist Steven Sylvester on Monday.

Ardley said: “I don’t believe this is a football thing – it is a mental thing.”