Charlton Athletic striker Lyle Taylor: There will always be small percentage of Dons fans who take umbrage that I left

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Lyle Taylor is not taking it for granted that he will get a glowing reception at AFC Wimbledon.

The Charlton Athletic striker heads back to the Cherry Red Records Stadium tomorrow for the first time since he chose to leave in the summer.

Taylor reckons there have been the odd digs directed his way by those with Dons allegiances.

“I have an affinity with the football club – I’m the record goalscorer in the league for them and I had three unbelievable years there,” he told the South London Press.

“I think it’s sad when people try and spoil the memory and say disparaging stuff. I don’t think there is any need for it.

“I will never, ever say a bad word about the football club, or the people who were in charge of that football club – because they never did wrong by me.

“I just think some people should make sure their facts are right before they start saying stuff, because they haven’t a clue.

“I could go there and be called Judas. It is a bit sad if so, considering what we achieved there in those three years. I’m not saying me, I’m saying what we achieved – the fans included.

“There will always be a small percentage who take umbrage to the fact I left. Somebody said to me the other day: ‘Why did you choose to leave Wimbledon?’ Well, I was never offered a contract – so what do you want me to do?

“No-one ever said: ‘Lyle, here’s a contract offer for you’.”

Wimbledon chief executive Erik Samuelson said: “Maybe Lyle isn’t fully aware, but we had a conversation with his agent and explained to him the best offer we could make – we were told there were far better offers on the table and that Lyle was ready to move on.”

Taylor did a piece with the South London Press before the two sides first met in December – claiming the current crop of Dons players could have done more to save manager Neal Ardley’s job.

Jake Jervis appeared to confront him at the full-time whistle at The Valley. Taylor said: “He didn’t like the fact I said the players had to take responsibility for the position they are in. Fine, fair enough, but I don’t remember Neal Ardley pulling on a shirt any time I was there.

“It’s water off a duck’s back. I couldn’t really care what he says and thinks. I’ll be going out and playing against some old friends, trying to score goals while being completely respectful to the club which gave me the platform to be where I am now.”