Dons boss Jackson happy to retain key man for at least another 12 months
Johnnie Jackson has expressed his delight that AFC Wimbledon have kept hold of Alex Woodyard.
The Dons triggered a 12-month extension to the 29-year-old club captain’s Plough Lane terms to prevent the midfielder from becoming a free agent.
Woodyard has made 85 appearances for Wimbledon since joining on a free transfer in August 2020 following his release by Peterborough United.
“There was an option with Woody’s contract that the club could take up that year,” Jackson, appointed Dons boss earlier this month, told the South London Press.
“The club had got the ball rolling but wanted to wait until the manager was in place to make sure he was on board with all those decisions before going ahead with anything.
“He was happy to stay. He just wanted some assurances about where the club was going and the direction of travel. We had a really good chat.
“He’s a big part of what we wanted to do at the football club and that’s probably what he wanted to hear. The club were trying to make it right for all parties.
“Woody is a good player. He was a good player at League One level. He has been part of a team that went down but he was certainly one of the top performers in that team, without a doubt. He’s someone I know all about and the type I want to keep in my squad.
“He is the skipper and one of the most experienced lads in that changing room, where there isn’t loads of experience. It was key we tied him down.”
Midfielder Anthony Hartigan is out of contract at the end of June and is expected to move on.
He has been linked with Blackpool and Bolton Wanderers.
Centre-back Ben Heneghan, a regular in the side, has been released.
“The way I understand it the lad was keen to move on and will probably have options at a higher level and that’s something he wanted to explore,” said Jackson.
“He has been a good servant and the club wanted to do the right thing by him as well.”
Wimbledon are still in negotiations with young striker Zach Robinson and Paul Osew, also in the final weeks of their deals.
PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD
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