Alan Pardew – linked with AFC Wimbledon job – not ready for UK return

Alan Pardew will not be the next AFC Wimbledon manager.

It was reported on Monday that the former Crystal Palace and Charlton boss was interested in the job. Glyn Hodges stepped down as Dons boss after Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Milton Keynes made it one point from a possible 33.

Pardew is technical director at CSKA Sofia but was born in Wimbledon.

But the South London Press has been told that the 59-year-old is happy in his current role and not planning on a return to the UK.

Mark Robinson has been placed in caretaker charge of the Dons, with his first assignment tonight – an EFL Trophy quarter-final tie at Oxford United.

If the interim boss can make a fast start it could mean that he is in the mix for the position.

Chelsea Women boss Emma Hayes had also been linked, but the South London Press has been told that she is not in Wimbledon’s thinking.

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD