Manager beats off other clubs to add winger

Neal Ardley has today beaten off competition from elsewhere to make his second addition of the summer with experienced winger Chris Whelpdale joining the Dons.

The 29-year-old made a big impression on Neal during his past two seasons with Stevenage and prior to that Chris was part of promotion-winning teams with Peterborough United and Gillingham.

Speaking during an interview for Dons Player, Neal Ardley said: “Chris had been offered a good deal by a club and we needed to move quickly to get this deal over the line. We had met with Chris last week to start the process and I am glad that we’ve managed to sell the club to him.

“Chris was at Stevenage last season and for me he was one of their best players. There were a couple of players at Stevenage that stood out as better than the level and Chris was one of them. His goalscoring record from midfield has been exceptional over the years. Last season I think he scored nine goals in 20 games, but he had a couple of niggling injuries towards the end of the campaign.

“He is fit, we’ve taken a good look at that, and we are delighted to get him. On either flank, we think that Chris is going to be a big addition for us.”

Chris played in Stevenage’s 2-1 win at the Cherry Red Records Stadium last season, but he missed the reverse fixture when Neal Ardley’s men sealed a play-off place.

Having come up against AFC Wimbledon during Ryman League days when he was playing for Billericay Town, Chris has watched the club’s progress with interest – and he can’t wait to wear blue and yellow.

“Wimbledon have always had a good following – even back when I was at Billericay,” said Chris. “It was a good fan base all those years ago and it was a good feeling to come up against them. They still have that fan base now and I am looking forward to putting the shirt on to do it for the fans.

“I had been talking to Neal for a couple of weeks about coming here and I’m just glad to get it sorted now. It’s a great club with good history and I am looking forward to it.”

An extensive interview with Chris is now on Dons Player and Neal also talks on our premium channel about how he sees the new addition fitting into his team.