Brown to axe Dons heroes

7:47am Thursday 8th May 2008

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Terry Brown revealed he will break up his promotion-winning AFC Wimbledon side as he plans for life in the Blue Square South.

The Dons boss is set to release several players in the coming weeks as he looks to establish a winning formula.

And it is the veteran stars of Saturday's 2-1 play-off final triumph over Staines Town who should be feeling the heat.

Brown said: "We had a squad built to do something this season.

"When I came here I was given the remit of getting up at all costs.

"The players have got us over the finish line but it is a different ball game now.

"We are looking to build for the future.

"I want a young, athletic side who can play good football. The move up a league has given the club a bit of breathing space.

"I will be talking to a few players this week, telling them we are letting them go, and that is the worst part of being a manager.

"But it is something that has to be done."

Brown was eager to set the record straight after late goals from Luis Cumbers and Mark DeBolla sealed victory against a dogged Swans side.

He added: "You would think that Staines were the unluckiest side in the world from what has been written in the papers. But I have watched the game again on video and I disagree.

"Yes, there was an element of fortune about our equaliser, but people need to realise that we were battering them in the second half and, as soon as we scored, I knew we would go on and win it."

Brown has also told Dons fans to expect a more entertaining brand of football next season, after rebuffing criticism of their style this campaign.

He added: "It is all about adapting to your level.

"I will be wanting the players to get the ball down, pass it around and build.

"My job is to put together a side capable of that."