Stacy Long bares no grudges towards AFC Wimbledon manager Neal Ardley, despite being shown the Kingsmeadow exit door this week.

The midfielder was one of the biggest surprises on the Dons’ list of released players having been considered a major coup when Terry Brown signed him from Stevenage last summer, and he went on to make 32 appearances.

But he was an unused sub in the final four games as the Dons clung on to their Football League status on the last match of the season and it was decided his wages would free up space in the rest of the squad.

“I think I ended up being the third highest paid player during the season so I think that had more to do with it than anything else,” said the 28-year-old, who found himself in a similar situation 12 months ago after being released by League One side Stevenage.

“I think it was the same at Stevenage. I was one of the players on a higher wage. That is just football, though, and new managers want to get the players in that they want.

“In football, anything can happen and I don’t think there are many surprises from the players’ point of view. It’s not what you want in the summer, though. You want to be resting and relaxing, but now you have to find a club and worry about your future.”

Despite Ardley ending his Wimbledon career after just one season, Long saw enough in his seven months playing under him to believe the former Dons defender can be successful and lead the side up the table.

“I believe he can do it as, as a manager, he has huge potential,” he said.

“They will look to get promotion but it shouldn’t be expected for next season.

“This campaign has shown how difficult the league is, so anything apart from fighting relegation will be a successful season next year.

“Winning promotion is the best thing in football. You cannot beat it. But this season came close.”