Jay Conroy admits the illustrious list of departures from Kingsmeadow had him sweating on his AFC Wimbledon future, but the defender has vowed to repay the faith shown in him by boss Terry Brown.

Conroy was named as one of just 13 players retained by Brown as he prepares the Dons for life in the Blue Square Premier next season.

And the 23-year-old revealed it had been an anxious wait.

He said: “As soon as I found out Tom Davis and Tony Finn were going I started to get very nervous.

“I was confident that I had done well in my time here, but you never know.

“In fact, when the season ended, I don’t think anybody knew whether they would be back next season.

“I had a chat with Terry, and he told me he was very happy with me and would like me to come back.

“It was a split-second decision as far as I was concerned - a real no-brainer.

“Knowing I will be a Wimbledon player next year is a massive weight off my shoulders.”

The personal trainer arrived at the Dons in March to help shore up the defence and force Wimbledon over the Blue Square South finishing line.

And Conroy reckoned he had done enough to warrant his new deal.

He added: “I played in eight games and obviously it was a critical part of the season.

“I would like to think I played my part in the club getting promotion, and I didn’t think I had done much wrong.

“When Terry spoke to me he said the club could have been in real trouble if I hadn’t fitted in so easily, and that was a nice thing for him to say.”

Conroy will now set about getting in shape for the new season.

And he is convinced he will not be found wanting when the Dons kick things off in August.

Conroy added: “I have had spells at Canvey Island and Northwich Victoria in the Conference so I know what is expected.

“I’m no stranger to that league.

“In my opinion there is not much difference from the league we have been in - not in terms of skill or ability.

“The big change will come in fitness and that is why the club is looking at going full-time.

“The pace of the game is quicker and the players are a lot fitter and faster.

“But we have a very fit, young squad here and that is a massive plus for us.”

Dons retain list: Andy Little, James Pullen, Chris Hussey, Jay Conroy, Luke Garrard, Alan Inns, Ben Judge, Lewis Taylor, Kennedy Adjei, Sam Hatton, Elliot Godfrey, Danny Kedwell, Jon Main.