Neal Ardley leaves role as AFC Wimbledon manager
First-team coach Simon Bassey placed in charge on an interim basis
Monday 12 November 2018 14:36, UK
Neal Ardley has left his role as manager of AFC Wimbledon after six years in charge.
He will be replaced on an interim basis by first-team coach Simon Bassey while the League One club search for a permanent replacement.
Chief executive Erik Samuelson said: "Neal has been a credit to the club in everything he has done. He is a clear thinker, a superb man-manager and a fine coach.
"I've enjoyed working with him and am absolutely certain that he will achieve even greater success in his next roles.
"So, he leaves with my personal thanks and gratitude for what he has done in his time here at AFC Wimbledon."
Ardley took charge of Wimbledon - his first role as a manager - in October 2012, and saved them from relegation from League Two at the end of that campaign.
The 46-year-old - who played over 200 times for Wimbledon - then led the club into League One via the play-offs in 2015/16.
However, they are currently 23rd in the division, lying six points from safety having won just three matches all season.
Ardley's assistant Neil Cox has also left the club with immediate effect.
