Wednesday 14 November 2018 17:30, UK
Former AFC Wimbledon manager Neal Ardley says he's proud of his achievements with the League One club despite his departure after six years in charge.
Ardley took over at Wimbledon 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 FC - then led the club into League One via the play-offs in 2015/16.
However, he parted company with the club after a run which saw them slump to 23rd in the division, six points from safety having won just three matches all season.
"After reflecting on the last six years, I am very proud of what we managed to achieve at AFC Wimbledon in my very first role as a manager," said Ardley.
"The remarkable run to keep us in the league in my first year in charge, culminating in the win against Fleetwood on the last day of the season, was a baptism of fire; as was my second season, managing the club through a three-point deduction, which was an equally tough and challenging time.
"Who can forget the scenes from our promotion winning day at Wembley in my fourth season. The memory of standing in front of 20,000 fans celebrating will stay with me forever.
"A lot of you have supported me through both my playing and managing spells at the club. It has been an honour and a privilege to represent your club. I have put my heart and soul into everything 'Wimbledon' since I was 11 years old and I wish you all the success your support deserves."
Ardley's statement came as the club announced the former Republic of Ireland and Blackburn defender Steven Reid had been brought in to help with first-team coaching at Kingsmeadow.
Reid, who has spells as first-team coach at Crystal Palace and Reading, will work with the club's interim boss, Simon Bassey.
"Steven is a friend I have known for a long time," Bassey told the Dons' website. "Steven has taken some time out from football after leaving Crystal Palace and he is just coming in to help out. I'm hugely thankful for that.
"He is aware of the situation we are in, but he has experience of being in a relegation battle at Crystal Palace in the Premier League."
Reid was capped 23 times at international level for the Republic of Ireland and was part of their 2002 World Cup squad.
His club career included spells for Blackburn, West Bromwich Albion and Burnley.
