AFC Wimbledon boss Neal Ardley admits he will be taking his phone on holiday as he looks to rebuild his squad ahead of the new season.

The Dons released a number of players at the end of their first season in League One including the 2016-17 number one James Shea and experienced midfielder Dannie Bulman.

But Ardley insists preparations for the 2017-18 season have been under-way for some time and will continue into the summer months – including while he's on holiday.

“It's really tough as a manager and totally different to being a player,” he said of the off-season.

“As a player, you can switch off and forget about football. As a manager I would like to, I'd really like to forget about the job I do and pretend I'm a gardener. Unfortunately, you are going to be in for a tough season if you relax too much in the summer.

“There is a balance and my family need a bit of me-time, although by wife will probably tell me to clear off.

"You need a break and need to get a bit of sun but there is a constant need to chase things up and meet people and try to sell the club. You need to do the ground work to get good player to the club.

“The wife needs to give me a two-hour slot while we are on holiday so I can put the phone on, I think. It's a difficult balance for a manager between recharging your batteries and getting the work done.

"I've got to get that balance right or I'll start next season and not quite be ready to go.”