AFC Wimbledon have beaten Southend United to the signing of experienced striker Tyrone Barnett.
The Dons have been on the hunt for a frontman since Ade Azeez and Adebayo Akinfenwa left the club in the summer.
Ardley added Dominic Poleon to his squad earlier this summer and is delighted to have added Barnett to his options.
He said: “We thought earlier in pre-season that it was a more or less done deal that Tyrone would be going to Southend United.
“That was the feedback we got in all our enquiries and we thought we had missed out on this one. We have tried to be patient and look for the right type.
“We wanted somebody with a physical presence, a real aerial prowess in the box, and good hold-up play. He had to be a striker who complemented Tom Elliott, Lyle Taylor and Dominic Poleon.
“We are delighted to get someone in who has moved for the fees Tyrone has and he is a player who has done well in the league we are in. Tyrone has caused us problems when he has played against us. You always notice players when you have to find a way of dealing with them and he was one of those. It is an incredible signing for the club.”
Barnett is now eager to start the season and admitted Ardley was able to be the master of persuasion.
He said: “I’m very happy to have got it all signed and I’m looking forward to Saturday and the start of the season.
“There was a bit of interest in me, but once I had a chat with the manager and heard about his plans, including how he wanted to use me at this football club, I knew straight away I wanted to play for him.
“The club has achieved amazing things, especially getting promoted last season, and I think it can progress further.”
