AFC Wimbledon boss Terry Brown has defended his decision to show the door to 13 players as part of a massive summer clear-out at Kingsmeadow.
Jack Turner, Chris Bush , Fraser Franks, Gareth Gwillim, Brett Johnson , Jamie Stuart, Reece Jones, Ricky Wellard , Kieran Djilali, Ryan Jackson, Lee Minshull, James Mulley and Max Porter have all been released.
That leaves Brown with a huge rebuilding task on his hands as they bid to improve the squad next season.
However, the Dons chief insists the changes are vital to continue the progression of the club.
He said: “We needed to strengthen and the size of the squad was too bulky.
“It was a bigger cull than I would've liked, but I felt it was necessary if I am to create finance to subsidise new players coming in.”
Gwillim and Bush were among six defenders who were shown the exit after leaking a massive 78 goals in just 46 games.
“We did everything to get a run of clean sheets but nothing seemed to work,” added Brown.
“We juggled the back four and everyone got a chance, apart from Fraser.
“We need to change the personnel. It's a big ask because we're looking for a defence who can play football and full-backs who push on.”
Youngsters Turner, Franks and Jones were also given the boot after playing just a handful of games all season.
But Brown believes it's in the best interests of the players to move on.
He said: “If they spent another year without playing games they would stagnate.
“Our youngsters haven't had enough game time. They need to blossom by playing games.”
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