AFC Wimbledon’s play-off aspirations have been dealt a blow after top goalscorer Matt Tubbs was recalled by parent club AFC Bournemouth.
The 30-year-old has scored 15 times since moving on loan to the Cherry Red Records stadium last summer and played in the Dons’ 2-1 third round FA Cup defeat to Liverpool last night.
Wimbledon boss Neal Ardley said despite fighting to keep the player, Bournemouth had exercised their right to call Tubbs from his loan having given them 48 hours’ notice, with the forward then expected to complete a move elsewhere.
“The club and Mike Richardson have been incredible throughout in trying to keep the player,” Ardley told the club’s website.
“Matt has been an absolute credit with his work-rate, goals and effort since he’s been here and the club that gets him will be very lucky.”
In terms of finding a replacement for Tubbs, Ardley said: “We’ve got a plan A, plan B and a plan C, but fans will need to bear with us.”
Dons’ striker Adebayo Akinfenwa tweeted his support for his teammate: “Gotta wish my strike partner @MattTubbs all the best. Been a straight pleasure working with U #BestFinisherInTheLeague.”
Southend, Portsmouth and Bristol Rovers all said to be interested in Tubbs.
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