AFC Wimbledon boss Neal Ardley reckons having a manager who believes in him is the reason Jon Meades has returned to the CRRS for a second spell.

The 23-year-old played 25 games under Ardley during a loan spell in the 2012-13 season, being named young player of the year, but he has now joined on a permanent deal after being released by Oxford United.

Ardley has been patient in the transfer market, with Meades being his first summer signing, but he knows what else he wants from his summer wheelings and dealings.

He told Dons Player: “We need five players and that is what I am aiming for.

“We are looking to get a couple of centre forwards, a couple of centre backs, and maybe a wide man who can play either side and offer something different to what we already have.

“I don’t want to hinder the progress of promising young players like Tom Beere and Will Nightingale.”

Meades is tagged as a versatile defender, and while Ardley recognises that his new man will know what position he prefers, the boss also knows the options are open.

He said: “Jon will naturally want to hold down one position. I have told him it is up to him if he wants to do that, but he can be an outstanding left-back, an outstanding left wing-back if need be, and an outstanding central midfielder.

“He has all the physical and technical attributes to do that. Jon still lacks that little bit of experience, but he is powerful, 6ft 2" tall and can handle the physical side of this league. I think by the end of the season we could have a very good player.”

He added: “Jon had a terrible time in his first season at Oxford after breaking his ankle and then he ended up not getting a run of games under different managers.

“I think it was a big pull for him to come back and play for a manager who knows how good he is and believes in him. At this stage of his career he needs to have two big seasons to re-establish himself.”