Neal Ardley says his future lies with AFC Wimbledon despite interest for his services from League One side Gillingham.

The Gills have been looking for a new manager since Peter Taylor was sacked on New Year’s Eve, but their approach to speak to Dons’ boss last week was denied by the club.

Ardley has been in charge at the Cherry Red Records stadium since October 2012 and made 245 appearances scoring 18 goals for the club as a player.

He is currently third favourite with the bookies to take over at Priestfield, behind Justin Edinburgh and James Beattie.

AFC Wimbledon: Ardley blames Carlisle defeat on naivety

But he said: “I’m a loyal person, these fans watched me for 11 years as a player.

“I’ve been bought in to do a job. In the first year we stayed up and last year was a little bit of a struggle but this year we’ve moved on - we are a better team than we’ve ever been.”

Ardley is pleased he has the support of the club and stated his desire to be at the helm to see his team return home.

“I’m very glad the club don’t want to lose me – I don’t want to go.

“I want to try and take this club to the new stadium, but that will be down to me earning results and the plaudits from the fans.

“We work hard behind the scenes, but Saturday at three o’clock is all that matters.”