Jack Midson does not deserve the moniker of AFC Wimbledon legend, or so he says.

The striker has been talking since being released by Dons boss Neal Ardley after three seasons of service that produced 42 goals in 140 appearances.

Signed from Oxford by Terry Brown, he was the club’s leading goal-scorer in Dons first season in the Football League, and he repeated the feat last time round.

However, having played second fiddle to Michael Smith for the first half of this season, and enduring a stop-start second half, when Midson’s contract came to an end, he was shown the door out of the Cherry Red Records stadium.

But he is not bitter, in fact he saw it coming, and so he leaves with fond memories of his time as a Womble.

“The moments I will savour most are the penalty against Fleetwood that kept us up last season and scoring in the FA Cup match at MK Dons,” he said.

Wandsworth Times:

Thumbs up: Jack celebrates victory over Fleetwood on the final day of last season that secured another season in League Two for AFC Wimbledon

“The celebration after the Fleetwood game was immense. It was as if we’d won the league, and to be lifted up onto people’s shoulders with the fans on the pitch, it was great.”

He added: “That goal against MK Dons was a huge moment because of what it meant to the fans.

“I think neutral fans wanted us to score that day too, but for the Dons fans, who know all about the history and the back story, it was tremendous and I am proud to have done that.”

When Midson was lifted on to those shoulders, it was as if he was elevated to a god-like status, but the former Histon man will not accept such adulation.

“I am not a club legend. Maybe I’ve been the man in the picture with my goals and the big moments, but it is a team game and all the players deserve as much credit as the next person,” he said.

“Most fans have been very supportive and I appreciate that. I am sure the Dons will one day get higher in the league, but for the time being I think promotion would be too soon.

“If they can get top half next season, play-offs the season after that and maybe promotion the season after that, I think that would be the best bet.”

At 30-years-old, Midson is convinced he still has plenty to offer a new club, and former boss Brown, now in charge at Ryman Premier outfit Margate, appears to agree.

He said: “I would like Jack Midson here, whether I can afford him I don’t know and it’s not just about money. It’s not like he’s 35 and finishing up. He’s a League Two player.”

Wandsworth Times:

The way we were: Jack, far right, celebrates a goal against Hereford in only the Dons' second game at home in League Two in August 2011

Should Midson stay out of football, he has plenty to keep himself busy.

As a tennis and football coach in Kent, Midson is keen to inspire the next generation of sports stars and at M&M Football Academy, which he runs with pal Sammy Moore, there is the base for a fresh career.

“I have always wanted to keep myself busy because, as a pro footballer, you end up with a lot of spare time on your hands and if you don’t keep busy, that’s when problems like gambling can take hold,” the father of two said.

“But this way, I can keep fit and hopefully inspire the young to do the same. There is not much in Kent for the youngsters, so this way we’re putting something back.”

He added: “I am into my health foods and nutrition too, so that is knowledge I like to pass on.”