Jack Midson says he and his AFC Wimbledon team-mates are much better prepared for life in League Two now that the weak links in the squad have been released.


Ahead of the season opener against Chesterfield on Saturday, the 29-year-old striker said that although Dons’ manager Terry Brown has discarded the players who struggled to 17th last term, they all had the opportunity to shine.


Thirteen players were released, however, without them and with the new additions over the summer, Midson says the squad is stronger and more prepared.


His theory faces a tough test with the visit of promotion favourites Chesterfield and the Dons will have to play better than they did in the 3-1 Capital One Cup defeat to Stevenage Borough on Tuesday night.


Midson, who was last season’s joint top scorer in the league with 18 goals, said: “We are more prepared this year. Those who are still here from last year have more league experience and Terry has brought in more players who also have that experience.


“I know Terry gave the guys who got us promoted into the league the chance and the ones who were not good enough have gone.


“Maybe there was some inexperience at the beginning of last season because league football is different to conference football.”


Midson was at the centre of transfer speculation over the summer when Brown turned down an offer from Rotherham, but ahead of tomorrow’s game he revealed that he never wanted to leave south-west London.


“I wanted to stay. It would have had to be one hell of an offer for me to leave and the grass is not always greener on the other side,” Midson said.


“I have enjoyed my time with Wimbledon and the fans, so I didn’t really want to go anywhere. It is flattering to have interest from other clubs but Terry said he did not want me to go anywhere for whatever money.


“That’s good to hear and it that made me feel confident as well. Without blowing my own trumpet I thought I did OK last year. Terry set me a target of 20 goals and I got there, which got me a new contract and so I am more than happy with that.”


Dons host Chesterfield on Saturday in League Two action before travelling to Burton Albion on Tuesday night.