Jack Midson had a feeling the axe was going to fall on his AFC Wimbledon career at the end of the season, and he was not wrong.

Midson, along with Will Antwi, Peter Sweeney, Charlie Strutton, Rhys Weston and Callum Kennedy have all left the Cherry Red Records stadium following boss Neal Ardley’s summer clear out.

The list also includes Luke Moore and Seb Brown, leaving only Sammy Moore from the side that won promotion to the Football League three years ago.

Ardley revealed the reason behind Midson’s departure was purely financial as he looks to get the best out of his player budget.

But having scored the penalty that kept Dons in League Two in 2013, and making a goal-scoring impact in the second half of this season, Midson’s departure may come as a surprise to some fans, but not to the man himself.

He said: “I felt it was 50/50 whether I would be kept on. It is disappointing, but that is football.

“I don’t like the word ‘released’, it is just that my contract has expired and that is what happens.”

Midson, who bagged 42 goals in 140 appearances since being signed from Oxford in 2011 by Terry Brown, added: “I’ve had interest from other clubs, but I won’t get excited until something concrete is put in front of me.

“I have a lot to offer a club, I am fit and rarely suffer from injuries, so I can give 40 games a season and when I play regularly, I will score goals.”

After his release, Luke Moore tweeted: “Had a great five years and got some memories I will never forget. Wish the club all the best for the future. Thanks for everything AFC, it’s been emotional.”

Ardley said: “Jack was our best paid player, and while some people will say he deserves that because he has done great things for the club and is a legend, at the same time the biggest earner in my budget was not first choice for a large part of the season.”

He added: “I have never had an issue with Jack, he is a first-class professional and I will do all I can to help him find a new club.”