Dannie Bulman is hoping boss Neal Ardley recruits a goal-scorer after witnessing what could have been at AFC Wimbledon.

The midfielder, who will make his 41st league appearance this weekend, has already signed a contract keeping him at the CRRS until the summer of 2016.

He knows Ardley will be wheeling and dealing to recruit for next season’s campaign, and he hopes a striker is high on his wish list.

Dons have struggled for goals since the departure of Matt Tubbs in January, scoring only 20 goals in 22 games.

Bulman said: “If [Matt] Tubbs had been here, he’d have got 30 goals easily, and we have missed his goals.

“Even if he didn’t get a goal, he could set up others or just cause problems in defences that others could make the most of.

“But if he had a chance he would score, and that’s the difference between being at the top of the league and being in mid-table.

“Getting a goal-scorer is a massive must for us.”

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The Dons host already-relegated Cheltenham Town on Saturday and while results have not made for happy reading, Bulman knows a win over the Robins will at least put a smile on the fans’ faces.

“We need a win, it’s been a while, but most important is a performance for the fans – one of the hardest things to do is put the ball in the net, so hopefully we can get a few goals to send the fans home happy,” he said.

“It has not been the greatest end in terms of results, but we’ve been trying a few different things within our team shape, experimenting with ways to go forward next year.

“We’ve been doing the hard graft, but have just not been able to put the finishing touch on things.”

Bulman signed his new contract in January, and while he can relax over the summer, he knows it can be a testing time for those still waiting on their chat with the gaffer.

He said: “It’s a bit weird as contracts for some players have not been sorted out.

“I know the gaffer has to work within his budget for next season so his hands are tied until he gets it.

“But you don’t know who you will be saying goodbye to, and who will be here next year. It’s the business we’re in as footballers.”

He added: “Even if you have a contract, a new manager could come in and you go out on loan, it’s not a secure career.”

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