Striker says Neal Ardley sold him the AFC Wimbledon project

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Tubbs chose Kingsmeadow over Crawley after being told of recruitment plans

Big decision: Matt Tubbs joined Wimbledon ahead of a return to Crawley

Matt Tubbs has revealed Neal Ardley sold him the AFC Wimbledon project in the summer to persuade him to pick Kingsmeadow over Crawley.

The 30-year-old joined the Dons on a season-long loan from Bournemouth in the summer and has made a stunning start to life as a Womble.

A real fox in the box, Tubbs has plundered nine goals in 14 appearances and most recently found the net in Saturday's 3-2 win over Bury.

Action Images / John Sibley

Goal-machine: Tubbs has found the net regularly for the Dons

He had the option of returning to former club Crawley but chose Wimbledon after boss Ardley outlined his plans to bring quality players into the side.

'He told me about plans he had to bring three or four players in,' Tubbs said.

'From the conversations I had with him, I knew the direction he wanted to take this club in.

Little devil: Tubbs in Crawley colours

'At the end of the day it wasn't an easy decision - I had the easy decision to go back to Crawley but I wanted to test myself and try something new.

'Neal came across as a fantastic guy and I've got a lot of friends here now which makes it easier.'

One of the names mentioned to Tubbs was Adebayo Akinfenwa, who has hit Beast Mode in recent weeks with seven goals in his last six games.

Curling home a free-kick: Tubbs scores against Tranmere

Tubbs jumped at the chance to work with the world's strongest footballer and is pleased to see the big man hitting the back of the net.

'He's brilliant,' Tubbs added.

'All throughout my career I've been able to score goals when playing alongside a target man.

Action Images / John Sibley

Selling the club: AFC Wimbledon manager Neal Ardley

'He's a good outlet for the team, he can use his physicality and hold the ball up and it helps when he's on fire because he's scoring goals for fun at the minute. Full credit to him because he deserves it.

'Bayo and I knew it was just a matter of time before he started scoring.

'I told him it would come and it would be like London buses; you wait for one for a while and then you get two, three, four and more come along. That's happened and he has shown why he's such a good player.'

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