Sammy Moore is about to embark on his fifth season in the blue and yellow of AFC Wimbledon, and he’s never been so fired up.

The 26-year-old midfielder, who signed from Dover Athletic in 2010, is the last man standing from the squad that won promotion to the Football League in 2011 and he has seen many friends come and go.

However, he is adamant that things have never been so good in pre-season.

“This is my fifth season and it’s probably the best squad the gaffer has put together since I’ve been here, which is credit to him and the club and the ambition of the club,” he said.

“They don’t want to be staying in League Two, they want to be pushing up the Leagues back to where they belong.”

He added: “The minimum is the play offs, and if we can nick automatic, then brilliant.

“The expectation is there and it’s up to us now.

“We have to make sure we turn up to every game, give 100 per cent and wear our hearts on our sleeves.”

Departing friends include Jack Midson and Luke Moore, but Sammy Moore is in constant contact with his old boot buddies, although he is not sentimental.

“You meet friends along the way and you get close but then either you go or they go, but that’s football,” he said.

“You have to think about yourself – my loyalty has always been with Wimbledon and it always will be.

“I have enjoyed every minute of my five seasons here, and I am looking forward to a successful season – as are the manager, staff and the board.”