Pim Balkestein has left Brentford for AFC Wimbledon. Picture: Nigel French/PA Archive

Transfer news: The defender has completed a move to the Dons

AFC Wimbledon new boy Pim Balkestein has explained why he decided to leave Brentford.

The defender was signed after extensive courting by former Bees manager Andy Scott but had been deemed surplus to requirements by current boss Uwe Rosler.

“I had been training at Brentford for two weeks and played a pre-season game [against Hampton & Richmond] as well,” Balkestein told the club’s official site.

“But on Friday they signed another centre-back [Tony Craig], a left-footed one as well, and it was made clear that there was no future for me, so I had to look around.

“From last winter, the Brentford manager [Uwe Rosler] told me I was not part of his plans.

“I tried to do my best, but it was clear that I was not in his mind.

“I played a couple of games after I returned from my loan spell with Wimbledon, but it was not to be for me at Brentford.”

The Dutchman is targeting a play off push for the Dons next season and is looking to improve on his loan spell from last season..

“When I was here last time we won three games at home, but hopefully I can help us do better when we go away.

“We have made some good signings during the summer and we hope to do better than 16th next season.

“I think that we can climb six or seven places higher and try to challenge for the play-off places. I think that is our target.”