The announcement of AFC Wimbledon's 2013-2014 squad numbers via the club's official Facebook page earlier this afternoon featured a notable absence.

An important figure was missing from the list, the number 9 shirt has not been registered, or as the case may be, claimed.

Eyebrows were raised when manager Neil Ardley released a couple of established players after the South London outfit narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of last season.

Dons fans helped clean up the stadium

But the 40 year-old has quietly rebuilt his squad this summer, with the recent capture of veteran Andy Frampton taking the club's summer signings to a total of seven.

In June Ardley claimed his aim was to work with a much smaller squad this year. "We are trying to work off a total of 20 players, that is trim but we are going for quality. We have got our budget and we know what players in various positions will command. It is down to me to try and get the players in that fit within the structure that we are aiming to create," he declared.

Ardley may have surpassed his target but the omission of a number 9 would suggest that there is one more signing up his sleeve that could be vital if the Dons are to push on next season. Jack Midson has carried the burden and scored the majority of goals for the previous two seasons, the addition of anther 15 goal a season front man would be invaluable.

With talisman Jack Midson certain to lead the line, Charlie Strutton and new boy Charlie Sherringham, the son of former England player Teddy, will be vying for a spot as a second striker. But with Sherringham similar in stature to Midson and Strutton still relatively unproven a delve into the transfer market seems more likely.

Names such as Sylvan Ebanks Blake have been tossed into the rumour mill and even former Dons hero Danny Kedwell has been whispered in some quarters, as he will be pushed down the pecking order following the arrival of Adebayo Akinfenwa at Gillingham.

But with a limited budget any incoming target will have to come cheap if not on a free. If Ardley succeeds in pulling off a coup for the Wombles it could prove to be the difference between pushing for a play-off place or languishing in mid table.