Maynard makes U-turn and makes Dons return

The 29-year-old was Dons leading goal-scorer in the Championship last season, but turned down an offer to seek out other options.

Manager Karl Robinson confirmed last week he was in talks with Maynard over a U-turn in his decision to leave, and on Saturday, Maynard put pen to paper on a new contract to play in League 1 next season.

“I’m pleased to be back,” said Maynard. “I enjoyed my time here last season and I got to know the players and staff well.

“I wanted to be somewhere well I felt wanted and having spoken to the gaffer quite a bit over the summer, he let me know how much he wanted me here.

“I was pleased to get a few goals last season but the aim is to get a lot more this year and get us back up into the Championship - I know that if I get games then I will score goals for this team.”

Robinson added: “I’m over the moon to be able to bring Nicky back to the Club. Having worked with him for 12 months and seeing his qualities every day in training, I’m confident in his ability to come back in and score the amount of goals we all want him to score in League One.

“His work ethic, personality and talent are all things I was immensely impressed with last season - I also know how much the dressing room respects and rates Nicky as a striker.

“Knowing the teams we’ve beat to get Nicky to sign for us, makes me proud of the Club and all the hard work that has gone on to make this achievable.”

Maynard is the fourth signing of the summer, after Ed Upson, Paul Downing and George Williams joined the squad.