AFC Wimbledon manager Mark Robinson admits Aaron Cosgrove was 'too good to let go'

The 21-year-old joined the Rooks last summer to re-unite with his former manager Hugo Langton, who was in charge at the Dripping Pan at the time.

In November, Langton had told The Argus that the striker was going nowhere after netting five times early on in the campaign.

Read more: Hugo Langton tells rivals Aaron Cosgrove is going nowhere

But with Lewes' PitchingIn Isthmian Premier League campaign being curtailed prematurely in February and Langton then leaving the club in March, Cosgrove went on trial with the League One side.

Cosgrove then impressed for the Dons Under-23's against Liverpool last season.

After becoming their fourth signing of the summer, Robinson admitted Cosgrove was too good to let go.

Speaking to the club's official website, He said: "Aaron came in last season to train with us when we had a few trialists in and he really caught my eye, so I kept him around.

"He played the first-half of the game versus Liverpool Under-23s and I thought he was a real threat.

"I didn’t feel he was quite ready to be in the squad, but he is certainly too good to let go, so we’ve got him a loan lined up already.

"It won’t be costing us anything in that respect because we will be getting his wages back, and I just want to get him out on loan to see what he can do.

"He has come back in pre-season and he looks really lively.

"I am confident he can go out on loan, bang the goals in, and be someone we can pull back in, maybe this season, but if not in the future.

"He is only 21 and he’s an exciting player.”

Cosgrove was over the moon to get the deal done.

He said: “It’s a great opportunity. I’ve been training with the club since the back end of last season.

"I got to know all the boys, the staff and Robbo. They’ve been great and training has been great.

"I’m just delighted to finally put pen to paper and I’ve signed this deal."

Langton took to twitter after the move was confirmed this morning to post the video of Robinson speaking about Cosgrove, along with the accompanying message: "So chuffed Aaron Cosgrave has got his chance.

"He took a risk staying with me at Lewes last season but we worked hard together, he turned down approach after approach as we believed in each other, and now it’s paid off. Good luck @CosgraveA"