Joe Palmer leaves role as AFC Wimbledon chief executive

Joe Palmer has stepped down as the AFC Wimbledon chief executive.

He joined the Dons as chief operating officer in January 2018, before making the step up in April 2019.

Mick Buckley will take over as interim chair on Monday, March 7. Palmer will work closely with him to ensure a smooth transition.

Palmer said: “It has been a great privilege to serve this wonderful football club. I would like to thank all the players, staff, volunteers and boards for their support over what has been an incredible four years. It’s been a challenging but rewarding journey, with foundations that have been laid over that period now leaving the club in a strong position to move onto the next stage of its growth.

“I will forever treasure the memories we have made here, such as the team running out at Plough Lane in front of the fans for the first time, and I am proud of how we have developed a long-term plan on the playing side.

“It has been a tough decision for me. However, I feel that I have achieved what I set out to do with the move home and now it is time for me to move on to a new challenge. What the fans have done here is incredible and I look forward to joining them in the stands one day soon.”

Dons Trust co-chair Xavier Wiggins added: “All of us on the Dons Trust board would like to thank Joe for everything he has done for us since joining back in 2018. In that time, he has worked around the clock to help us fulfil our ambitions on and off the pitch and there is no doubt he leaves big shoes to fill.”