AFC Wimbledon appoint Glyn Hodges as first-team manager

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Glyn Hodges has been appointed the permanent manager of AFC Wimbledon.

The Streatham-raised 56-year-old took charge of the League One club in a caretaker capacity following the suspension of boss Wally Downes, who was latter relieved of his duties after accepting an FA charge of breaching betting rules.

Hodges told the club’s website: “It’s something I couldn’t turn down. I’m absolutely delighted and I can’t wait to get started. I’ve enjoyed the last month, it’s been fantastic. I will be giving it my all. There’s an opportunity here now as we are back in the pack, we are not cut adrift. We just have to keep producing, keep believing, and take this club forward.

“To have been at Wimbledon as a young apprentice at 16 years of age, then to return and actually get the job, and now to have an opportunity to take the club back to Plough Lane, is what dreams are made of. We have to make sure we have a team that the fans can be proud of and that gives us a real start when we move back home.

“I look around here and it’s exciting. There’s a good link-up with the academy, Mark Robinson is working with us closely, so that’s made the links even stronger. Due to the squad we’ve got, a lot of the boys are coming in and training with us. That started from pre-season when we went to Germany and took a young group out there. I’m looking to continue that and reap the benefits from the system.

“It feels fantastic, but I’ve got to pay tribute to Wally, as we go back a long way. I’m an old team-mate of his, he has coached me, and obviously I’ve been in the management team here with him. It’s over 10 years together in total and I’ve enjoyed my time with him. I’ve got to thank him for bringing me here to take this opportunity. I wish him all the best in everything he does. It’s a special place for him and I hope he comes down soon.”

PICTURE BY SEAN GOSLING