The announcement of yesterday’s retained list brought several Wimbledon careers to an end, meaning we sadly said goodbye to several familiar faces.
Amongst the list of players departing were some who have been part of the furniture over years gone by, including Nik Tzanev and Paul Kalambayi – both of whom have played well over 100 games for the Dons after progressing through from our Academy.
Harry Pell became a firm fans’ favourite during his first spell with the Club between 2013 and 2015, meaning he received a heroes welcome on his return in the summer of 2022. Also one of our departees, Pelly reached 500 career games on Saturday as he made his final Wimbledon appearance.
And we’ve not only received farewell messages from the long-serving members of our squad, but also our loanees, who have all learnt exactly what this club and its values stand for.
Below are the messages from our departing players – we wish them all the very best in their future careers.
PAUL KALAMBAYI
As I reflect on my journey - I entered as a boy and emerge as a man – I am deeply appreciative of the incredible players that I've had the privilege to share the field with and the remarkable leaders who guided me along the way. To the Club, thank you for providing the platform to showcase my abilities and for the opportunities granted. And to the fans, your unwavering support, both on and off the pitch, has been nothing short of remarkable. I couldn't have asked for a better club to be a part of. While our paths may diverge for now, I hold onto the hope that they may cross again in the future. For now, I bid the Club farewell with heartfelt wishes for continued success and gratitude for everything.
HARRY PELL
Reaching my 500th career game was a lovely way to sign off at AFC Wimbledon. I honestly with the Club, players, staff, board and of course the supporters the very best in the future. It’s been an absolute pleasure representing your football club.
NIK TZANEV
A big thank you to all of the Wimbledon fans for their continued support through the ups and downs over the last seven seasons.
ZACH ROBINSON
Wimbledon gave me the opportunity to be the only thing I ever wanted to be, a professional footballer, and for that I will be forever grateful. It’s a club built on morals that I admire, full of people I respect, where I’ve met people I will call friends for the rest of my life. I wish to thank everyone for the impact they’ve had on me, helping me grow as a player and a person. Joining at 15 and leaving at almost 22 – these have been important, formative years of my life and I have been lucky to have spent them at the Dons. Going forward I wish nothing but the best and hope to witness more success for everyone there.
ALEX BASS
2023/24 season done. Gutted with the way it ended and missing out on the play-offs. Can’t thank everyone at Wimbledon enough, the lads, the fans and most importantly the staff members. They really make the Club and have made my family feel so welcome from day one. YOU DONS!
KOFI BALMER
Another season comes to an end and more experience gained. Since joining the Club on loan, I have loved every moment on and off the pitch – memories I’ll never forget! Massive thank you to all the staff, my teammates and especially the fans for their support every game. YOU DONS!
JOHN-KYMANI GORDON
I would like to thank everyone involved in the Club for my enjoyable experience here. It has been nothing but smiles and laughs from start until finish. I would also like to give a special thank you to the fans for welcome me and showing their incredible support week in, week out. I wish you all nothing but the best for next season and onwards. Thank you, YOU DONS!
PICS: Pro Sports Images
