Dons hero handed managerial role
Former AFC Wimbledon left-back Michael Haswell will join in our 10-year anniversary celebrations after being handed a managerial role for the exhibition match by Simon Bassey.
Staged as part of Simon's testimonial, a total of 14 Wimbledon heroes will play in our exhibition match on Saturday, August 4. Former Wimbledon full-back Ben Thatcher is among the players who have agreed to feature in the match alongside supporters, which will be held before AFC Wimbledon entertain a West Ham XI.
One of the sides will now be managed by Michael, who became a favourite with our supporters during a three-year spell at the club. His time at AFC Wimbledon included helping us to successive promotions from the Ryman Premier and Conference South, but he had to retire from playing in his late 20s after suffering a serious ankle injury while playing at Billericay two years ago.
Simon said: "I have asked Michael to manage one of the teams on the day as he was popular with our supporters when he was here. He had to retire from playing a couple of years ago so it will be good to have him involved."
Michael says he cannot wait to be involved on the day. "The club still means a lot to me and I have been down and watched a few matches since I left," he said. "I still keep in touch with a number of people from my playing days and have been in contact with fans via Twitter. It will be really nice to come down and join in the celebrations."
Supporters have the chance to play alongside Simon Bassey and Wimbledon heroes by bidding for one of 16 places in our online auction on the official website. Simon plans to use roll-on, roll-off substitutes, so that everyone gets a piece of the action. As well as featuring in the match, supporters get to keep the actual commemorative white strip that our players wore against Bristol Rovers in AFC Wimbledon's Football League debut.
Full list of players confirmed for exhibition match: Simon Bassey, Keith Ward, Rob Ursell, Jon Main, Sean Daly, Joe Sheerin, Noel Frankum, Matt Everard, Steve Butler, Martin Randall, Ryan Gray, Andy Little, Ben Thatcher, Chris Gell.
Supporters can visit the link on the home page of the official website to get involved in the bidding or go to the online auction site by clicking on http://www.afcwimbledon.co.uk/fundraising/auction.php">Dons