Academy Manager Jeremy Sauer is leaving the club for a new challenge at West Ham as Assistant Academy Manager, after playing a major part in enhancing AFC Wimbledon’s reputation as a club that brings young talent through.
Jeremy, who started here back in 2007 when he was coaching the Under-8s once a week, has served as Academy Manager since 2013 and a key achievement in his role came last season when so many home-grown talents featured in the first-team.
Speaking about his time at AFC Wimbledon, Jeremy said: “I will greatly miss working for this wonderful club and the talented people that make up our Academy – it’s been much more than just a job!
“I’m immensely proud of the work that everyone has contributed over the years. We started with teams in local Sunday Leagues with volunteer parent managers and children wearing Chelsea and Arsenal shirts to training. Now we are heading into our ninth season as a professional Academy that consistently improves all its players as people and footballers. Last season the Academy contributed 20 per cent to all appearances in the first-team in League One! This has been due to the hard work and love for the club that players, parents and staff have put in. I’m humbled to have been a part of this journey and I can hand on heart say it’s defined the person I am today.
“I’d like to thank everyone connected with the club for all your support throughout the years. This is the ultimate fans club and developing players and young people with this identity has been a privilege and our overriding driving force.
“In particular, I’d like to give my heartfelt thanks to Mark Robinson and Michael Hamilton for inspiring such an amazing and stimulating environment, therefore contributing to a real learning culture. I also wish to thank Nigel Higgs for giving me the opportunity at the club and Erik Samuelson for supporting my development in the role, plus all of our brilliant staff who have become a second family. There is no doubt that the Academy will continue to be a success and I’ll be keeping an eager eye out for everyone’s development and progression. Come on you Dons!”
Chief Executive Joe Palmer comments: “Whilst it is sad lose good people, it is testament to the job Jeremy has done here that a renowned academy such as West Ham has also recognised his talent - It shows that we are not just developing talent on the pitch but the staff off it too. Good people produce good results and Jeremy has been working with the club board to ensure that his successor can continue the legacy that he has developed along with his senior coaching team and ensure we continue to produce good results in the future. “
Jeremy, who is pictured above with 17-year-old Archie Procter after he signed a pro contract, is leaving for his new role at the end of August. All at AFC Wimbledon thank Jeremy for his major contribution to our academy and we wish him every success in his future career.