Wally Downes has strengthened his first-team backroom staff for the new season by offering former Dons player Vaughan Ryan an opportunity back at Wimbledon.
Vaughan, who is revered by older Dons supporters for his tenacious midfield displays from 1986 until 1992, had no hesitation in accepting the role of first-team coach and he’s been involved in the start of pre-season training this week.
At the age of 50, it offers Vaughan a chance in coaching that he’s craved for many years, according to Wally.
“The fact that Vaughan was at Wimbledon means that I don’t need to have a gelling in process with him: we talk alike, think alike, and he knows what I want. Vaughan will certainly bring some attributes that anyone who remembers watching him play will recognise. He’s tenacious and he’s a part of the Wimbledon family.
“I’ve known Vaughan since our time together playing for Wimbledon and he’s very studious about the game. He’s of the same opinion as me, we talk a lot of the time, and he’s gone to watch games for me when I’ve been at different clubs.”
Vaughan is pictured on the right in the above image at our training ground with our Assistant Manager Glyn Hodges. Welcome back to Wimbledon Vaughan!