Fans' favourite Andy Barcham has written about the "amazing support" he has received from our supporters, after we announced on Friday that he would be leaving the club.
Andy joined The Dons almost four years ago and in his first season with the club he helped us to promotion, following victory over Plymouth in the League Two play-off final at Wembley. He went on to make 161 appearances and scored 17 goals for AFC Wimbledon.
Wally Downes spoke of the difficult decision to release Andy in his end of season squad update. Our Manager also stated he will be "eternally grateful" to Barchy for scoring what turned out to be a vital first goal of his tenure, an equaliser against Rochdale last December.
Following his release, Andy has sent the club a message of thanks that he wanted us to share with the fans and you can read it in full below.
"It's been an absolute pleasure to serve this club for as long as I have and the memories will stay with me forever. I was overjoyed in completing the Great Escape and to not undo all the hard work that the fans, staff, volunteers and players have done up until now and, of course, the promotion season that I was delighted to be a part of. This club is about going forward and what everyone involved in the AFC Wimbledon family deserve and I'm sure we will continue to do that. Sad to leave this amazing club, but unfortunately my time here has come to an end. I'd like to say a big thank you to all the staff and players I have had the pleasure in working with during my spell and wish them every success. Lastly, and most importantly, I'd like to say thank you to the fans who have shown me the most amazing support from the day I arrived at the club. It's been a rollercoaster of a journey and a privilege to have shared it with every one of them."
Relive six great goals from Andy Barcham, including that important first goal of Wally's reign, in the link below to our official YouTube channel.
Our photo shows Andy celebrating in the dressing room at Wembley almost three years ago, following The Dons' Play-off final victory.