AFC Wimbledon are delighted to announce that Glyn Hodges has been appointed as our new first-team manager.
During his spell as Caretaker Manager, Glyn has guided Wimbledon to vital victories, rejuvenating the current squad at an important time for the club, as we gear up for a move back to our spiritual home at Plough Lane.
The Football Club Board, along with the Dons Trust Board, believe that Glyn is the right man to take Wimbledon forward, and he had no hesitation in accepting the opportunity to be our new manager.
“It’s something I couldn’t turn down,” said Glyn. “I’m absolutely delighted and I can’t wait to get started. I’ve enjoyed the last month, it’s been fantastic. I will be giving it my all. There’s an opportunity here now as we are back in the pack, we are not cut adrift. We just have to keep producing, keep believing, and take this club forward.
“To have been at Wimbledon as a young apprentice at 16 years of age, then to return and actually get the job, and now to have an opportunity to take the club back to Plough Lane, is what dreams are made of. We have to make sure we have a team that the fans can be proud of and that gives us a real start when we move back home.
“I look around here and it’s exciting. There’s a good link-up with the academy, Mark Robinson is working with us closely, so that’s made the links even stronger. Due to the squad we’ve got, a lot of the boys are coming in and training with us. That started from pre-season when we went to Germany and took a young group out there. I’m looking to continue that and reap the benefits from the system.
“It feels fantastic, but I’ve got to pay tribute to Wally, as we go back a long way. I’m an old team-mate of his, he has coached me, and obviously I’ve been in the management team here with him. It’s over 10 years together in total and I’ve enjoyed my time with him. I’ve got to thank him for bringing me here to take this opportunity. I wish him all the best in everything he does. It’s a special place for him and I hope he comes down soon.”
Born locally in Streatham, Glyn played for Mitcham Royals as a youngster before joining Wimbledon straight from school. He went onto play a major part in Wimbledon’s remarkable rise from the old Fourth Division to the top-flight. Since his playing days ended, Glyn has held coaching roles at the Welsh FA, Blackburn Rovers, Queens Park Rangers, Fulham, and Stoke City. Of course, Glyn joined us as Assistant Manager in December 2018 and played a pivotal part in last season’s Great Escape.
Look out soon for a full interview with Glyn on the official website.