Ivor Heller, one of the co-founders of AFC Wimbledon, will move into the position of Life Vice President at the end of the current season.
Ivor, as a lifelong fan, not only played a fundamental role in the resurrection of the club as we know it today, but also in the return to the club’s home at Plough Lane.
Furthermore, as a community figure Ivor developed the Club’s commercial and hospitality revenues through extensive relationship building over the past 20 years.
At the Tranmere home game we will bring Ivor onto the pitch before kick-off, so that we can all say thanks together. Ivor’s contribution and dedication to the Club will also be marked at the End of Season Gala Dinner, held at The Cherry Red Records Stadium on Sunday 30th April.
Kris Stewart, Chair of the Dons Trust, said “Everyone at Wimbledon owes Ivor a debt of gratitude. His belief was crucial when we took control of our club in 2002. His passion kept alive the dream of getting back home. And his drive has brought us a whole lot of people – and millions of pounds.
“On a personal level, Ivor’s enthusiasm has certainly kept me going at times. But the most valuable thing over these past twenty-odd years has been Ivor’s loyalty and friendship. It’s so important to know that whatever happens, you have someone who knows you well and will listen and do whatever he can to help. I know that won’t change, and of course he’ll be at the match, home and away, as always. But for now - for everything you’ve done for us all over the years, Ivor – thanks”.
Mick Buckley, AFC Wimbledon Chair, added: “Ivor is integral to the AFC Wimbledon story in so many ways. He cares deeply about our culture, meaning and place in the community. He has led from the front, combining relentless drive with his ability to tell our story and engage with all types of people. Whatever life puts in front of him, Ivor never gives up. In that, he personifies the Club.
"In formally thanking him on behalf of the Club, for his many contributions as Commercial Director, I am delighted that Ivor will take the next steps with us on the club’s journey as a Life Vice President and continue to be with us all on a matchday”.
Danny Macklin, Managing Director added: “Having had the pleasure of knowing Ivor for several years through various EFL and industry meetings I could see first-hand the passion and dedication he has for the Club and the leading role he played in its reformation. That passion and drive has helped provide the Club with vital commercial revenues throughout the years and has nurtured relationships with a large number of businesses and stakeholders at the Club.
"While the Club’s commercial proposition will be moving in a new direction, I am delighted that Ivor will become a Life Vice President and above all else remain a part of and friend of the Club. We will be announcing further details ahead of the end of the season on ways fans will be able to show their appreciation to Ivor at the final home league game."
"Ivor said: “It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve this amazing football club. The memories are many and mostly they are good ones. The beginnings, after the decision to send Wimbledon to Buckinghamshire were unbelievable.
"To this day, I still wonder at how we managed to get so much done in such an incredibly short timeframe. I passionately believe that if we had not been so decisive and quick off the mark then this great story would never have happened. Kris, Marc and Trevor were central to everything and somehow the miracle came together. Erik came along soon after and the rest, as they say, is history.
“One of my few regrets is the amount of time I spent away from my family. Without their support I certainly could not have been as involved as I have been. For that I must thank them all.
“My greatest pleasure that has come about through the Club has been the community initiatives I have been involved with. The Leyton Road Centre (formerly High Path) has been a massive part of my life and will continue to be so. St George’s Hospital Charity is such an important part of the community - putting on the first gala dinner and raising £350,000 has been one of the greatest things I have ever been involved with.
“I have been very fortunate to have many outstanding colleagues over this long period of time. My various Commercial Execs/Manager have all been excellent. Pietro has been by my side for eight years - that alone is amazing. Thanks to you all.
"In short, the Club has enabled so much good to come from it and with DLAG and the Foundation this will continue for many years to come.”