Downes takes over as AFC Wimbledon manager
Wally Downes has been appointed AFC Wimbledon manager.
The 57-year-old from Hammersmith made more than 200 appearances for Wimbledon as a player during the ‘Crazy Gang’ era of the 1980s.
He has replaced Neal Ardley, who left the League One club last month and has since taken over as Notts County manager.
Downes previously had a two-year spell as manager of Brentford, having worked as assistant boss under Steve Coppell at Griffin Park as well as at Crystal Palace and Reading.
A lifelong QPR fan, Downes more recently had a spell on the coaching staff at Loftus Road during Harry Redknapp’s time as manager.
He has also held coaching positions at Southampton, West Ham and Indian side Jamshedpur.
“I am very proud to be appointed as manager of a club I love dearly,” Downes said.
“I am now looking forward to working flat out to help to keep the club in League One.”