AFC Wimbledon Women manager Kevin Foster is stepping down after ten years at the club.
Foster's final home game in charge was a 2-0 victory over Exeter City, a crucial result as the Dons continue their fight to avoid relegation.
Foster began with the club's junior section before stepping in to help the women’s team after a reserve coach was injured.
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Foster said: "It’s been a long journey.
"We didn’t have this," he added, referring to the Cherry Reds Stadium in Plough Lane.
"My first game was actually at King's Meadow. We've been at Gander Green Lane, we've been at Carshalton, we've been at Raynes Park Vale. We've been at a lot of places and gone through ups and downs and there are people that have stayed with us all the way through.”
In 2017, he was appointed head coach, taking over from Chris Lyons, who had got them to tier 4. He led the team to multiple top-three finishes before achieving promotion to the third tier, describing the success as "an amazing year and an amazing season".
He recalls huddling with the team around a phone after they beat London Seaward 2-0 in their final game of the season, knowing that if Norwich City dropped points, AFC Wimbledon Women would be promoted to the third tier for the first time in history.
The long-time manager continued: "It was a long journey, and we did it the right way. It was an amazing year and an amazing season.”
He now hopes to leave the team in good hands, with someone who “can continue that community feel and just keep what Wimbledon's about”.
He praised his players for their commitment to the club and its values.
Foster added: "All the players that have been with me over the last 10 years have moulded me and shaped this football club in one way or another."
He plans to spend time focusing on family in retirement, including his upcoming wedding. But he said he expects to return to Plough Lane as a supporter.
He added: "My nan and grandad were Wimbledon fans, I'm a Wimbledon fan. When the time is right, I’ll come and watch the women and support them.”
His final game in charge will be the Capital Cup final on April 30. AFC Wimbledon narrowly lost the final to Arsenal Academy in 2023 and will be aiming to win the cup under his leadership.
