AFC Wimbledon boss Wally Downes has departed the London club after admitting a number of betting-related offences.
Wally Downes Departs AFC Wimbledon
Betting Breaches
The 58-year-old was suspended for four weeks due to a number of betting-related offences.
Downes led the Dons to League One survival last season after joining in December 2018.
However, he was suspended by the club in September after being charged with placing bets on games.
The Dons boss was suspended by the FA on Friday. He was found guilty of betting five times on matches between 30 November 2013 and 30 January 2014.
He also placed three bets between 16 March and 12 July 2019.
The former Sheffield United midfielder was given a 28-day ban from football and football-related activity which ends on 14 November.
FA rules state that anyone employed by a football club may not place bets on matches.
Glyn Hodges has been in caretaker charge of the League One side since Downes was suspended.
Club Statement
The club admitted they had “reached an agreement” to relieve Downes of his duties.
A statement released by the League One outfit said: “AFC Wimbledon has today reached an agreement to part company with first-team manager Wally Downes.
“Wally leaves on mutually agreed terms and with our sincerest gratitude for his time with the club, especially his invaluable contribution last season.
“The agreement was reached with the approval of the Dons Trust board.
“While Wally’s FA disciplinary process concluded last week, the boards believe that a change of first-team manager is the best option to help the club maintain its recent upturn in performances.
“Naturally, Wally leaves with our sincerest best wishes for the future and his place in our club’s history – as both a player and manager – assured.
“In particular, Wally’s legacy can be found in the young vibrant squad we see on the pitch today, his attention to the financial constraints of the club and ensuring we maintained financial sustainability and laying the foundations for a squad capable of achieving a healthier league position.”
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