The Wimbledon Old Players Association is delighted to announce that an additional eight former players have joined WOPA in November.

The new members are:

Wally Downes                                            
Wimbledon’s first Football League apprentice, who scored on his debut against Barnsley in 1979 aged 17. Hugely popular utility player who spent 12 years at Plough Lane before 4 broken legs curtailed his playing career. Went on to manage Brentford and coach at Millwall, Crystal Palace, Reading and Bury. His son Wally jr has appeared for AFCW reserves
League Appearances 194 (1979-91)

Kevin Gage                                            
The Dons youngest ever Football League debutant, ‘Gagey’ was an important squad member, able to play at both full back and midfield during Wimbledon’s meteoric rise into the top flight. Later moved to Aston Villa for £100,000 and then went on to rejoin Dave Bassett at Sheffield United.
League Appearances 172 (1980-87)

Marcus Gayle                                             
A £250,000 capture from Brentford, Marcus became a fixture in the Dons line up between 1994-2001, during which time he played in the 1998 World Cup with Jamaica and scored a memorable header in an FA Cup victory over Manchester United.Converted to a defender in the twilight of his career, which has taken him to Glasgow Rangers, Watford and back to Griffin Park
League Appearances 198 (1994-01)

Ryan Gray                                            
Former Fulham junior, ‘Giggsy’ joined AFC Wimbledon from Whyteleafe and quickly gained a regular spot on the left wing, where he both created and scored numerous goals. Played as a wing back under Dave Anderson before work and travelling commitments took their toll and he moved onto to Merton rivals Tooting & Mitcham, where he is again amongst the goals.
League Appearances 65 (2003-05)

Ally Russell                                            
Joined from Sussex County League Forest FC and was the first AFCW player to score a hat-trick (in a 4-0 victory over Cobham). Dubbed the ‘Tower of Power’ Russell found it difficult to secure a regular starting place and moved onto Carshalton Athletic – returning for a one-off appearance against Feltham in February 2004. Currently playing for Horsham YMCA.
League Appearances 14 (2002-04)

Lewis Taylor                                            
Talented former Fulham junior, comfortable in a variety of positions from centre-back to wing back to midfield. His only goal against Southall was memorable for the joyous celebrations that followed ! Frustrated by a lack of first team opportunities, he moved on to Whyteleafe where he is a regular in their Ryman One side.
League Appearances 7 (2003-04)

Chris Theodore                                        
Young striker – one of three promising teenagers recruited from Crown & Manor in 2002 – who earned rave reviews on loan to Netherne Village and returned to Kingsmeadow for a handful of CCL substitute appearances and bagged a goal in the PCC against Southall.
League Appearances 0+3 (2002-03)

Jim Wright                                        
Former Wimbledon FC skipper in the late 1950’s under Les Henley. A commanding left half who led the Dons to the Isthmian League Championship in season 1958/59.
League Appearances 88 (1956-61)