Man of the people: Veteran Marcus Gayle is equally at ease being congratulated by AFC Wimbledon fans Deadlinepix Hakan Yazici HY2492
AFC Wimbledon legend Marcus Gayle says Saturday's Ryman Premier Division play-off victory was a fitting end to his playing career.
The 37-year-old played a pivotal role at the heart of the Dons defence as they secured a nervy 2-1 win at Staines Town to book their place in the Blue Square South.
And the Jamaican international, who made more than 300 appearances for Wimbledon in their two guises, described it as the pinnacle of his time at the club.
Gayle said: "It was a fantastic feeling.
"I joined the club to help them get to a higher level and we achieved that.
"I never won anything with Wimbledon first time around, so this was probably my best achievement at the club.
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"My aim when I came back was to have one year here and it is a great way to finish my playing days."
The Dons triumphed in a controversial encounter, with two late goals from Luis Cumbers and Mark DeBolla.
But the Swans were furious after Jon Main appeared to impede Swans keeper James Courtnage in the build-up to Cumbers's equaliser.
Gayle added: "I don't think the ref had a good game at all, to be honest.
"I thought that the Staines players were trying to con him through the game.
"We didn't think the ref gave us anything in the first half.
"To be honest, I felt the goal should have stood. I didn't see a problem with it as I thought the keeper just fumbled it."
Gayle now plans to continue his coaching progress, and will undergo his next level at Chelsea this summer.
And he admitted a return to Kingsmeadow in a coaching capacity would be tempting.
He added: "I would love to come back as it would really appeal to me, but it is all down to what the club is thinking.
"The club needs some stability and consistency and I would love to be part of it."
Posted by: Brasted Don, Kent on 1:58pm Wed 7 May 08
Thanks for the memories and good luck Marcus. By the way the video highlights on YouTube show their keeper was not fouled. If anything that man who should not have been on the pitch Matt Flitter impeded him.
Thanks for the memories and good luck Marcus. By the way the video highlights on YouTube show their keeper was not fouled. If anything that man who should not have been on the pitch Matt Flitter impeded him.
Posted by: AFCW Nick, Wimbledon on 7:37pm Thu 8 May 08
Marcus you are part of our history and have conducted yourself with dignity throughout your time with our club (AFCW/WFC) I think we need you to come back as a coach and role model for the younger players and I look as Huss as part of your legacy. Marcus I salute you!!!![bold]bold[/bold]
Marcus you are part of our history and have conducted yourself with dignity throughout your time with our club (AFCW/WFC) I think we need you to come back as a coach and role model for the younger players and I look as Huss as part of your legacy. Marcus I salute you!!!!
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