Wally Downes: Former AFC Wimbledon boss eager for quick football return after 'stupid mistake'

Wally Downes was banned from football for 28 days for breaching FA betting rules
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Giuseppe Muro13 November 2019

Former AFC Wimbledon manager Wally Downes is seeking a swift return to coaching once he has served his 28-day ban for breaching FA betting rules.

Downes was sacked by Wimbledon last month after he admitted placing eight bets on football matches between 2013 and 2019.

The 58-year-old has admitted he made a “stupid mistake” but he is keen to get back into the game after his ban ends on Thursday.

Downes, a former West Ham, QPR, Southampton and Reading coach, said: “It was probably best we went our separate ways, so no mud stuck to the club and we could get on with our lives.

“We achieved our target to stay up last season and everybody was euphoric around the club. And then to have the last couple of months hanging over my head has been upsetting really for me and my family.

“The fact I have made this stupid mistake has meant I cannot be part of the club I grew up with. I hope I left the fans with good memories.

“Going forward I will be looking to get back in as soon as I can.

“The clubs I have coached at have had success, whether that is winning a cup or a title, or getting promoted. It is what I do, what I am successful at and what I enjoy.”