AFC Wimbledon have secured promotion to League One following a 1-0 win over Walsall in the League Two play-off final at Wembley Stadium yesterday.
The decisive goal came in first-half stoppage time from midfielder Myles Hippolyte, whose well-placed low shot gave the Dons a lead they would not relinquish. Manager Johnnie Jackson’s side delivered a disciplined performance, keeping a third consecutive clean sheet in the play-offs to seal their return to the third tier.
“This is the most special moment of my career,” Jackson said after the match. “To lead this team back to League One after the work everyone’s put in — it means everything.”
A Steady Climb Through the Leagues
The promotion is the latest milestone in AFC Wimbledon’s remarkable journey. Formed in 2002 by fans in response to the relocation of the original Wimbledon FC to Milton Keynes, the club has steadily risen through the football pyramid — earning six promotions in 13 years to reach League One in 2016.
They spent six seasons in the third tier before relegation in 2022. Now, just three years later, they are back.
AFC Wimbledon’s Promotion Timeline:
- 2002: Club founded.
- 2003–04: Promoted from Combined Counties League Premier Division.
- 2004–05: Promoted to Isthmian League Premier Division.
- 2007–08: Promoted to Conference South (via play-offs).
- 2008–09: Promoted to Conference Premier (champions).
- 2010–11: Promoted to League Two (play-off winners).
- 2015–16: Promoted to League One (play-off winners).
- 2021–22: Relegated from League One.
- 2024–25: Promoted to League One (play-off winners).
Wimbledon will now prepare for the 2025–26 season in League One, joining fellow promoted sides Doncaster Rovers, Port Vale, and Bradford City.
For supporters, the club’s latest success is further evidence of its resilience — and a reminder that AFC Wimbledon remain a force capable of climbing.
