Axe falls on Dons star who sealed promotion

7:20am Thursday 15th May 2008

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Play-off final match-winner Mark DeBolla has kicked his last ball in an AFC Wimbledon shirt after being released by manager Terry Brown.

The 24-year-old is one of eight players shown the Kings-meadow exit door as Brown wielded the axe after securing promotion to the Blue Square South.

Following the departures of Anthony Howard (to work in the US) and Marcus Gayle (retired), stars Richard Jolly, Karl Beckford, Mark Beard, Rob Quinn, Will Salmon, Steven Ferguson and Daniel Webb have joined DeBolla in playing their last game in Dons colours.

It was the attacking midfielder who fired Brown's side into the Conference with a late free-kick in the play-off final victory at Staines Town.

But his manager insisted there was no malice on his part.

He said: "The masterplan was always to get out of the Ryman League with senior players.

"Now, the plan is to start building a side capable of not just playing in the Blue Square South, but getting out of it.

"Our policy is to get younger, fitter and more athletic.

"I have nothing against the players released and I am convinced they can play at a high level.

"This is about looking at the long term."

Brown is also anxious for the Dons to change their style next season, revealing that had had a big impact on his decision-making.

He added: "I want us to be able to get the ball down and play next year and I want to see a lot more football.

"That requires a lot of changes, in personnel and attitudes."

With some flexibility to splash the cash, Brown launched his summer recruitment drive by snapping up Horsham's former Dons midfielder Lewis Taylor on Monday.

He was delighted to get the 15-goal star of the Hornets' FA Cup run to the second round.

Brown added: "Lewis is the type of player I am looking for.

"He is 22, scores goals and he gets from box to box.

"He hurt us when we played them this season and we know what he is capable of."

l Garrard signs new deal: page 55.