MK Dons have introduced that their record-breaking legend Dean Lewington will depart on the finish of the season.
Lewington made his membership debut in 2003 after they have been Wimbledon and adopted them to Milton Keynes for his or her relaunch a 12 months later.
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The left-back’s 22-year stick with the Dons makes him the longest-serving participant within the historical past of the English Soccer League.
Nonetheless, MK Dons revealed on Monday that the 2024/25 season might be his remaining ever marketing campaign forward of a summer season departure.
A press release learn: “The defender will cease taking part in for MK Dons on the finish of the season and at present sits on an unbelievable 915 aggressive appearances.
“Having been an expert footballer because the age of 18, Lewington will now look to take his huge expertise of the sport into teaching and has been engaged on his badges.”
They added: “Apart from his many footballing achievements Dean has maybe extra importantly all the time been cherished by MK Dons supporters and town of Milton Keynes.
“Eternally recognisable from the stands of each the Nationwide Hockey Stadium and Stadium MK, Lewington has been the face of the soccer membership for greater than 20 years, appearing as a task mannequin, spokesperson and ambassador for MK Dons.
“From transferring with the membership to Milton Keynes after making his debut for Wimbledon in 2003 to stepping up as caretaker supervisor on three separate events, he has represented his facet in a number of methods and on numerous events during the last 20 years.”
Lewington’s 915 appearances for MK Dons is essentially the most for a single membership in EFL historical past.
He broke the report in December 2023 on his 771st outing to beat the 770 matches John Trollope hit for Swindon City from 1960 to 1980.
The 40-year-old hasn’t performed for the membership since November and is now set to transition into teaching.
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Lewington gained three promotions, and lifted the League Two title and Soccer League Trophy with MK Dons in 2008.
He grew to become their Participant of the Decade in 2014 and Participant of the 12 months in 2021 earlier than a PFA Advantage Award final 12 months.
Out of all 789 league appearances, Lewington has extremely began in 779 of these.
His complete of 815 matches within the EFL is the fifth-highest in historical past, with Peter Shilton topping the standings with 1,005 video games.
Lewington might be honoured at their remaining house sport of the League Two season at Stadium MK on April 26 towards Grimsby City.
Dubbed ‘Dean Lewington Day’, followers will be capable of have fun the membership legend’s historic keep from their inception to the current day.