Dons legend Gayle leaves his Marcus!

7:44am Wednesday 7th May 2008

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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.

"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."