Introduction to Wimbledon Legendary Players
The Legacy of Wimbledon
Wimbledon’s football story is unlike any other in the English game. From humble beginnings in non-league football to an improbable FA Cup triumph in 1988, the original Wimbledon FC carved out a place in history with grit, determination, and an unshakable team spirit.
Following the club’s controversial relocation to Milton Keynes in 2003, a group of devoted fans formed AFC Wimbledon—reviving not just a club, but a community. Though the name may have changed, the heart and history remain, and this list reflects that shared legacy.
Criteria for Ranking the Best Players
To compile this top ten, we’ve considered players from both Wimbledon FC and AFC Wimbledon. The rankings reflect individual impact, longevity, and contributions to the club’s most iconic moments—whether it be helping the Dons rise through the leagues, competing in the Premier League, or rebuilding from the bottom of the football pyramid. While eras may differ, the common thread is excellence in the royal blue shirt.
Top 10 Greatest Players in Wimbledon History
10. Chris Perry (1991–1999)
Chris Perry may not have been the most physically imposing defender, but his intelligence and timing more than made up for it. A product of the youth system, he established himself in the heart of Wimbledon’s defence during the club’s Premier League years, becoming a regular starter by the mid-1990s. Quick across the ground and strong in the air, Perry was well-regarded for his ability to read the game and execute perfectly timed challenges. His calmness under pressure allowed Wimbledon to build from the back at a time when top-flight football was becoming increasingly technical.
Perry made over 200 appearances for the club before earning a high-profile move to Tottenham Hotspur in 1999. His departure marked the end of an era at Selhurst Park, but his influence remained. In many ways, Perry was symbolic of the club’s transition from the raw, aggressive Crazy Gang to a more composed and modern top-flight team. Fans still remember him as one of the club’s most reliable and tactically astute centre-backs.
9. Barry Fuller (2013–2018)
Barry Fuller joined AFC Wimbledon at a time when the club was firmly re-establishing itself in the Football League, and he quickly became a leader both on and off the pitch. A no-nonsense right-back who played with passion and authority, Fuller captained the team to one of its most memorable achievements—the 2016 League Two play-off final victory at Wembley. That win against Plymouth Argyle secured promotion to League One and marked the club’s highest point since its reformation in 2002.
What set Fuller apart was his attitude. Rarely flashy, he led by example with brave tackles, relentless energy, and an unshakable commitment to the cause. His work rate and heart made him a natural captain, while his consistency ensured he remained a regular starter across multiple seasons. Fuller made over 200 appearances for the Dons and became a symbol of everything AFC Wimbledon stood for—resilience, honesty, and unity. Even after his departure, his leadership continued to be referenced as the standard to follow.
8. Dave Beasant (1980–1988)
Dave Beasant is one of the most iconic figures in Wimbledon FC’s history, thanks in no small part to his heroics in the 1988 FA Cup Final. As captain and goalkeeper, he etched his name into the history books by becoming the first man to save a penalty in a Wembley FA Cup final, denying Liverpool’s John Aldridge to help secure a 1–0 win. That single moment encapsulated Beasant’s bravery and shot-stopping prowess, but his contributions extended far beyond one match.
Beasant joined Wimbledon in 1980 and was a mainstay during their remarkable rise through the Football League divisions. Over eight years, he made nearly 400 appearances and was known for his organisational skills, vocal leadership, and remarkable reflexes. Under his stewardship at the back, the Dons climbed from the Third Division to the top tier and then capped it all with silverware. His influence on and off the pitch was so great that many still view him as the quintessential Wimbledon captain—a man who embodied the underdog spirit.
7. Danny Kedwell (2008–2011)
Danny Kedwell’s legacy at AFC Wimbledon is cemented by a single moment, but his influence extended far beyond the penalty spot at the City of Manchester Stadium in 2011. As club captain, Kedwell scored the decisive penalty in the shootout against Luton Town that secured promotion to the Football League, just nine years after the club’s formation. That goal sparked wild celebrations and marked the culmination of an extraordinary journey from the Combined Counties League to League Two.
Kedwell was more than just a talismanic leader—he was also a prolific forward. In his three seasons with the Dons, he netted 67 goals in 126 appearances, developing a reputation for physical strength, intelligent movement, and a ruthless eye for goal. His leadership on the pitch was matched by his impact in the dressing room, where he set standards and brought belief to a team of overachievers. Though he left shortly after that promotion to join Gillingham, Kedwell’s contribution to AFC Wimbledon’s rise will never be forgotten.
6. Vinnie Jones (1986–1989 & 1992–1998)
Vinnie Jones was the embodiment of Wimbledon FC’s Crazy Gang era—fearless, combative, and utterly uncompromising. Initially signed from non-league Wealdstone, he made an immediate impact with his fierce tackling and high-octane midfield displays. Jones played a crucial role in Wimbledon’s most famous moment, starting in the 1988 FA Cup Final and playing his part in stifling a star-studded Liverpool side. He left shortly after to join Leeds United but returned in 1992, bringing experience and leadership to a squad battling to retain Premier League status.
What made Jones such an iconic figure wasn’t just his playing style—it was the personality and attitude he brought to the team. He was a leader by intimidation, someone opponents feared and teammates relied on. Though often controversial, his influence on the pitch was undeniable, and his work rate and determination epitomised the club’s identity during its most successful years. Jones later transitioned to a film career, but for Wimbledon fans, he’ll always be remembered as the snarling heartbeat of the Crazy Gang midfield.
5. John Fashanu (1986–1994)
John Fashanu was the battering ram at the front of Wimbledon’s Crazy Gang, a powerful striker who led the line with aggression and confidence. Signed from Millwall, Fashanu became one of the Premier League’s most feared forwards, combining physical strength with an eye for goal. He scored over 100 goals during his eight-year spell with the club and was a key component of the side that lifted the FA Cup in 1988, terrorising defences throughout the campaign.
Fashanu wasn’t just a goalscorer; he was a leader in attitude and effort. His aerial dominance, fierce hold-up play, and unshakable self-belief made him a perfect fit for Wimbledon’s underdog mentality. He was capped by England and became one of the highest-profile figures of the Crazy Gang era, embracing the club’s maverick image while delivering consistently on the pitch. Whether smashing in goals or riling up opponents, Fashanu’s impact was immense—and central to one of the most unlikely success stories in English football history.
4. Steve Galliers (1977–1981 & 1983–1988)
Steve Galliers may not be the most instantly recognisable name to casual fans, but for those who followed Wimbledon’s rise through the Football League, his contribution was essential. A tireless, combative midfielder, Galliers was at the heart of the side during two crucial spells—first in the late 1970s when the Dons were establishing themselves in the Football League, and again in the mid-1980s as they climbed into the top flight. His industry, vision, and unwavering consistency made him a fan favourite and a reliable figure in a team full of larger-than-life personalities.
Galliers’ influence extended beyond the stat sheet. He was known for doing the dirty work—harrying opponents, breaking up play, and providing the link between defence and attack. During his second stint with the club, he was part of the squad that won promotion to the First Division, contributing to a seismic shift in the club’s status. His loyalty and understated brilliance played a significant role in Wimbledon’s transformation from lower-league upstarts into Premier League mainstays.
3. Alan Cork (1978–1992)
Alan Cork is perhaps the most enduring symbol of Wimbledon FC’s ascent through the English football pyramid. He holds the unique distinction of having scored for the club in all four divisions of the Football League—a feat that speaks volumes about both his longevity and his ability. Cork joined the Dons in 1978 from Derby County and went on to make over 400 appearances, scoring more than 140 goals. Whether battling in the Fourth Division or upsetting giants in the First, Cork remained a constant presence in the side.
Cork’s style was built around intelligence, positioning, and a keen sense of timing. He was never the quickest or the flashiest, but he had an uncanny knack for being in the right place at the right time. Off the pitch, he brought humour and unity to a squad that thrived on its camaraderie. He was part of the team that won the 1988 FA Cup, and although not a starter in the final, his role in getting the club there was invaluable. Few players have had such a lasting impact over such a transformative era.
2. Nigel Winterburn (1983–1987)
Before becoming a title-winning full-back at Arsenal, Nigel Winterburn made his name at Wimbledon, where he was a vital cog in the team’s surge through the divisions. Arriving from Oxford United, Winterburn quickly established himself as a first-choice left-back. His balance of defensive steel and attacking energy made him a standout performer, and he won Wimbledon’s Player of the Year award for three consecutive seasons—an unprecedented feat at the club. It was clear even then that he was destined for greater things.
Winterburn was part of the Wimbledon side that secured promotion to the First Division in 1986 and helped them cement their place in the top flight the following season. He was admired for his professionalism, tactical intelligence, and pinpoint delivery from wide areas—qualities that would see him go on to enjoy a glittering career with Arsenal and England. Yet, even with those accolades, his time at Wimbledon remains a crucial part of his legacy. He was one of the first players to bring genuine top-level quality to a team full of fighters.
1. Robbie Earle (1984–1999)
Robbie Earle was the complete midfielder—technically gifted, tactically intelligent, and blessed with an eye for goal. Signed from Port Vale in 1984, Earle quickly became an integral figure at Wimbledon, helping the club stabilise in the top flight after their meteoric rise. Across more than a decade of service, he made over 300 appearances and scored 76 goals, many of them arriving in crucial moments. Earle wasn’t just a player who featured during the Crazy Gang era—he helped to refine it, adding a touch of class to the club’s famously combative style.
By the time Wimbledon had fully established themselves in the Premier League, Earle had become a captain, a role model, and a leader both on and off the pitch. His ability to time late runs into the box and strike from distance made him a consistent goal threat, while his composure in possession allowed Wimbledon to transition from a team of battlers to one that could genuinely play football. In 1998, he was selected to represent Jamaica at the World Cup in France, scoring the nation’s first ever goal in the tournament against Croatia.
Earle’s long-standing commitment to the club, his leadership through one of its most successful periods, and his professionalism throughout his career make him the definitive Wimbledon legend. Even after retiring, he has remained a respected ambassador for the club and the wider game. In a team once defined by chaos and intensity, Robbie Earle was the calm heartbeat—elevating those around him and leaving a legacy that will never be forgotten.
Comparison of Wimbledon Legends
Playing Styles and Contributions
The challenge in comparing Wimbledon legends lies in the diversity of their eras and the contrasting demands placed on players across decades. Robbie Earle and Danny Kedwell, for instance, both captained their sides and were integral to major promotions—but their roles and required skillsets were shaped by the different leagues they operated in. Earle thrived in the Premier League, relying on intelligent movement and polished technical ability to influence games at the highest level. Kedwell, by contrast, embodied AFC Wimbledon’s fighting spirit in the Conference, using physicality and tenacity to drag the team into the Football League.
Similarly, defenders like Chris Perry and Barry Fuller operated in different tactical landscapes. Perry, a composed centre-back in the Premier League, had to deal with the pace and flair of top-flight attackers, while Fuller’s work as a right-back in League Two and League One was grounded in organisation and leadership, often helping a less resourced side punch above its weight. Across all examples, the uniting thread is commitment—regardless of era or level, each player brought excellence to their position in a way that met the club’s evolving needs.
Impact on Club Success
Every player in this top ten list made a substantial contribution to a key chapter in Wimbledon’s journey. Dave Beasant’s penalty save in the 1988 FA Cup Final is etched into English football history and helped deliver the club’s greatest trophy. Nigel Winterburn and Steve Galliers were instrumental in back-to-back promotions during the club’s rapid climb through the Football League, laying the foundation for top-tier stability. Alan Cork’s unique achievement of scoring in all four divisions symbolised a journey few clubs have ever replicated, while John Fashanu and Vinnie Jones became the embodiment of the Crazy Gang spirit, turning an unfancied squad into one of the toughest sides in England.
On the AFC Wimbledon side, Kedwell and Fuller were central to rewriting the club’s identity after its rebirth. Their contributions—one through goals, the other through defensive resilience and leadership—ensured the phoenix club not only survived but climbed again. Each era has its heroes, and each player listed here shaped a distinct phase of Wimbledon’s success story.
Records and Achievements
Individual Honours and Awards
Several of Wimbledon’s greatest players were recognised for their consistency and impact. Nigel Winterburn won the club’s Player of the Year award three times consecutively, a testament to his influence before departing for Arsenal. Robbie Earle and Alan Cork were also recipients of club accolades during their careers, each praised for their longevity and match-winning ability. Chris Perry’s move to Tottenham reflected his rising stock at Premier League level, and John Fashanu earned England caps at a time when competition for places was fierce. Vinnie Jones, while less decorated, carved out an identity that led to recognition far beyond the pitch.
Club Milestones and Championships
The 1988 FA Cup win remains Wimbledon FC’s most prestigious achievement, with Beasant, Earle, Fashanu, and Jones all playing key roles in the club’s iconic victory. That team defied all odds to topple Liverpool in a final still cited as one of the competition’s greatest upsets. Earlier achievements, like promotions secured by Galliers and Cork, represent the club’s meteoric rise through the 1980s. Cork’s record of scoring in every Football League tier reflects not just personal consistency but the club’s historical journey.
On the AFC Wimbledon side, Danny Kedwell’s winning penalty in the 2011 Conference play-off final ranks as one of the most emotionally significant goals in club history. Barry Fuller captaining the club to League One also stands as a defining moment, symbolising how far the reformed side had come. In different stadiums, under different names, and across different divisions, these players helped define what Wimbledon means to its supporters.
