Mark Bowen was unable to save AFC Wimbledon from their first relegation since the club was formed
(Picture: Getty Images)Mark Bowen is keen to stay on as AFC Wimbledon boss and guide the club back to League One next season.
The Dons were relegated to League Two at the weekend after losing 4-3 at home to Accrington Stanley.
Bowen was appointed as manager until the end of the season in March and is now set to hold talks with the club about his future.
The 58-year-old is hungry to continue on a permanent basis and already views the Dons as clear promotion contenders in League Two next season.
“The players have got to be ready for a long hard season. The mentality has to be better,” said Bowen.
“And I’ll say it now – I see AFC Wimbledon as one of the favourites to bounce back. We’ve got to embrace that and really grow in confidence.”
Wimbledon want to resolve their managerial situation quickly so that they can get on with planning for life back in the EFL’s basement division.
“We would all like to make this appointment as quickly as possible in order to make plans for the next campaign,” said interim chair Mick Buckley.
“As you are all aware, the summer break is much shorter than normal due to the World Cup in December.
“That means we need to sort out player contracts and recruitment plans as soon as this campaign is over - and having a manager in place is a preferable part of that process.
“All I can say, at the moment, is that recruitment discussions are already under way and we will be making an announcement as soon as we have an appointment.”
The Dons are also braced for bids for star midfielder Jack Rudoni, who has been scouted by Fulham and Nottingham Forest this season.
