Dons defender Antony Howard has admitted he will be devastated should AFC Wimbledon clinch promotion to the Blue Square South in his absence.

The 24-year-old centre back announced at the weekend he would be quitting the club in March to concentrate on a coaching career in the United States.

The sports science graduate will end a successful four-season stint with the Dons weeks before the Ryman League Premier Division race enters the final straight.

Boss Terry Brown has admitted it is a diabolical time for the fans' favourite to walk out of Kings-meadow, and is already preparing for his departure.

But Howard, who has held together an injury-hit back four in recent weeks, remains committed to the cause and has not ruled out a possible return.

"Terry needs to start making plans for the rest of the season, and I am happy to support whatever decision he takes," he said.

"If that means sitting on the bench, I am happy to do that.

"I have been pushing for promotion from this division for the past couple of seasons and I will be devastated to be on the other side of the Atlantic if it happens.

"I would have loved to have been part of it because AFC Wimbledon has been a fantastic place to be. I have so many great memories.

"I have no ties here and I had to take this opportunity.

"I didn't want to be in the position of being 30 years old having not started a proper career.

"The club is keeping my registration so, if it doesn't work out for me in New York, I have got the option of coming back."

Howard has started more than 170 matches in four years at Kingsmeadow, and picked up last season's players' player-of-the-year award.

And Howard believes City could crack providing the chasing pack can take advantage of any slip ups above them in the season's last two months.

"There are a few games left and the pressure is all on them," he added.

"We play with that pressure week in, week out and they must deal with the memory of blowing it last year.

"Anything can still happen. We have just got to keep believing we can do it."