Following a foot soldier's end (5)

I believe the answer is:

after

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'following' is the definition.
(following can mean after or as a result of)

'a foot soldier's end' is the wordplay.
'foot' becomes 'ft' (abbreviation).
'soldier's end' becomes 'er' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'a'+'ft'+'er'='AFTER'

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(Other definitions for after that I've seen before include "In pursuit of, behind" , "Looking for" , "Chasing" , "Behind; seeking" , "Subsequently" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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