AFC Wimbledon Nearing Football League Return
Reformed Dons Plotting a Swift Reappearance After Meteoric Rise
Jul 3, 2009
The highly controversial move to rebrand Wimbledon FC and franchise the club to Milton Keynes back in May 2002 sparked the emergence of a supporter-led AFC Wimbledon. Despite the Dons' inauguration deep down the English football pyramid in the Combined Counties League, the ambition of the club and its loyal band of supporters enchanted football followers around the globe.
In the Beginning
After entering a ground-share agreement with neighbouring non-league outfit Kingstonian, AFC Wimbledon had instant stability with which to build on. This, coupled with a lucrative sponsorship agreement with Sports Interactive, the makers of PC management sim Football Manager, ensured the club would gain national exposure. After holding a set of trials to assimilate a squad of players, the Dons set about the creation of a fairytale. Despite missing out on promotion in their opening campaign, they romped to the Combined Counties Premier Division title in style, remaining unbeaten throughout the season.
Due to financial difficulties at Kingstonian, it was also decided that AFC Wimbledon should secure the long term future of their Kingsmeadow Stadium by purchasing the land. After a successful supporter-led share issue combined with a commercial bank loan, the ground was secured for the forseeable future.
Record Breakers
Under the guidance of new boss, Dave Anderson, AFC Wimbledon attacked the Isthmian League First Division with equal measure. Aside from taking a second successive championship, the Dons recorded a record in British senior football by going 78 matches unbeaten between a period of February 2003 and December 2004.
Persistence Eventually Pays Off
With the growing momentum of consecutive promotions there was always going to be increased expectation on the club. However, Dave Anderson was unable to mastermind a third promotion both in 2005/06 and 2006/07. The Dons fell in the playoffs after struggling to maintain a position in the leading pack.
However, a sensible managerial change tipped the tide in 2007/08. Veteran non-league manager, Terry Brown arrived to guide the Dons into the Conference South, eventually obtaining playoff success with a narrow 2-1 victory over Staines Town.
The Conference and Beyond
Despite a brief two-year stutter, AFC Wimbledon snatched the 2008/09 Conference South title on the final day of the season to secure a place in this season's Blue Square Conference. Certainly the leadership from boss, Terry Brown has been an important feature in the latest stage of the Dons' revolution.
With the team all set to face Luton Town in their opening game of the season in August, the reality of their success sinks in.
Canadian international midfielder, Elliott Godfrey underlines the club's steep rise to fame: "I never thought I would get the chance to play in the Blue Square Premier and I am very excited. You always want to play at the highest level you possibly can so it will be a great test for me.
“I am very proud to be part of this AFC Wimbledon team and hopefully we can take things even further.”
With a record 4,722 attendance for the Dons' end of season league clash with St. Albans in April, there is genuine belief that this fairytale still has indefinite longevity.
