27 definitions by AFCW
by AFCW April 24, 2004
The story of AFC Wimbledon
On May 28th 2002, an FA Commission granted permission for a group of businessmen to relocate Wimbledon FC Ltd to Milton Keynes, 70 miles from its history, home and community. Devastated fans mourned the death of their club, but before long they took a fresh approach by creating their own team.
Backed by the Wimbledon Independent Supporters Association and The Dons Trust, with a combined membership approaching 3000, AFC Wimbledon was born. Just six weeks later, having obtained a ground, senior status, sponsorship and many hundreds of season ticket applications, AFC Wimbledon played its first game on Wednesday 10th July against Sutton united at Gander Green Lane (a game that saw a 4-0 defeat celebrated like a Cup Final win).
Except that for the fans this isn't the club's first ever game – it is a direct continuation of the old club that was formed as Wimbledon Old Centrals back in 1889. This view is backed by the ex-Wimbledon manager Terry Burton, sacked by Chairman Charles Koppel less than a week after the season ended, despite achieving a creditable league finish. "If that's where the fans are, that is where the club is", said Burton, "It's a great idea. It's great for football. It's a great achievement and everyone involved should be proud of AFC Wimbledon. I love to watch football. I loved Wimbledon, but this AFC is closer to being my team."
That WFC Ltd could sack such a popular manager as Terry Burton shows just how deep the rift between the club and the supporters had grown. Such a rift will never be allowed to occur at AFC Wimbledon. Commercial Director Ivor Heller said "There is a strong belief that the vast majority of football owners have lost touch with their supporters. But, in the end, footballers come and go, so do managers and owners. All that remains are the fans and in the case of Wimbledon, we never left."
On May 28th 2002, an FA Commission granted permission for a group of businessmen to relocate Wimbledon FC Ltd to Milton Keynes, 70 miles from its history, home and community. Devastated fans mourned the death of their club, but before long they took a fresh approach by creating their own team.
Backed by the Wimbledon Independent Supporters Association and The Dons Trust, with a combined membership approaching 3000, AFC Wimbledon was born. Just six weeks later, having obtained a ground, senior status, sponsorship and many hundreds of season ticket applications, AFC Wimbledon played its first game on Wednesday 10th July against Sutton united at Gander Green Lane (a game that saw a 4-0 defeat celebrated like a Cup Final win).
Except that for the fans this isn't the club's first ever game – it is a direct continuation of the old club that was formed as Wimbledon Old Centrals back in 1889. This view is backed by the ex-Wimbledon manager Terry Burton, sacked by Chairman Charles Koppel less than a week after the season ended, despite achieving a creditable league finish. "If that's where the fans are, that is where the club is", said Burton, "It's a great idea. It's great for football. It's a great achievement and everyone involved should be proud of AFC Wimbledon. I love to watch football. I loved Wimbledon, but this AFC is closer to being my team."
That WFC Ltd could sack such a popular manager as Terry Burton shows just how deep the rift between the club and the supporters had grown. Such a rift will never be allowed to occur at AFC Wimbledon. Commercial Director Ivor Heller said "There is a strong belief that the vast majority of football owners have lost touch with their supporters. But, in the end, footballers come and go, so do managers and owners. All that remains are the fans and in the case of Wimbledon, we never left."
by AFCW April 5, 2004
Frannies are in a permanent state of frenzy. They are to be found either at the NHS or at other football grounds, all 20 of them that is. They love Franchise FC.
by AFCW April 24, 2004
FA stands for Football Association. In theory they are responsible for sorting out any problems in the English game that might occur, but in practice do very little about them when they do occur. Also they approved Wimbledon FC move to Milton Keynes (though they of course would deny this). Therefore they appointed a 3 man commission that made the decision for them. The commissions report then gave a load of reasons (which are false) of why the club would be better of in Milton Keynes. 1 of these was claiming that a new club such as Wimbledon Town would not be in the wider interests of football.
by AFCW April 25, 2004
Raj Parker, Steve Stride and a well respected football expert voted 2-1 (guess how they voted individually) to allow the move of Wimbledon FC to Milton Keynes to become the Milton Keynes Dongs (as the "club" will now inevitably be referred to).
Winkelman bribed Parker and Stride and so they voted for the move. AFC Wimbledon was rightfully born right after this sham of a commission.
by AFCW July 1, 2004
by AFCW April 25, 2004