AFC Wimbledon

Background

Next up is AFC Wimbledon. Many have a soft spot for the club after their financial meltdown in 2002. Likewise, many dislike Milton Keynes Dons after attempting to relocate Wimbledon 56 miles north, a decision very unpopular with all Football fans. AFC Wimbledon were created in the same year, starting life in the Combined Counties League Premier Division. Wimbledon's rise through the non-league pyramid was a quick one. Terry Brown's arrival in 2007 saw back to back promotions from the Isthmian Premier League through the Conference South and into the Conference. 2011 saw Wimbledon rightly march back into the Football league, I am sure true Football fans will agree with me that their meteoric rise through the lower leagues was a pleasing sight.

 League Form

As you can see from the graph on the left (Source: BBC Sport), the start of the season did not go well for 'The Dons', with them only winning the first game of season under Terry Brown, this inevitably lead to his dismissal. Next up to take control of the ship was former player Neil Ardley. Wimbledon's form since Neil Ardley's arrival has been fairly poor, their highest position in the league for season was 20th until recently climbing to 18th. The Don's spent most of February at the bottom of the league. 

However, with only one defeat in the last eight games Wimbledon are now 18th and 5 points clear of relegation. At this time of the season momentum is key, Wimbledon have it in abundance, I foresee this good form continuing and ensuring their survival in League 2.

Transfer Market

Plenty of transfer activity this season for the dons with plenty of arrivals and departures.

Notable Incomings

Neil Sullivan            Doncaster Rovers             Loan

Alan Bennett           Cheltenham Town            Free

Kevin Sainte-Luce   Cardiff City                      Free

Chris Hussey           Coventry City                   Free

Peter Sweeney         Bury                                 Free

Will Antwi               Unattached                       Free

Pim Balkestein         Brentford                          Free

Warren Cummings  Bournemouth                    Free

Stacy Long              Stevenage                         Free

Notable Outgoings 

Christian Jolley     Newport County             Undisclosed

Ricky Wellard      Cambridge United            Free

Sam Hatton          Grimsby Town                 Free

Jamie Stuart          Sutton United                   Free

Securing Neil Sullivan on Loan seemed a good signing, would like to hear from Don's fans on how he faired during his short loan spell. Hopefully he pulled off a few saves to remind you of the years in the top division. Balkestein has a lot of experience and I'd like to know how he has been getting on at Kingsmeadow. Antwi has been capped by Ghana three times and looked impressive against MK Dons in the cup. 

Regarding outgoings I was suprised to see Christian Jolley leave as he was very good for me on Football Manager and Fifa alike, maybe he's not quite so special in real life? This season also saw the departure of the experienced Jamie Stuart off to Sutton United. 

AFC Wimbledon Fact-file

Founded: 2002 (1889 as Wimbledon FC)

Ground: Kingsmeadow

Capacity: 4,850 (2,025 seated)

Manager: Neil Ardley

Nickname: The Dons

Honours (including Wimbledon FC): 

• FA Cup 1987-88
• FA Amateur cup 1962-63
• Football League Fourth Division 1982-83

I am sure you are all aware of 'The Crazy Gang', well if not The Crazy Gang was a term used to describe Wimbledon during the 1980's and 1990's. The term came about through endless prank playing by players on each other and on the manager Dave Bassett. A great team sprit was at the heart of The Crazy Gang with strong figures like Vinnie Jones at the heart of the team. Wimbledon pulled off a major cup upset in 1988 by beating Liverpool 1-0 in the FA Cup Final, Dave Beasant saving a crucial penalty to help The Crazy Gang lift the cup.

Outlook

The next 8 games for AFC Wimbledon are very important for the club, a collapse in recent form could see them return to non-league Football, a continuation of their excellent form will ensure their survival. You could argue that Wimbledon are likely to stay up in their current position, and if they were to survive then it would be important for the club to make a few signings next season to try and aim for the top half, maybe even the play-offs. I could see AFC wimbledon in League 1 within the next to seasons were they to invest a little capital. The romantic side of the game would love such a club to return to the top tiers of the game, as would I.