Phoenix Rises From The Flames In Merton

Why do most people support a football team? Well in the modern era many children will probably say 'because they're the best', well for true supporters that is not the case. People support a side because that side means something to them. Southend supporters support Southend because Southend are their local side, you can associate with the town, with the history, with the ground, with the team and with the fans. How would you and I feel if our beloved Shrimpers were up-rooted from the Borough of Southend and moved to a new home 60 miles away?

Indeed there have been attempts in recent years to shift United to Basildon, although in comparison that is nothing. There have also been flying suggesstions of moving the Shrimpers to Milton Keynes, a new soulless city in the heart of rural Hertfordshire, but surely such a bizarre idea couldn't possibly be put into practice? Well, apparantly yes it can, just ask any Wimbledon supporters.

Whilst the First Division version of Wimbledon move away from their home, the Borough of Merton sees the birth of a new Association Football Club in the Borough. In the short time since they were founded on 31st May, AFC Wimbledon has become far more than just a protest.

AFC played their second match yesterday, a 1-0 defeat at Dulwich Hamlet bringing a much improved result than the 4-0 reverse at Sutton United on Wednesday, but most notably the match at Sutton was watched by 4,600 supporters.

AFC are managed by Terry Eames, a former Wimbledon player during the Plough Lane glory days of the lates 1970's and early 1980's, a period which saw Wimbvledon begin their climb into top flight football.

AFC Wimbledon

Eames first task was to get a squad together, he expected about 60 to 80 players to attend a trial on Wimbledon Common, he was very wrong however as nearly 250 turned up. The most notable man being one time Chelsea player Joe Sheerin, now captain of AFC.

"They (Koppel and Wimbledon's owners) aren't the history of this Club - they are history. This new Club has taken over the mantle of Wimbledon FC, and we have seized people's imagination because we are the history and lifeblood of Wimbledon" procalaimed a delighted Eames after the Sutton clash, he continued, "It is a very emotional moment for the fans and for me. To be asked to do this job is an honour, but even if I was not manager I would be wholeheartedly supporting the team"

AFC, who start off their life groundsharing with Kingstonian, suffered a setback when they were refused entry into Division Two of the Ryman League, they start this season in the Combined Counties Premier Division, but a huge plus has been a lucrative sponsorship deal.

Sports Interactive, the creators of the successful Championship Manager game, have struck up a 3-year deal worth over six figures to AFC. Sports Interactive's managing director Miles Jacobsen explained the decision - "There are a lot of parallels between Sports Interactive and AFC Wimbledon, which is why we're so keen to support the team. As the developer of Championship Manager we have an interest in all things football - but it is sport as a whole that should support the boys here. AFC Wimbledon have shown that because of football in the community will pull together at times like these - a sure sign this remains the people's game"

The supporters of AFC Wimbledon certainly have reason to be proud of what they have achieved in such a short time.

Mark Wallis
www.thelittlegazette.com