“Underground, Overground, Wombling free,
the Wombles of Wimbledon Common are we.
Making good use of the things that we find,
the things that the everyday folks leave behind!”

The name Wimbledon resonates through the English football leagues with a rich history, but it also leaves a bad taste in the throats of many supporters. On 28th May 2002 a decision was made to allow Wimbledon F.C. consumed by debt to be rebranded as MK Dons and relocate to Milton Keynes, and was followed by outrage and several demonstrations. Despite numerous court cases, Wimbledon F.C. fans disgusted by their clubs 58 mile move were left with no other option than to form their own club out of the ashes of the former Crazy Gang home.

Trials were held on Wimbledon common as AFC Wimbledon was born and entered the Combined Counties League. Many fans indulged in this heart felt story however the majority could not have foreseen just where this journey was going to lead. Whilst fans defected from Selhurst Park to the Kingsmeadow Stadium; home to Kingstonian FC (whom AFC Wimbledon now ground shared with). In the first ever game as the newly formed Wimbledon side they drew in a ground of just under 5,000 against Sutton United. They lost 4-0 but nothing was going to dampen the spirits. Somewhat ironic is the fact that Wimbledon F.C. now being labelled as ‘Franchise F.C.’ were taking in less supporters than that and they were still in the old First Division, now Championship.

AFC Wimbledon’s first season in the combined Counties League got off to a slow start and some were wondering if this was just a short lived experience. However after winning their last 11 games the club finished in a respectable third and narrowly missed out on promotion under Terry Eames. They came back stronger in the second season and won their opening 21 games and remained the only English club at any level to have a perfect start to the season. Despite the sacking of Terry Eames midway through the season, they still managed to win the league and promotion to the Isthmian League First Division, as well as scooping the Premier Challenge Cup.

Dave Anderson was hired and AFC continued their dominance in the baron of English football. Occupying first place all season they naturally ran away with the league and won the Surrey Senior Cup sealing another double. They also took part in the FA Cup for the first time; reaching the Third Qualifying round.

When Anderson led the Wombles into the Isthmian Premier Division they found it a lot tougher. Having myself been to a few games in this league I can completely agree that there seems to be a feisty, action packed attitude to teams desperately trying to gain promotion to the Conference South. AFC struggled, though they did reach the play-offs before losing to Fisher Athletic. They also lost their Surrey Senior Cup title to ground sharers Kingstonian. No promotion or cup wins for AFC and it started to look like the bubble had burst. Especially when the events of the next season began to unfold.

Jermaine Darlington is now etched into AFC Wimbledon history after it became known that he had not been registered correctly by the club. Consequently he played three games whilst technically being ineligible. The club were threatened with an 18 point deduction however this was reduced to three and a £400 fine. Dave Anderson led the club to a play-off semi final loss to Bromley and was dismissed at the end of the season. The Darlington fiasco also prohibited the club from playing any part in the Surrey Senior Cup or FA Trophy.

Terry Brown was hired in the 2007-2008 season and quickly marked his stamp on the side as they stormed into the Play-Offs and won promotion courtesy of a 2-1 win over Staines Town. By this time AFC were attracting fans from other clubs eager to show their support. Flags from Premier League clubs could be seen at games as MK Dons were quickly building a despised reputation amongst the fans of southern team fans, especially Wycombe Wanderers who still enjoy nothing more than heckling the Dons. The Chairboys have always been against the move. having proudly been the only professional team in Buckinghamshire.

Many media commentators and pundits had tipped AFC to struggle in the Conference South but they did the opposite. The side quickly adapted to the pace of the league and won the title on the final day, earning promotion to the Conference Premier; just one step away from the Football League. The dream was fast becoming a reality.

Their maiden season in the Conference National, now Blue Square Premier, resulted in a respectable eight place finish. It was to be the 2010/2011 season that nine years of hard work and struggle by the fans paid off. They set the pace quickly and matched Crawley by demolishing every team in sight. They finished runners up to Crawley and entered the Play-Offs.

The City of Manchester Stadium was the setting as AFC Wimbledon played Luton for a place in the Football League. The occasion was a fascinating one and it all ended in a penalty shoot out as Danny Kedwell blasted his penalty home sending the Wombles into raptures and the players into tears. A place in the Football League was confirmed and a remarkable nine year tale with five promotions and a record 78 league game undefeated run was set for another incredible chapter.

So far this season, AFC Wimbledon sit tenth in League Two after 2 games. A first game 302 defeat was followied by a 2-0 win over Dagenham. But what does this season have in store for the Wombles? Many are tipping them to go straight back down but that just wouldn’t be romantic would it. It’s not in the script. I firmly belief they will adjust to life in the Football League quickly and a mid-table finish is well within their reach.

That leaves me with one question. What does the next nine years have in store for the new Crazy Gang?