Ahead of a crucial league tie against Gillingham this weekend, AFC Wimbledon will welcome some much-needed good news.
AFC Wimbledon manager Neal Ardley celebrates with the trophy after being promoted to Football League One
A return to their spiritual home, Plough Lane is on the cusp, hopefully the news will be enough to motivate a deflated AFC Wimbledon team who sit one place above the relegation zone.
AFC Wimbledon’s bid to build a new stadium has been cleared after Sajid Javid MP decided not to call in the club’s planning application.
Since the plans were first submitted 20 months ago they have been subject to much bureaucratic red tape and were even put on hold by former Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, who decided to review Merton Councils’s decision to approve the plans, as a result of grumbles from Wandsworth Council.
Although, when incumbent Mayor Sadiq khan was elected in May he decided to give ultimate ruling power to Merton Council.
The council chose to approve planning works at a meeting held on 15 September.
The Dons hope to return to their spiritual home ahead of the 2018/2019 season. Plans included the construction of over 600 residential homes and a new stadium, which capacity could eventually rise to 20,000.
Wimbledon fans
The Club’s Chief Executive said, quoted by the EFL website: “After so many years of exile, the Dons are coming home!”
AFC Wimbledon were formed in 2002 after a controversial decision by an independent commission gave permission to original club, Wimbledon FC to relocate to Milton Keynes, despite the Football League blocking the move twice.
Along with the move the club were re-branded and renamed MK Dons, while the old Plough Lane Stadium was turned into a residential area.
In response, AFC Wimbledon were formed in direct protest to the relocation and after beginning in the Combined County Leagues, Neil Ardley’s side made their League berth this season.
However, they are currently 20th in the league, so maybe this good news will be enough to reinvigorate the players.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
