Council Back Potential AFC Wimbledon Move To Merton

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Deadline looms for fans' survey

AFC Wimbledon have been given the unanimous backing of Merton Council should they plan to move back into the borough.

The council's vote of support comes as the deadline approaches for Wimbledon fans to complete a survey on the future direction of the club.

The fans-owned club now plays in Kingston, where it shares its Kingsmeadow ground with Kingstonian.

The Blue Square Premier League club is now asking fans to vote on its future direction. They have been asked to prioritise six options. They are:

Option A: Sell the club to a rich owner who can fast-track the club to the Premier League
Option B: Keep the club fan-owned and based in Kingston
Option C: Build a club in Merton in partnership with Merton Council and an outside investor
Option D: Stay a fan-owned club, but find a small ground in Wimbledon with expansion potential
Option E: Find the best possible expansion site somewhere within south-west London
Option F: Work with Kingstonian and Kingston Council to develop the current ground.

The ballot paper is open to anyone with an interest in the club, not just members of the Dons Trust, and needs to be returned by Saturday February 5. The club will be collecting them at their home match against Fleetwood Town. To download one, click here.

Merton Council will be looking on the result with interest, following a unanimous vote earlier this week to support Wimbledon moving back into the borough. Plans to move the club back to their spiritual home of Wimbledon are not being ruled out.

Councillor Martin Whelton, Cabinet member for Community and Culture, said: "They do want to have a larger ground, especially if they get into the Football League. They have been a huge success story and Merton is very proud of AFC Wimbledon.

"We will wait to see the outcome of the survey, which will give some steerage. We will work with AFC Wimbledon to identify a suitable location. There are potential possibilities in the borough. Wimbledon itself is not impossible if the motivation and the desire is there".

Conservative Spokesman on Community and Culture, Councillor Samantha George added: "Local Conservatives are keen to see the return of AFC Wimbledon to its roots in Merton.

"The club is well supported by its many fans in this Borough and beyond, and I am delighted that Merton Council has shown it wants to see AFC Wimbledon find a permanent base here in its spiritual home. This is particularly important at a time when the club is actively considering its future."

Which option gets your vote? Why not comment on our forum?

February 4, 2011