Site produced by Paul Raymond and running since 1999

July 2000

31/07/2000
As you may well know I am off today on the pre-season tour of the south west.

I am not sure what quality of net access I will have between now and Saturday evening but the site will be being updated in someway or another. It may just be a case of checking the Message Board for information. On my return I will provide full reports and news from the tour. If anyone needs to e-mail me please contact me via the following address as I will have access via my wap phone itmustbedons@genie.co.uk

We have been linked with making a £1 million pound bid for Darren Caskey of Reading. Caskey i out of contract at the end of this season so Reading may elect to sell him now.

Can we expect any more developments on the Merson situation now that Ginola has moved to Villa? We shall await to see what happens during the week.

As you can see I have added a new poll to the site the last poll was an overwhelming "No people were not concerned about the current transfer dealings at the club". the full result was: Concerned 25 Votes 43%, Not Concerned 43 Votes 57%, Not Sure 7 Votes 9%

30/07/2000
I have added a brief Sutton report.

The News Of The World has us linked with a move for Tony Cottee they report that he is well down the list at Leicester and we want to replace Carl Cort.

29/07/2000
A couple of stories that have been reported elsewhere in the last few days have been summarised below:-

Neal Ardley

The following is from the Official Site, and Neal talks about relegation and the future he makes the following comments.
It took a while for me to get used to the fact that we were no longer in the Premiership as I have been here since I left school and sort of took for granted that I was a Premiership player. After coming back to training and seeing the optimism from the management, the staff and the owners you do get thinking that perhaps relegation may not be a bad thing. Especially as it has allowed us to regroup and bring some new faces in. The respect Terry Burton has from all the players is unreal. He and Stewart Robson are the best two coaches I have worked with the mood amongst everyone is excellent To be honest it is going to be nice going out at the start of the season aiming to finish as champions. In previous years our aim has been to survive in the Premiership with everything else being a bonus. It would be lovely to finish the season with the a piece of silverware and a great way to get back into the top flight.

Robbie Earle

Robbie wrote on Soccernet about his injury the link takes you to the full report but the following quotes brings it all home.
"At the time I had no idea about the events that would force me to spend nine weeks in hospital, when, at my lowest, I actually thought I could be dying. My wife Sandra was at the hospital every day and effectively moved up to Watford, which the club took care of. Many of the players and staff came to see me but all the time they were putting on brave faces. I was beginning to think I would never get back to a normal lifestyle. People's reactions to me kept playing on my mind. The doctors could only tell me it would be a long time until I was better and visitors would say I looked a lot better when I actually felt twice as bad. By the fourth week I had just had enough. Everything manifested itself one afternoon when I was told I had picked up an infection again and by this time I had lost four stones. My temperature had shot up and they started to pump in the heavy drugs again. There were a number of doctors and hospital staff around me, all doing something, trying to inject me, prodding away, pulling at tubes. Everything was closing in, it was like a surreal horror movie scene. I just told everyone to go and leave me alone for a couple of minutes. I had to get out of the bed that I had been confined to for the past four weeks. It was a sort of charge for freedom. I sat down on the floor, head in hands, not focusing on anything, and thought, 'This is it, this is what it must be like when it ends.' After eight weeks I was allowed to eat solids - a bowl of soup and a bread roll - and three spoonfuls filled me up because my stomach had shrunk that much.I will give it a good pre-season period of six to eight more weeks to see if I can get match fit. If I manage to get back I don't expect to play every game; if I can get 15 games before the end of the season I would be ecstatic. That would be a nice way to end my career.

On Monday of this week the FA held the hearing into Mick Harford's part of the Chelsea Tunnel Fiasco. The FA fined Mick £3,500 and warned him about any further incidents could see him in big trouble. I think from start to finish this has been one of the strangest hearings going but it is now all over, and we will never know what did go on.

28/07/2000
If/When Paul Robinson completes his move to the Dons today expect him to be given the number 19 Shirt on the Squad listing.

As ever Weird and Wonderful World has done it again with the News that Paul Robinson will sign today (Friday) he also has the first list of squad numbers for the club for the complete list click on the link but the main ones are 1) Kelvin Davies 7) Neal Ardley 17) Mark Williams 20) Ian Feuer 35) Lionel Morgan. Numbers 13, 19, 29, 30 34 have not been allocated as of yet.

I would like to wish Angie Smart all the best as today is her last day working for Wimbledon. Angie worked in Marketing and helped set up a lot of the sponsorship deals that have been done. cheers Angie wish you all the best.

27/07/2000
The Kingstonian's report has now been added check it out under the reports section.

Last night we won 2-1 with the goals from Neal Ardley. Alan Kimble missed a second half penalty when it was saved and pushed on to the bar by the K's keeper.

After the game spent the evening in the bar and would just like to say what top guy's Des Byrne and Mark Williams are they spent time chatting to Dons fans and hope to do well for us.

Also at the match was Chris Perry who once again shows that he is a fan of the club.

26/07/2000
The pre-Season game at Kingstonian's tonight should see the appearance of a few more of our youngsters I would imagine that Lionel Morgan would get a run out along with new signings Des Byrne and Mark Williams.

25/07/2000
Still no news on the Paul Robinson front the official site hasn't posted the story but it is believed that Paul Robinson is still considering his move to the Dons.

On Wednesday night you have two chances to see the Dons in action. The second pre-season game will take place against Kingstonian's kick off is 19:45 while for those of you that might not be able to get to the game and have access to Sky Sports will be able to watch the London Masters which is a veterans 6 a-side competition.

24/07/2000
Went to the training ground today and wow what a nice place it is huge grounds loads of pitches of every sport going.

There seemed a really good atmosphere all round and at one point the keepers gave Herman a kicking due to the fact h was interrupting their training when he should of been getting fit with Steve Allen following his operation.

One face that it was good to see down there was John Goodman who helps out a few days a week and is in the process of becoming a Physio.

Is the Robinson deal off? The Official site have a story (not up yet) that Paul Robinson has elected to stay in Newcastle partly due to the cost of living in the South. There was a family of North East people down the training ground today but no sign of Paul.

23/07/2000
Sorry for the lack of updates today but I went to Paris for the day. From what I can gather not a lot has gone on.

Terry Burton made a comment at the Meet The Manager session along the lines of that if players didn't give 100% they would not be selected.

On Monday I will be going to the Training Ground so there should be plenty to report back on.

22/07/2000
The Dons managed a 1-0 victory over Sutton in there first pre-season match the goal was scored after about 15 minutes of the second half by Ansah Owusu. The match it's self was a typical first run out with know one really impressing full report Sunday.

Following the game Terry Burton faced the fans to answer various questions this went down really well and Terry praised the support from the end of last season and also the turnout today. Couple of major stories the Club Shop has been confirmed as being the "Scope" Charity shop on Wimbledon Broadway and the i's are being Dotted and the T's crossed prior to it being re-fitted ready to open. The Club also will have a presence at Selhurst in the form of the old Travel Shop by the Whitehorse lane end of the ground.

Season Ticket sales were targeted at 3,000 but we have sold about 4,000 so the club are happy that their expectations have been passed. Full report on Sunday

A Saturday morning where at 3pm today our beloved Dons will take the field for the first pre-season game of the new season. The new Kit is on and they say today is going to be the hottest day of the year so far there is a real special buzz about the first time you see the Dons play after th summer break and today is no different.

Following the game it is our chance to talk to Terry Burton and ask him questions.

21/07/2000
So the first two signings have been made 29 year old defender mark Williams from Watford and Des Byrne who played for Stockport last season he is an Republic Of Ireland Under 18 international.

Paul Robinson is having talks with his family to discuss if he should move to London so this could well go through at the early part of next week.

Also linked today was Darren Caskey who is at Reading and is a midfielder.

Saturday see's the long awaited Sutton match followed by Meet the Manager I will of course be providing a full report of the match and meet the manager day but if you cant reach the game and want to be kept up to date with team news and scores check out the "Dons On The Road" Section of wisa where I will be able to send sms details to the site.

20/07/2000
The Rumours about Paul Merson just continue with one of them being that he will sign on Friday in a £3.5 million deal.

John Hartson who is a good mate of Merson's is well in favour of him joining and talking about the end of last season has said the following "We want to get back as soon as we can, we don't want to be stuck down here for two, three or four years we have the players we must now produce the goods - we let down the supporters, ourselves and everyone at the club and now we must get back up."

Below is a nice MP3 file that I have been sent with regards to the new Magnum Ice Cream that has just been launched. click on the Magnum below to here the file (Size 320kb)

Aston Villa have rejected a bid of �3 million pounds for Paul Merson but to add a bit of spice to the story Paul Merson has said that he would be interested in a move to Wimbledon and he thinks that he has played his last game for Villa.

Sources in Newcastle report that we have agreed a �1 million pound bid for Paul Robinson a 21 year old striker. He is believed to be in a London Hotel trying to agree terms.

19/07/2000
Following the news That Bjorn hopes to be at the Sutton game on Saturday he has told the Evening Standard about one of the eight players on Terry Burton's Shopping List. The player concerned is Paul Merson we can all speculate about the other seven but I would imagine that they include Jermaine Darlington, Jason Roberts, Paul Merson, Michael Thomas and Tony Adams.

The prices for the game on Saturday are believed to be �10, �7 and �4. I would presume that this is adult, OAP and kids but I have not had any of these details confirmed.

Thursday night is MCTS night as ever so I may see you in the Prince Of Wales.

18/07/2000
Kenny Cunningham will miss the pre-season games following an operation that he had about 6 weeks ago. He hopes to be fit for the Tranmere game.

For people going to Sutton there are road works in Gander Green Lane so parking may be restricted.

Players that should be on Display on Saturday include John Hartson, Marcus Gayle, Neal Ardley and new signing Ian Feuer will give Dons fans a first glimpse of his talents. Also expecting to be involved are three players currently on trial with the club - Ian Selley and Michael Thomas and Australian-born left-back Marcus Stergiopoulus

Due to essential maintenance on Wednesday afternoon from about 4pm some area's of my site may be unavailable full service will be resumed as soon as possible.

17/07/2000
Lets get the show on the road then This Saturday Wimbledon play their first pre-season game at Sutton United Kick Off 3pm let's show the Boys how up for it we are and take everyone along to watch the game and as an added bonus stay for the Question and Answer session with Terry Burton afterwards for more information click here.

A Common question about the Sutton game is what is the parking like? There is a fairly large car park at the ground but there will also be street parking in the surrounding streets otherwise you can get the train from Wimbledon (Platform 9) to West Sutton.

Michael Thomas is meant to be very close to completing his deal to sign for the Dons and the stories of Tony Adams at the Dons continue.

One other player we were linked with over the weekend was Jason Roberts of Bristol Rovers. He is valued at �2 million.

16/07/2000
I have added a new poll with the question being "Are you concerned with Wimbledon's Current transfer activity?" please vote and leave comments if you wish.

The Result of the last poll was as follows :-
Was the Sale Of Cort and Thatcher good Business?
[78 votes total]
Yes (65) 83%
No (8) 10%
Not Sure (5) 6%

Most people said that they thought that Cort was a brilliant deal and the fact that Thatcher only had a year left on his contract we were right to take the money.

I have just set-up a page with the first lot of pictures from Margate there will be more to follow but check out Margate 2000

Terry Burton has been interviewed in the Sunday Mirror today. It's a good interview and can be read here

Right quick update before I go to bed.

Charlton are being lined up to bid for Jason Euell following them not getting don Hutchinson.

Yesterday was a brilliant day at Margate Full report and Pictures and Video to be uploaded later in the day.

15/07/2000
Efe Sodje may not be training with the Dons any more so any chance of signing him may have gone.

14/07/2000
As reported on Wednesday Walid Badir has left the club in a �250,000 deal and signed for Maccabi Haifa.

Full report on the Away Day on Sunday morning may see you in Margate.

13/07/2000
The club have confirmed that the Meet the Manager day will be following the Sutton game on Saturday week (22/7/2000). It will be held in the hall behind Sutton's ground and should start at about 5:30 both coaching staff and players should be in attendance and questions will be asked by fans about the club and the season.

It is reported that Michael "It's Up for Grabs Now" Thomas has signed for the Dons following him being released from his contract with Benfica.

MCTS tonight from 7:30 in the Prince Of Wales pub in Wimbledon so I may see you there.

John Hartson has been fined �5,000 for the incident at Bradford City but no additional ban was imposed.

Saturday see's the long awaited Wimbledon Football Free Away Day where a bunch of Wimbledon Fans are going to Margate for the day in Wimbledon Shirts and just have a top day out. For anyone wanting to go we are planning to get the 11:05 train from Victoria to Margate and will be leaving Wimbledon Station at 10:00 so if you want to meet us there please do.

12/07/2000
Walid Badir has been linked with a move back to Israeli Club Maccabi Haifa although Terry Burton wants him to stay with the Dons.

For people awaiting season tickets these are usually sent out about a week before the season starts.

Gareth Ainsworth has been interviewed on Zoofootball.com click here to read what he has to say.

11/07/2000
John Hartson has confirmed that he is happy at the Dons and does not want to move.

I have added a new poll to most pages with the Question being was the Cort and Thatcher Sale good business? Please vote and add any comments that you wish. I have not put it on all pages yet but it is on most.

Question have been asked about buying pre-season match tickets up front all matches will be available on the day but just get to the local games early.

10/07/2000
So the protracted on off transfer of Thatcher to Spurs has now been completed. I would like to thank Ben for the his time with the Dons and hope he gets his dream of playing for England as he should of this season.

There has been a lot of worry that following the news that the club shop had shut at Selhurst that their wouldn't be anywhere to purchases merchandise at Selhurst. I have been advised by the club that they hope to be selling stock at Selhurst in the new season.

Jason Euell has had his request to leave the Dons granted but only once a bid that we class as being suitable is made. At present no bid has been made from any club.

Porto are believed to be interested in signing Andreas Lund currently on loan to Molde. Lund scored for Molde against Porto in the Champions League last season but the Dons would want atleast what we paid for him back.

09/07/2000
Jason Euell has been linked with a move to Leeds. David O'Leary has said he will decide by the end of the week if he wants to purchase Euell.

Marcus Gayle has informed the Jamaican FA that he is no longer available to play for the national team due to the fact that this season there are more domestic games and Jamaica have there World Cup qualifying campaign which would of meant a lot of trip over to the Caribbean. Originally he would have missed 90% of pre-season training due to him being over there from now till the end of the month.

In today's papers we have been linked with Lee Dixon, Lee Sharpe and Lee Mills anyone spot the link here? Sharpe and Mills are linked in the �1.5 million range.

For people that are interested the new training ground is off Priory Lane to see a map of the location click here

08/07/2000
I went down the training ground today this could well be the last time I see the first team at Richardson Evans as from Monday Week (17/7/2000) they are moving to the Bank Of England sports centre in Roehampton.

Most of the players seemed in good spirits with one playing making a comment about the Tranmere game of "We will spank them".

Training today consisted of running round a track that was made on the pitches behind where they normally train. If you know the area it is where the Rugby pitches are.

This week there have been two sessions a day except for Friday when they had one with the second one being today. Next Week there will two sessions a day, to make sure that they are all fully fit for the start of the season.

While Weird & Wonderful World has listed most of the players that are currently on trial with the Dons he failed to mention that also on trial is ex-Arsenal player Ian Selly.

07/07/2000
Now lets get this right Spurs turned down Hartson after he failed a medical and now they are unsure about Thatcher and the deal that was signed and delivered now seems not a straight forward. Thatcher had a medical at 11am on Friday but an ankle injury showed up, is this the ankle injury that kept him out of the back end of last season and has just about healed? Spurs were due to perform another medical to see if the deal could be completed but will Ben want to complete it now that they have made him look like an injured player? More will come out on this over the next 24 hours.

Following the news that the Crystal Palace game is on the 8th October I have now been informed that the Watford Away game has been moved from 1st January 2001 to 2nd January 2001.

06/07/2000
So it looks like Thatcher will complete his move to Spurs for �5 million by the time you read this.

The Crystal Palace Away Game has been moved for Sky TV to October 8th with a 1pm Kick Off.

My story the other day about "Mike Lee" appears to have been incorrect the Don's Fan Mike Lee currently works for the Premier League and another Mike Lee works for the FA.

Just one final note Congratulations to Ricko anyone who knows him will know why but well done mate. :-)

05/07/2000
Sky Sports News is reporting that Carl Cort has signed a 5 year deal with Newcastle with the Dons being paid �7 million. While Carl scored quite a few goals last season some people questioned his attitude towards the club in the final months of the season.

Trond Andersen has apparently said he now wishes to remain with the Dons.

It would appear that we have signed Efe Sodje who is known best for the fact that when playing football he wears a bandanna. For more information check Soccerbase.com

04/07/2000
After the news the other week that the club shop at Selhurst Park was no longer being used the club have today announced that a new shop will be opened in Wimbledon High Street in the very near future. This is brilliant news and will further re-claim our identity in the Wimbledon area.

Spurs have apparently now officially made a �6 million pound bid for Carl Cort although Terry Burton has said that no one is going.

Robbie Earle has apparently signed a new 1 year deal that will also see him involved on the coaching side of things.

03/07/2000
First Day of training and while the official site reports that the club will be training at the Bank Of England ground all week and no one will be allowed to watch Marc Jones of Weird & Wonderful World managed to get the day off work and get all the news check his site for the details.

Our ex-coach and the person who's kit itmustbedons.com sponsored last years Lars Tjernaas has been appointed manager of Norwegian strugglers L/F Honefoss I have no doubt that Lars will be successful and wish him all the best at his new club.

More congratulations are due to Wimbledon Fan Mike Lee who was Communications person at the Premier League he has just been appointed UEFA Director of Communications.

Apologies to the fact that last years reports are not available at the moment I will sort the problem out and post on here once sorted.

02/07/2000
Robbie Earle returns to training on Monday but admits that he is still six weeks away from being able to undertake full training. He also starts talks this week for a new contract as he is now out of contract and on a week to week deal.

Very quite at the moment so I will give you a bit of a tour of the site. The link of the left side of the page for the 1999/2000 review is a different style of season review rather than just rewrite the match reports I have picked different events of the season to show what I thought of them. I have got quite a few people who want to be in the fans section so I will fire off some questions in the next day or so to get the section open.

Just In case you want to see what the old site looked like it can still be viewed here none of the sections will be being updated anymore but you can compare the two versions.

Teamtalk yesterday had Carl Cort being linked to Everton.

01/07/2000
All fairly quite at the moment although the players return to training on Monday so the action should start to hot up fairly soon.

Sorry about the problems with the scroll bar at the bottom of the page I have now fixed this.

So here goes the new look hope you like it please let me know your comments both good and bad about the site.

This site is currently zoofootball.com Cool unofficial site of the week. Check out their site to see what they had to say about my site.

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