May 2001
31/05/2001
Today was the first day of the Disney Kids Awards at The Fairfield Halls Croydon and apparently a good time was had by all. It's open from 9am on Friday so dont forget to go along and meet Gareth and the Womble.It's reported that Dean Holdsworth has been offered a new contract by promoted Bolton so it may end any chance we had of him returning to the Dons.Another player we are rumored to be close to signing is Blackpool's 20 year old Adam Nowland reports in the Blackpool area suggest that a deal has been done with Wimbledon for an "un-named player" and is just subject to a medical.Congratulations to Michael Hughes who has been made captain for this weekends Northern Ireland vs Bulgaria match. One player who will miss this game is Mark Williams who is out due to suspension. Mark has also had an operation on his nose which has given him problems since he broke it away at Birmingham.
30/05/2001
So with the play-off's now over next season we wont have to go to Bolton in the league but expect to draw them in the cup! and we play European football when we go to Warsaw :).Rumours are strongly linking us with a move for Darren Caskey of Reading seems to make even more sense as they failed to get promoted and Dean Holdsworth who is on a free transfer.Just a reminder about the Disney Kids Awards that take place at The Fairfield Halls in Croydon on Thursday and Friday. You will get a chance to meet from Wimbledon Gareth Ainsworth and the new mascot.
29/05/2001
Sorry for the lack of updates over the last few days but I had a chance to get away and go to the South of France and see the Monaco Grand Prix. Had a brilliant time and will try and bring you up to date with everything thats been going on.Kenny Cunningham who is due to play for the Republic Of Ireland in their important match on Saturday against Portugal could be out as he currently has an injury.
24/05/2001
This weekend sees the play off finals in Cardiff and two of the matches are of interest to us. On Sunday afternoon Reading take on Poland's finest in a European theme game. If either Reading or Walsall get promoted it will mean a new ground for me to visit although I have been to Elm Park (Reading's old ground). On Monday Preston take on Bolton to see who goes up to the premiership next season.
23/05/2001
So any views on the season ticket prices? it might seam a bit confusing but as you can see next season it will be cheaper for adults with Kids to sit in the Whitehorse Lane end of the ground than any other. On the adult price a season ticket in most parts of the ground works out at under £10.00 per game.Neal Ardley has still not had an opportunity to sort out his contract and he departs on Holiday on Friday.Trond Andersen has been called up for Norway for their two world cup matches at the start of June.And congratulations to Wimbledon ladies for winning the Ladies Surrey Senior Cup.
22/05/2001
The season ticket prices have now been announced and are shown below.
| Stand |
Rate |
D.Box |
EX/CL |
M.Stand |
Family |
White Horse |
Homesdale |
A
D
U
L
T
S |
Full |
£750 |
£450 |
£320 |
£210 |
£210 |
£210 |
| July 1st |
£900 |
£570 |
£420 |
£260 |
£260 |
£260 |
| 23 Games |
£1,150 |
£805 |
£575 |
£345 |
£345 |
£345 |
| Best Save |
£400 |
£355 |
£255 |
£135 |
£135 |
£135 |
C
O
N
C
E
S |
Full |
N/A |
£250 |
£180 |
£110 |
£110 |
£110 |
| July 1st |
N/A |
£350 |
£240 |
£140 |
£140 |
£140 |
| 23 Games |
N/A |
£460 |
£345 |
£207 |
£207 |
£207 |
| Best Save |
N/A |
£210 |
£165 |
£97 |
£97 |
£97 |
K
I
D
S |
Full |
N/A |
£250 |
£180 |
£50 |
£50 |
£110 |
| July 1st |
N/A |
£350 |
£240 |
£80 |
£80 |
£140 |
| 23 Games |
N/A |
£460 |
£345 |
£115 |
£115 |
£207 |
| Best Save |
N/A |
£210 |
£135 |
£65 |
£65 |
£97 |
The above figures are guideline's and in the event of an error the price quoted in the Season ticket Application form is valid.
21/05/2001
So the reason that Mick Harford left us was due to the fact that Terry Burton wanted to make him Assistant Manager and no longer involved with day to day training of the players. Mick didn't want this and therefore he left the club. He says he has enjoyed his time with the Dons at all levels.With Mick's departure most of the coaching staff have all moved up a place in the ladder. Stuart Robson becomes head coach, Ernie Tippett reserve manager and Carlton becomes Manager of the under 19's. The job of Under 17 manager is passed to Gary smith who was previously coach of the Under 15's and Under 16's. To a large extent this does all make sense as in most cases it's a case of the coaches remaining with the lads they were involved with last season.With robbie Earle's retirement from playing he has been made an ambassador of the club what this means hasn't been announced yet but as soon as it is known I will provide information here.With the School Holidays here soon the kids have a chance to meet Gareth Ainsworth and The Womble at the Disney Kids Awards, Fairfield Halls in Croydon on Thursday 31st May and Friday 1st June. For more information contact the club on 020-8771-2233. And if you do contact them say your saw the news on "It Must Be Dons.com"
20/05/2001
With just the play-offs left now in the English season we may find that for the next few weeks news on the Dons may dry up but if their is any about I will be sure to report it here.In the next week we will have the news on season tickets with regards to prices. We already know about the cheap kids tickets and also the availability of season tickets in the Whitehorse Lane end of the ground.Also over the next few weeks I will be doing a report of the season on a month by month basis.One transfer rumour that has come up today is that Millwall could well be after Matty Lockwood of Leyton Orient. As you will know we have also been tracking him but with Orient involved in the play-off finals next weekend I would be surprised if anything happens this week.
19/05/2001
Last day of the premiership today with Liverpool finishing off a brilliant season to come third well done.As mentioned a little while ago I have added up all the votes that I have still got a record of (I lost some of them) for the man of the match votes and this gives us a final result as follows: -
Trond Andersen 174 12.28%
Gareth Ainsworth 154 10.87%
Patrick Agyemang 121 8.54%
Kelvin Davis 112 7.90%
Jason Euell 103 7.27%Well done to Trond I will add more players as the days go on.
18/05/2001
Busy day so where do we start? Lets start with a bit of news that will be sad for the majority of Dons fans. Carl Leaburn has been released by the Dons after 4 years with the club. Carl was a top guy and although his appearence and goals were limited some great memories will stay with us 3-0 away at Palace he almost had a hat-trick buy had to settle for only two goals. Couple of weeks latter at The Dell he rounded a stranded keeper to give us a 1-0 victory and secure our place in the premiership that season. Respected by everyone at the club he will also be a loss as he was the club's PFA rep any way all the best Carl.Also released was Jonathan Hunt this year hasn't quite worked out for him but once again all the best.When players leave their must also be new deals in the offering and the following news is just brilliant Kelvin Davis and Kenny Cunningham have both signed new 5 year deals. Many fans feared that Kenny could be a target this summer to premiership clubs but this shows what he's all about. The guy just wants to play football he doesn't have an agent and doesn't have sponsorship endorsements like most international players. Cheers Kenny and Kelvin I am looking forward to next season already.Season Tickets - No confirmed prices yet but how about this Dons fans at both end's of the ground. Next season the Whitehorse lane end will be available for season ticket holders and also non members and if you are under 16 next season you can get a season ticket for £50.00 that works out at under £2.20 a game.
17/05/2001
While most players were think of being on a sunny beach I would imagine that Kenny Cunningham's summer was made when he was called up for Republic Of Ireland's summer world cup matches that include a huge home game against Portugal.All though not confirmed yet it is also likely that Trond and Mark (Williams) will be called up to play for their countries although Mark is suspended for the first game.Tonight is 2nd leg play-off games in Division one with Bolton vs West Brom (2-2 from first leg) and Preston vs Birmingham (0-1 from first leg). Last night Walsall and Reading made it though to the 2nd division final reading were 1-0 down with 8 minutes left.Any football fan couldn't have failed to have enjoyed Wednesday night's UEFA Cup final with Liverpool winning 5-4 in Extra Time an incredible game and anyone who doubted the ability of Alaves were caught out.
16/05/2001
As mentioned previously Darren Caskey is on the list of players that Terry Burton would like to bring in. Darren Caskey is in action tonight for Reading in their 2nd leg of their Play-off semi final he is also quoted by his agent "Mr Eric Hall" as saying "Darren wants to join The Dons once his contract runs out next month".Matthew Booth the central Defender we had on trial is believed to have been released by the Dons.When was the last time you heard The Dons mentioned in a UEFA Cup Final well tonight we got two mentions as Alaves of Spain take on Liverpool in the final. Alaves have shot through the ranks of Spanish Football and tonight will wear Blue a reference to the fact that we wore Blue back in 88 was also made. :)On Tuesday night I got home to a package from icons.com and the Shirt worn by Trond in our cup games has been sent to me. If you didn't know it was up for auction for NSPCC and I was successful in the bidding against a number of well known Dons. All I can say is as a Long sleeve white shirt signed by Trond it will take pride of place in my collection, Cheers Trond.
15/05/2001
The reserves finished their season with a 2-2 draw in terrible conditions on Monday night at Leicester. The Dons goals were from Lionel Morgan and Joel McAnuff.The pre-season games have been announced and are as follows :- Barnet (a) 27/7/2001
Northampton (a) 28/7/2001
Brentford 3/8/2001
Colchester 4/8/2001 Mick Harford has been confirmed at joining Luton and I wish him all the best.Today's Sun newspaper had news that Stalle Stolbaken has been forced to retire after his heart attack earlier in the year . My best wishes go to him.
14/05/2001
The 14th May a date that has had some high points and also some low points. From Wembley in 1988 to Southampton in 2000 looking back it seems so long ago that we were travelling home in a despondent manner after relegation last season but looking at it I think that it has done us good.In the past year we have seen some brilliant young players come through who we may not have seen if we had stayed in the premiership. We have been to some brilliant places and re-learnt about football (well I have). It's time to move on and already we are looking forward to next season.First date for your Diary Monday 25th June 2001 first of training for the Dons like last season the Boys will be back a full week before most of the other teams in the division and if they have all followed their training plans they should have no problem getting back into the swing of things.Terry Burton hopes to bring in a few players during the summer just to make sure that we are on full power for the new season. Some of the names mentioned in the past include Jermaine Darlington from Queens Park Rangers and Darren Caskey from Reading.
13/05/2001
The result of the poll "Who is the worst team we have played this season in division one?" is given below: -54 Votes 27% Q.P.R
40 Votes 20% Palace
35 Votes 18% Sheffield Wed
15 Votes 8% Tranmere
13 Votes 7% Birmingham, Fulham
8 Votes 4% Stockport
3 Votes 2% Burnley
2 Votes 1% Huddersfield, Blackburn, Preston, Sheffield Unt & Crewe
1 Votes 1% West Brom, Watford, Barnsley, Wolves, Gillingham, Portsmouth & Norwich
Bolton, Forest and Grimsby didn't get any votesI have added a new poll on how do you rate Terry Burton's first year in charge?
12/05/2001
Nice to see Blue and Yellow on the FA Cup :) Congratulations to Liverpool on winning it.So the result of the last Man Of The Match is given belowRob Geir 11 votes 41%
Mark Williams 4 votes 15%
Neal Ardley 4 votes 15%
Andy Roberts 2 votes 7%
Lionel Morgan 2 votes 7%
Peter Hawkins 2 votes 7%
Trond Andersen 1 vote 4%
Jason Euell 1 vote 4% Thanks to Everyone that has voted this season I will try and add up all the votes that I have to see how all the players got on.The leader of Merton Council has hit out following comments by Charles Koppel and Terry Burton over the Stadium issue he says "I have my own challenge for Mr Koppel, Stop just talking about your stadium, but develop practical plans to obtain land capable of development. The council will do everything it can to help the club, but is not prepared to take the blame for inaction by the club or plans to move elsewhere" lets hope that this just a little bit of messing around and we wont end up with a situation where neither side will talk to each other.
11/05/2001
As the season ends a group of seven lads will just want summer to fly as they have signed "scholar" contracts for next season they are Jerome Boyce, Jamie Slater, Ben Harding, Danny Morgan, James Deacon, John Burwood and Shola Oyedele. The Scholars are the new names for the old style "Youth Training Scheme" players and now it's a 3 year programme aimed at making them professional footballers.8pm tonight (Friday) see's Carl Leaburn, Gareth Ainsworth, Rob Gier, David Nielsen and Robbie Earle on Nickleodeon talking about "Showing Racism The Red Card".
10/05/2001
And just when you thought the season was over get ready for the pre-season games the first rumored one is on Saturday 28th July away at Northampton.Congratulations to Lionel Morgan and the reserves who on Wednesday night finished off their last home game of the season with a 4-0 victory. Special praise goes to Lionel who got a hat-trick in the game.Mick Harford has left the club after being with the club for over 5 years. Mick started with the Dons as a player and moved on to the coaching side where he looked after the reserves and also was first team coach for a while. I cant imagine that Mick will be out of football for long and it wouldn't surprise most people if he ended up back at Luton. All the best Mick.
09/05/2001
The reserves are in action tonight against Nottingham Forest and at Half time the score is 2-0 to The Dons.Kelvin Davis has been interviewed by the official site and some of what he said is shown below."Itās been a good season for me and after a year of watching and waiting when Neil Sullivan was here I was pleased that the manager decided to make me the number one goalkeeper at the club," "Although I was always confident of my ability, I would be lying to say that I had absolutely no nerves at the start of the season, I did, but once the first game was out of the way I settled down and felt fine" "What we need to do is to hit the ground running at the start and get off to a good start so we can build on what we have achieved this year"
08/05/2001
Thought the season was over? well not yet guys and girls. Tuesday and Wednesday the players were due to report to Terry Burton to have individual meetings with him to discuss how this season went. I would also imagine that some sort of summer training program would be suggested to make sure that they dont come back at the start of July looking like the Mascot on Sunday.And if you still want to watch some football, on Wednesday night the reserves play their last game at Sutton of the season. The visitors are Nottingham Forest and Kick Off is 7:30pm.The Man Of The Match vote for the Norwich game is still open please click below to vote.
07/05/2001
So the winner of the "It Must Be Dons" player of the season was1st - Mark Williams 37% 2nd - Kelvin Davis 24% 3rd Trond Andersen and Jason Euell. 10% Other players that did well were Gareth Ainsworth, Neal Ardley and Kenny Cunningham. Thanks to everyone that voted.I presented Mark with the trophy after the Norwich game and he was very much impressed and proud to be given the award and although he still has two years left on his contract he would like to extend that and "Finish his playing days at the Dons".Just for the record I never vote in any of the polls on my site but if I had to select a player it would have been Mark, once again congratulations.
06/05/2001
So a 0-0 drawn in a typical end of season game against Norwich.Meanwhile off the pitch Charles Koppel addressed the fans after the game and said their would be no merger with Queens Park Rangers and that within the next two months their would be a statement from the club and Merton council regard the possibility of us returning home to Merton.The Man Of The Match Poll for the Norwich gam is now up and running please click below to vote.Today see's the last game of the season against Norwich at Selhurst Park and it would be nice to sign off with a win.The result of the Huddersfield Man Of The Match is as follows: -Gareth Ainsworth 15 votes 65%
Jason Euell 3 votes 13%
Mark Williams 2 votes 9%
Kelvin Davis 1 vote 4%
Andy Roberts 1 vote 4%
Wayne Gray 1 vote 4% Thanks to everyone that voted and a new vote will open after the Norwich game tonight.If you cant make the game today (kick off 13:30) you can listen to the commentary via Virtuetv.com to listen click here
05/05/2001
Dont forget that Sunday's game starts at 1:30. The game is also Kids For A Quid day and will see the Dons Mascot unveiled so if you fancy seeing some football come along.The Dons have no injury worries for Sunday's game but once again we could see a few of the youngsters get a run out.The Player of the year vote is now closed and I will be announcing the winner after Sunday's game against Norwich once the Trophy has been presented to the Winner.
04/05/2001
So what's happened today? It would appear that the chances of the Wimbledon, QPR buy out is almost certainly off the cards now. Chris Wright (QPR - Chairman) is now saying that he is not interested in anything the fans dont want! While Stan Bowles the ex footballer and now obviously looking for a Sun pay day spoke complete rubbish in today's paper.A petition has been set up to show that we are against any plans for a merger to sign it click here.On Wednesday night the reserves played at Watford but lost 3-2.The Man Of The Match vote for the Huddersfield game is still open if you wish to vote please click below.It is now officially 10 years since a Home Game on the 4th May 1991 we played our last game at Plough Lane (a 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace) As the t-shirt I am currently wearing saysPlough Lane SW19
Gone But Not Forgotten It quite Ironic with everything going on that things should happen on this anniversary.
03/05/2001
No real additional news at the moment but it appears that both clubs are trying to calm the situation down by saying that fans will be consulted before anything progresses.It would appear that they have been caught on the hop by how quick fans can react to major news. Today both Wimbledon and QPR fans have appeared on various TV and Radio pro grammes and more is sure to follow.Mark Williams has updated his site to say how shocked and against the proposal he is.Also against it is Wycombe Manager Lawrie Sanchez he says "I think if the fans are to decide then we all know what the answer would be - don't we?"The season ends on Sunday and with us out of the running for the play off's the chances of any media coverage in the next few days has gone or so I thought before getting on the bus this morning before work. As I got to the upper deck I saw the back page of "The Sun" and their headline caught my eye. "Dons and QPR to merge" without a copy of the paper it was difficult to tell if it was a "story" or there was any details to it and after purchasing my copy it seems that it's a bit more to it than some guess work.So what is claimed? From the start of next season a mergered Wimbledon and Queens Park Rangers team would play at Loftus Road in Division one. No name has been decided on yet but "The Sun" suggested "Quimbledon". Although current league rules state that any merged team would go into the lower team's division (Queens Park Rangers were relegated from Division One this season) the move is technically a buy out and therefore Division One status will remain.How did it come about? QPR are in Administration and are desperate for someone to purchase the club or they are likely to go out of Business very soon after a board meeting on Tuesday afternoon an unnamed director of QPR informed "The Sun" about the plans. This afternoon their is a scheduled Football League Board meeting and it is believed that this point will be discussed one of the results of this is that if it does go ahead Division Two will have one less club and therefore promotion and relegation issues will need to be sorted.If this is allowed to happen it will be the first of many clubs and will be a shame the identities of two major London Clubs will be removed from the map.In an official Statement released by Wimbledon FC Chairman he says: - "Contrary to the story in the Sun this morning, no agreement to merge Wimbledon with QPR has been reached. We have been approached by QPR and while discussions regarding the idea of a possible merger have taken place, were alise that no agreement could ever be reached without consulting our supporters first." He goes on to say "Clearly we are all upset about the story in the Sun. I strongly believe and maintained throughout the discussions that an issue like this must be discussed with supporters before appearing in the media" and finally "We are committed to exploring all available options for strengthening the club on and off the pitch. We continue to work extremely hard to find a proper home ground for the future."Is this likely to happen? I'm sorry to say I think it will but we sure will fight for everything we can.
02/05/2001
With our season all but over attention tonight turns to a small matter of a game involving Portsmouth and Crystal Palace which will see Palace Relegated if they lose.The reserves were due to be in action at sutton tonight but due to water hogs on the pitch the game has been switched to Watford, if I get any scores I will update on here.Once again last night Mark Williams came off the pitch with stitches above his eye after another clash.Last nights draw means that we have failed to win any of our midweek games at Selhurst this season. if we are looking at where the points that cost off the play-offs have gone it could be here.
01/05/2001
A typical end of season game tonight where a team who has nothing to play for plays a team looking for points, the result a 1-1 draw that should see Huddersfield safe.Quite a few changes tonight in the team with Kenny Cunningham, Trond Andersen, Neal Ardley and Kevin Cooper missing from the side but great to see Lionel Morgan get on from the bench.The result of the Fulham Man Of the match is as follows: -Rob Geir 17 votes 45%
Kevin Cooper 6 votes 16%
Darren Holloway 5 votes 13%
Kelvin Davis 3 votes 8%
Kenny Cunningham 3 votes 8%
Trond Andersen 2 votes 5%
Andy Roberts 2 votes 5% A new poll is now open for the Huddersfield game click below to vote.
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