Wimbledon? Everybody thinks Tennis and wealth – I immediately think of Vinnie Jones… | OneFootball

The Comedian and TV comedy writer Kevin Day interviewed Mick Buckley, the chairman of AFC Wimbledon, in a recent podcast that I listened to.

In the podcast, he thanked Newcastle United for their generosity in supporting AFC Wimbledon, when flash floods turned the Plough Lane pitch into a golf course.

The club later returned to their spiritual home after the damage was eventually repaired, though not until after the Carabao Cup match had to be switched to St James’ Park.

In the interview it becomes clear that Wimbledon football club represent the working class folk of that part of South West London, the club doing good work for the underprivileged population that is their hardcore support.

No surprise, as AFC Wimbledon are one of the very few clubs who are majority fan owned.

Say Wimbledon to anyone and immediately they will think of tennis and that wealthy quarter of London.

Mention Wimbledon to me and I think Vinnie Jones.

The first time I went to Plough Lane I travelled down from Nottingham and through the jungle telegraph, no mobile phones back then, I managed to meet all the lads before the game and was able to plan the afters.

Strange how we got by without technology back then and sensed where we needed to be and things worked out.

Gazza was famously grabbed by Vinnie Jones and we have that iconic photograph.

The toilet on the open terracing was a sheet of corrugated metal that you stood behind to urinate against. Worse than the Gallowgate bogs, believe it or not.

Next time I saw Wimbledon play was against Newcastle in the FA Cup fifth round. Quite soon after I believe.

Paid into the West Stand Paddock with my older sister and a few mates.

They were now called the Crazy Gang, as the media had created a thing. At the final whistle Mirandinha loses it and kicks out at a Wimbledon player. Huge disappointment all round as we fail to progress to the next round.

Wimbledon went on to beat Liverpool in the FA Cup final. Dave Beasant was handed the FA Cup by Princess Diana.

Ironically, it was her Great Uncle Earl Spencer who wanted to privatise Wimbledon Common.

If he had succeeded, Wimbledon Old Centrals would not have become Wimbledon FC.

The AFC Wimbledon golf course following the 2024 flooding

After these league and cup games in the 1987/88 season, summer ’88 saw Newcastle United attempt to buy success by purchasing Wimbledon players with the monies gained from the sale of Gascoigne, United buying Andy Thorn and Dave Beasant.

I saw Wimbledon play Newcastle United live at Selhurst Park, the South London club homeless after selling off Plough Lane for a housing development.

This is now the nineties and times had changed.

After a Friday night at Brixton‘s Substation South, me and a handful of Scottish mates who had crashed at mine are up for a game and a few recalibrating drinks.

Off to pay in at Selhurst Park it is and a grim 1-1 draw unfolds.

Wimbledon games were always rubbish but there was also always a strange relationship between us and them.

(AFC Wimbledon fans show their appreciation for the money and support from Newcastle United and their supporters)