AFC Wimbledon

[Guest]

Once upon a time I was outraged at the way the Football League treated the rest of the football world, denying successive promotion positions to several Conference winners on the most spurious of grounds.

 

Now it appears that Non-league clubs and Leagues are just as bad with arbitrary grading issues, non-sensical deadlines and what appears to be a total lack of vision. The Unibond League last season typified much of that and others have been just as guilty.

 

AFC Wimbledon is clearly an exceptional circumstance brought about by an unprecedented (and wrong) decision by the Football League. It deserves to succeed. Any club voting against them should be ashamed of themselves. I trust Canvey was not one of them but if it transpires they were I shall not be visiting Park Lane this season.

[Guest]

Last night there was an 87% vote in favour of admitting the new football club AFC Wimbledon to Ryman division 2. Sadly this wasn’t a big enough majority. I gather that the vote needed a 95% majority because there had been less than 21 days notice of the club’s application. I understand the voting system was quite complicated with the votes of some clubs being pooled, rather than the system being one club, one vote. But however it was done, it seems a few clubs voted against AFC Wimbledon joining. I – and most other Wimbledon fans – are incredibly angry at this. The League’s management committee had recommended accepting us; all the right boxes were ticked – we had the required financing, membership of the London FA; a limited company to provide the right corporate structure; a ground share at Kingstonian, and a manager and playing staff lined up. Yet a handful of club chairmen saw fit to turn down the income from gate receipts, programmes and beer money that would have been generated by 1,000 Dons fans coming to Ryman division 2 clubs. Frankly, I’m appalled and dismayed. Is the Ryman League scene so vibrant and financially healthy that clubs can afford to turn their nose up at this? Especially when there are spare places going in the League and no other club would have been prevented from joining? If you can shed any light on who voted against us – whether it was your club or any other – I’d like to hear from you as we clearly have some lobbying to do. Feel free to e-mail me at ianpollock@beeb.net. Best wishes, Ian Pollock.

[.Ian]

Hi Mcct,

 

Having spoken to our club secretary and whilst we cannot comment on the voting of other clubs at this meeting and on this issue. We can state that Canvey Island F.C. voted IN FAVOUR of accepting Wimbledon AFC into the league. Our club never forgets its roots and how hard it is to succeed at this level.

[CANV EFM]

great we are in the clear.. lets have a witch hunt

[.Ian]

Ironically if they go into the Combined Counties league, and win it next season, they will go into the Ryman Division 1 the season after, and could then be in the Ryman Premier ayear later.

 

Exactly the same as if they were to have gone into the 2nd division. So if those teams that voted against were afraid of the competition, then they might not have a lot of choice anyway.

 

Let's hope by the time they reach the Ryman Premier, we are pushing for League status <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

[Guest]

Ian,

 

I am pleased to hear it. Thanks for the update.