AFC Wimbledon News Archive

Jul 2003.

Pre Season Friendlies 2003/2004
Date	Opposition (home/away)	Won Draw Lost	Dons	Opposition	Attendance
Wed 16th Jul 2003	Kingstonian (A)	Lost	0	2	1,417
Sat 19th Jul 2003	Dorchester Town (A)	Won	3	0	571
Goal Scorers Joe Sheerin (26,59), Danny Oakins (79)
Mon 21st Jul 2003	Hampton & Richmond Borough (A)	Lost	0	2	519
Wed 22nd Jul 2003	Leatherhead (A)	Draw	1	1	c800
Goal Scorers Kevin Cooper (35)
Sat 26th Jul 2003	Watford for the Millie Dowler Fund (H)	Lost	1	4	2,059
Goal Scorers Gavin Bolger (79)
Tue 29th Jul 2003 7.45pm	Carshalton Athletic Neil Robson Testimonial (A)	Won	4	1	1,000+-
Goal Scorers Ian Concannon 2 (47), (78), Lee Sidwell (71), Danny Oakins (75)
Wed 30th Jul 2003 7:30pm	Dulwich Hamlet (A) Jack Kennedy Cup	Lost	0	3	500+

Reserves Pre Season Friendlies 2003/2004
Date	Opposition (home/away)	Won Draw Lost	Dons	Opposition	Attendance
Sat 19th Jul 2003	Forest (A)	Won	2	0	50
Goal Scorers Lee Passmore (2) 1pen
Wed 30th Jul 2003	Dulwich Hamlet (A) Jack Kennedy Cup	Lost	0	3	331
Jul 26 (Phoenix Cup 1st Round) Wimbledon Common 10:30 am	Accrington never turned up played Colliers Wood instead	Lost	1	6	c40
Jul 27 Phoenix Cup Final Wimbledon Common 10:30 am	Maidstone	Lost	1	3	250

Wednesday 30 July 2003
Dulwich Hamlet 3 v AFC Wimbledon 0

It was always going to be hard for the Dons to top the display of last nights game and with only two recognisable 1st team player in the starting eleven Gavin Bolger and Ray Merry (who had to stand in at the last moment), the Dons where lucky to go in at half time 0-0.

In the 2nd half Dulwich brought on most of their 1st team and within nine mins took a 1-0 lead followed by another goal almost straight from the kick off 2-0, if it hadn't been for some poor shooting the score could have been even higher before they scored the 3rd on 98mins.

Goal Scorers -

Attendance c500

Tuesday 29 July 2003
Carshalton A 1 v AFC Wimbledon 4

Neil Robson started the game playing for his old team the Robins and the last 20 mins for the Dons.

The 1st half was spilt 50-50 on chances with Ray Merry making some good reaction saves to keep the game 0-0 at half time, the 2nd half was a total different game with new trailist Ian Concannon open the scoring on 47 mins with a shot hit so hard the ball hit the back goal support and came back out, only for the Robins to equalise within minutes with a fine strike from outside the box and the Robins could have gone 2-1 up moments late had it not been for another save by Ray Merry.

After that it was almost all the Dons on 71 mins Lee Sidwell chased down a backpass to the keeper, who kick it straight to Lee who slotted the ball pass the stranded keeper, the Dons could have had 3 or 4 more goals, before Danny Oakins head home the third on 75 mins, then three minutes later Darren Dobinson supplied another pin point cross to the head of Ian Concannon who powered the ball into the back of the net for his 2nd goal not a bad display for a trial.

Goal Scorers Ian Concannon 2 (47), (78), Lee Sidwell (71), Danny Oakins (75)

Attendance 1,000+

Tuesday 29 July 2003
Team news for Carshalton & Dulwich matches

Terry Eames has named two strongteams for both the Carshalton Athletic and the Dulwich Hamlet matches. First team players, reserve players and triallists will be mixed for both matches.

Tonight's match (Tuesday 29 July) away to Carshalton Athletic is to feature Matt Everard, Joe Sheerin, Simon Bassey, Lee Sidwell, and Sean Daly amongst others. As the game is Neil Robson's testimonial he will play for former club Carshalton in the first half and finish the game playing for AFC Wimbledon. Also on display will be triallist Ian Colcannon. Ian is a striker with an proven goalscoring record wherever he has played including former club AFC Wallingford.

Tomorrow's match away to Dulwich Hamlet (Wednesday 30 July) will feature Ryan Gray, Paul Quinn, Gavin Bolger, Jamie Angel and Steve Gibson

Wednesday 23 July 2003
Coach to Newport cancelled

Their will be no coach to the Newport game Saturday anyone wishing to travel by train can check the times here and directions to the ground on Newport site here.

Tuesday 29 July 2003
Lee Passmore Leaves

On the weird & wonderful world guestbook this yesterday Lee Passmore announced that he had left the club to read what he said click here.

Good Luck for the future Lee and thanks for all the solid perfomances last season.

Monday 28 July 2003
Fixture List for 2003-04 now up click here

Saturday 26 July 2003
AFC Wimbledon 1 v Watford XI 4

AFC Wimbledon played host to a Watford XI with the proceeds going to the Milly Dowler fund, the day started of with a new beer supplier in the ground resulting in a new stand name, the Grolsh Stand now bearing the advertising hordings of John Smith's, then 20 mins before kick off the wives and girlfriends of the players played a match against the lady supporters the result was a 4-0 win to the supporters.

The main game kick off a three and Watford had already had a a couple of chances to open the scoring before Kevin Cooper went off injuried after 5 mins, with some slack defending at the back Watfords speed up from became all to clear and withing 30mins the game as a a contest was over with the Dons three nil down.

The 2nd half was a bit less onesided especially when Noal Frankum came on, but in an ever increasing down pour Watford took a 4-0 lead from a well offside goal, then on 79 mins the 2,059 crowd saw a fine move finished off by Gavin Bolger to rocket the ball into the back of the net to make the final result 4-1.

Friday 25 July 2003
Watford friendly information

FOR the Milly Dowler game against Watford on Saturday, we will have the same catering arrangements as Kingstonian had for our recent friendly. Three mobile units - one serving drinks, one serving ice-cream, and one serving a variety of baguettes and burgers - will be outside the ground from midday. The food from these units got a very good reception at the Kingstonian match, and we hope you take full advantage of them on Saturday.

The programme for the match will be a special programme put together by Milly's Fund and priced at £1 - with all profits going to the fund.

Immediately before the game between AFC Wimbledon and Watford there will be a special ladies match.

At the Dons Trust Family Fun Day in May, a team of lady AFCW supporters beat a team of AFCW players' wives, girlfriends (and others associated with the club) by 3 goals to 1. The wives and girlfriends immediately challenged the supporters to a re-match and this is taking place at 2.40pm on Saturday, playing across the pitch at Kingsmeadow. The AFCW players' wives, girlfriends team is expected to include the partners of Danny Oakins, Kevin Cooper, Gavin Bolger and Andy Sullivan, plus Terry Eames's daughters and Lou Carton-Kelly.

After their match, while the men come out for the main game, the ladies will carry out a bucket collection for Milly's Fund. So, get into the ground early and show your appreciation of the ladies' match by contributing to the collection.

Wednesday 23 July 2003
Leatherhead 1 v AFC Wimbledon 1

Another solid performance from the Dons saw them take a 1st half lead, when on 25mins Kevin Cooper curled a fine shot into the Leatherhead goal, Leatherhead equalised a minute after the start of the 2nd half with a header from a corner.

The game could have gone either way with both Ray Merry and the Leatherhead keeper making some good reaction saves.

Final score 1-1 and the Maurren Woolridge Memorial will spend 6 months with each clubs.

Wednesday 23 July 2003
Coach to Newport

The club would like to run a coach for supporters to the Newport County match (to be played on Saturday 2 August).

Due to the cost of such a long trip, prices will have to be £20 for adults and £13 for concessions (over 60s, under 16s, students, unemployed supporters).

They will be taking bookings by phone from Wednesday 23 July and at the Watford match on Saturday. If we have sufficient demand by the end of Saturday's match, they will definitely run a coach.

If they are unable to run a coach, due to insufficient demand, they will inform everyone who has booked by the end of Sunday evening.

Call the office, on 020 8547 3528, to book your seats. They will require a name, address and daytime and evening telephone number for each booking.

Wednesday 23 July 2003
Team announced

Terry Eames has named the following players for the friendly match away to Leatherhead, Wednesday 23 July, KO 7:45pm:

Ray Merry, Tony Smith, Steve Gibson, Keith Ward, Matt Everard, Jamie Angel, Paul Quinn, Roger Joseph, Lee Sidwell, Simon Bassey, Ben Chesters, Gavin Bolger, Ryan Gray, Noel Frankum, Darren Dobbinson, Andy Sullivan, Kevin Cooper, Leon White, Wade Falana.

Entrance prices are Adults £6 under 16's/OAP £3. The match is being played for the Maureen Woolridge Memorial Cup - currently held by Leatherhead following their 2-0 victory over the Dons last pre-season.

Monday 21 July 2003
Hampton & Richmond 2 v AFC Wimbledon 0

This was more about trying out new players with a mix of 1st team and reserves players, with Trigger taking control of the team, unfortunately Hampton & R looked far sharper from the start and it wasn't to long before they broke through and after a couple of miss chances take the lead, fortunately thier strikers where unable to find the target for the rest of the half, but should have had 4or5 more goals.

The 2nd half was an improvement with some chance for us, but their big defence cleared everything that came their way even big Ali Russell looked small against H&R captain, our defence with stood quite a few attacks and it wasn't untill 15 mins to go that H&R scored their 2nd after another brake through, Tony Smith was rounded by the H&R forward and this time put it into the net rather than over the stand like the previous 5or6 chnaces.

Next up awaty to Leatherhead on Wednesday then on Saturday we face a Watford XI managed by Terry Burton in our 1st home game for eleven years.

Starting Team from

Tony Smith, Sim Johnston, Jamie Angel, Mark Nicholas, John Ellis, Danny Couch, Stuart Wilson, Damon Aston, Andrew Trefry, Ben Chesters, Noel Frankum, Freddie Vanberbyl, Tony Gibson, Andy Sullivan, Darren Dobinson, Lee Passmore, Ally Russell, Wade Falana.

Attendance : 519

Monday 21 July 2003
Team announced

Terry Eames has named the following players for the friendly match away to Hampton & Richmond, tonight, with another game on Wednesday away to Leatherhead its a bit of an experimental team for tonight then though most of this team did play in the 2-0 win for the reserves on Saturday, while the rest played some part in the 3-0 win against Dorchester.

Kick Off is 7.30, more importantly the bar will be open from 5.30 and offers a wide range of cooling alcoholic beverages at a price that is less than the local pubs. By Train, Hampton is on the Shepperton Line, turn left out of Station walk for about 10 minutes.

Saturday 19 July 2003
Dorchester Town 0 v AFC Wimbledon 3

A wonderful display of football by the Dons from start to finish, on 27 mins Joe Sheerin picked up his 1st goal by shear determination to chase down a good through ball by Coops, then fairly slide in on a 50/50 ball with the keeper and them knock the ball into an open net,

Terry Eames made some changes at half time with Jamie Angell on for Wardy, Sully came on for Sidwell on the right and again looked hungry for the ball and Leon White came on for Coops he looked strong when on the ball and and could have had a couple of goals then Frankum came on for Bassey on 60 minutes.

Joe got his 2nd goal on 57mins when Ryan Gray supplied a good cross from the left into the box, it looked like Gavin Bolger was going to hit it, but he crested the ball into the path of Joe who rounded one player and slotted the ball into the opposite corner of the net, Terry the made two final changes with Darren Dobbinson on for Ryan Gray and Russell replaced Sheerin.

The 3rd was from a corner on the left which was swung across the box Bolger had a shot, but the ball looked like it was going wide when Danny Oakins head the ball firmly home from about six yards out to top of a fine display from him.

Just before the end of the game the ref went down with cramp and the linesman replaced him and then AFC Kit Man Dennis Lowndes ended up running the line for the last few minutes.

So two games in and the new boys seem to be fitting into the team and the rest of the team have got back into the grove and some have pick up a gear and there's also Gareth Graham who was training before the match so could also be back soon.

Goal Scorers Joe Sheerin (26,59), Danny Oakins (79)

Starting Team

Ray Merry, Keith Ward, Matt Everard, Danny Oakins, Paul Quinn, Lee Sidwell, Gavin Bolger, Simon Bassey, Ryan Gray, Kevin Cooper, Joe Sheerin.

Attendance : 571

MotM : Joe Sheerin

Friday 18 July 2003
Share issue date extended.

Following yesterdays announcement that we had raised £1,056,314.40 by the first deadline the offer has now been extended until August 4th. If you have applied for shares and wish to apply for more you can by completing the application form in the prospectus.

Ground update

As of this morning's first post AFC Wimbledon have today reached the £1m minimum required for the share offer to succeed. A full announcement will be made later today on the the fans stadium website.

Wednesday 16 July 2003
Kingstonian 2 v AFC Wimbledon 0

Yes footballs back and Terry fielding a near full strength team, with only new boys Ryan Gray and Paul Quinn making their debut's and for 17 mins the Dons took the game to our host Kingstonian, and had some good chances to take the lead, Ryan Gray look good down the left and put in some good corners from both sides, but on 17 mins the Dons defence had a sloppy passing phase which lead to Kingstonian going 1-0 up.

Kingstonian took control after that but could not find their way through to increase the lead, the Dons best chance of the game came after a corner was swung in and eventually fell to Danny Oakins who hit the ball well, but the Kinstonian's solid keeper tipped the ball over the bar, but it was another off the ball incident that left a K's player on the ground and Danny Oakins being sub with a minute till half time under the advice of the ref that Oakins will be remembered for in this match.

The 2nd half was a bit like watching an England friendly, all change on the pitch Sully came on for Sidwell on the right and looked sharp,Darren Dobinson the son of Raynes PV's Manager came on and did well and, Tony Smith came on for Ray Merry in goal and looked far more confident, up front Ali Russell and Ryan Luffman replaced Joe and Coops up front, Luffman or Muffman as the crowd seem to christened him looked very good, with some good touches and moving into space.

With about sixty five minutes gone on came Roger Joseph to the biggest cheer of the night and wearing the captains armband, settled in at the back and showed he still had a touch of quality.

The K's made it 2-0 with about 5 mins left after their winger in his eagerness to get the ball wrestled the linesman to the ground, then crossed the ball over for what was a simple Tap in, so K's won the Kingsmeadow Challenge Cup, Gavin Bolger was rightly awarded the Dons MotM award which Kevin Cooper collected, the new players all gave a good account of themselves and some old players showed they need to improve a bit, but that's what pre season friendlies are about.

I'm just glad footballs back.

Starting Team

Ray Merry, Keith Ward, Matt Everard, Danny Oakins, Paul Quinn, Lee Sidwell, Gavin Bolger, Simon Bassey, Ryan Gray, Kevin Cooper, Joe Sheerin.

Attendance : 1,417

MotM : Gavin Bolger

Squad announced

Terry Eames has named the following squad for the friendly match away to Kingstonian, Wednesday 16 July, KO 7:45:

Ray Merry, Tony Smith, Keith Ward, Lee Passmore, Matt Everard, Noel Frankum, Danny Oakins, Ben Chester, Paul Quinn, Darren Dobinson, Lee Sidwell, Andy Sullivan, Gavin Bolger, Jamie Angell, Simon Bassey, Roger Joseph, Ryan Gray, Ally Russell, Kevin Cooper, Ryan Luffman, Joe Sheerin.

Wednesday 16 July 2003
Ground update

On the official site Chairman Kris Stewart has spoken about how much progress has been made with the tidyup and repairs at Kingsmeadow since taking control a few weeks ago.

Tuesday 15 July 2003
More signings made

Terry Eames has added more players to his squad by making the following signings Scot Bennetts, Ben Chester, Jamie Angell

The list of players signed so far is as follows;

Darren Dobinson, a 22 years old midfielder from Raynes Park Vale;
Seb Favata, a 23 years old central midfielder, who's spent time at Wimbledon FC with Bolger;
Leon White, another old Wimbledon youngster. A big lad, he can play both centre forward and centre back;
Tony Smith, teenage former Palace and Chipstead goalkeeper.
Michael Rootes, midfielder from Tooting & Mitcham United.
Paul Quinn, left back and ex-Chelsea.
Ryan Gray, left sided midfielder from Whyteleafe though has spent time at Fulham and Reading.
John Ellis, right back.
Ryan Luffman, a big forward who spent 5 years as an apprentice at Wimbledon.
Scot Bennetts - right midfield previously with Exeter City, Farnborough Town, Hampton and Richmond.
Ben Chester - left-footed midfielder previously with Leighton Town.
Jamie Angell - central midfield/centre back.

Plus of course, Roger Joseph has been doing some training session, though it remains to be seen if can force his way into a strong team, but Jo Jo having a go.

Tuesday 15 July 2003
Dons Trust invest Stadium Fund in shares

AT a meeting of the Dons Trust Board last night, Monday 14 July, the Board authorised the purchase of 50,000 Offer shares, costing £30,000, in AFCW plc, as part of its share offer. The money will be paid from the stadium fund. This investment is in addition to the £100,000 of Ordinary shares purchased on AFCW plc on 17 June, as described in the prospectus for the share offer.

The investment utilises funds raised from a wide range of events, including the Comedy Night, the “Leap of Faith”, Golden Goals and many others plus, of course, individual donations from members, fans and other supporters of the Trust and the football club.

The Board urges everyone who is raising money for the stadium fund to make every effort to send the money raised to the DT Treasurer, PO Box 38064, Wimbledon, London SW19 2WS as soon as possible, or pass it to any member of the board at the Kingstonian game on Wednesday night, 16 July. This will enable further shares to be purchased as we aim to achieve the minimum subscription of £1m.

Tuesday 15 July 2003
Dons to take part in The Phoenix Cup

AFC Wimbledon are due for a busy weekend on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 July, as we are participating in the LoveFootball event as well as the game versus Watford in aid of Milly's Fund, Terry has risen to the challenge of getting more the right balance of teams out over the weekend.

See the features section on the official site for more about the LoveFootball event.

Thursday 10 July 2003
More new faces for the Dons

Terry Eames has added three more players to his squad for the new season.

In comes left-sided midfielder Ryan Gray, right back John Ellis and striker Ryan Luffman.

Ryan Gray joins us from Whyteleafe where he was last season's player of the year, he was previously at Fulham and Reading.

19 year-old John Ellis joins us from Ryman Premier side Hayes FC.

Ryan Luffman is a former Wimbledon apprentice (where he spent 5 years). He has also played for Fleet Town and Croydon Athletic and is a 6 foot plus striker.

Wednesday 09 July 2003
AFC Wimbledon vs Watford
Saturday 26th July 2003 KO 3pm

OUR first home game of the season is a match, arranged by Milly’s Fund, against Watford FC, to be played on saturday 26th July with a 3.00 pm kick off. The proceeds of the game and programme sales will go to Milly’s Fund.

Admission prices are as follows:
MAIN STAND TERRACES
Adult £10 Adult £8
Concessions £5 Concessions £4
Under 16 £3 Under 16s £2

Tickets are now on sale by postal application to:

The Milly’s Fund benefit match
AFC Wimbledon
The Fans’ Stadium - Kingsmeadow
Jack Goodchild Way
Kingston Road
Kingston-upon -Thames
Surrey
KT1 3PB

Please enclose a stamped, addressed envelope and make cheques payable to Milly’s Fund. For the Main Stand, please indicate if you want a seat in a non-smoking area (Blocks A, B, C, J and K). Once all these seats are sold, we will allocate applications to a smoking area.

Tickets will also be on sale to callers at the “Complimentaries” window at Kingsmeadow between 10.00 and 4.00 from Wednesday 16 July. We regret that we cannot yet take credit or debit card payments.

Season tickets are not valid for this game and seats will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

About Milly’s Fund
Milly’s Fund is a charity formed in memory of the murdered schoolgirl Amanda Dowler (known as Milly).

The charity aims to promote public safety, and in particular the safety of children and young people, with the provision of training and education to teachers, youth workers, children and young people. The charity aims to improve the ability of young people to gauge risk and protect themselves but without making them frightened to develop their own independence. The initial work undertaken by Milly’s Fund will focus on young people in their early teens who are just beginning to lead more independent lives.

Registered charity no. 1094006
Milly’s Fund, P.O.Box 470, Walton on Thames, Surrey, KT12 3XZ.
Tel: 01932 561020
www.millysfund.org.uk

Tuesday 08 July 2003
Eamo makes signings

Terry Eames has tonight signed a set of new players to add to last season's squad.

The players that have been registered are as follows:

Darren Dobinson, 22 years old, left sided midfielder joins from Raynes Park Vale.
Seb Favata, 23 years old central midfielder, previously played with Gavin Bolger at Wimbledon FC.
Leon White, 6' 3" 23 years old ex-Wimbledon FC youth player who can play both centre forward and centre back, previously at Kingstonian.
Tony Smith, 18 years old ex-Crystal Palace and Chipstead goalkeeper.
Michael Rootes, Former Wimbledon, Woking, Dulwich and Leatherhead midfielder who joins from Tooting & Mitcham United. Micky played 211 times for T&M scoring 27 goals.
Paul Quinn, ex-Chelsea reserve player (who played with Joe Sheerin) who plays at left back.

Saturday 05 July 2003
FA Vase Draw

The FA Vase Draw was announced today and we have been drawn in the First Round Qualifying drawn away to Westfield this game will be played on Saturday September 6th and if we win that we will be away to Pagham who are based down near Bognor this game will be played on Saturday 20th September. If either game is drawn the replay will take place the following midweek.

Thursday 03 July 2003
Jo Jo have a go!

WITH the squad back in training and supporters keen to find out if there will be any new faces at Kingsmeadow this season there was a familiar face at Terry Eames' second session after the summer break. Former player Roger Joseph is keen to impress and grab a place in the starting line-up.

Roger's career with the Dons ran from August 1988 until May 1996 seeing him record 189 starts in both league and cup matches.

The Official Site has a Q&A with Roger click here to read more.

Thursday 03 July 2003
Merton keeps football in the borough

THE following is a Merton Borough Council press released issued today (03/07/03):

Merton keeps football in the borough
Partnership will provide community schemes

Councillor Andrew Judge, Leader of Merton Council said:

"We are pleased to announce that we have decided to work with AFC Wimbledon and Tooting & Mitcham Football clubs to provide a Football In The Community (FITC) scheme in Merton.

"The council does not intend to have any long-term involvement with any branded FITC schemes based outside the borough. This arrangement will start in September and run for an initial period of two years and then reviewed. All the clubs involved have agreed to arrangements made for summer holidays.

"There has been speculation recently that we approached Fulham FC to run our FITC scheme and I would like to set the record straight. It is not the case that we approached Fulham FC. The PFA made the decision and tried to impose it on us.

"Now that we have had a chance to consider each proposal, we are fully behind AFC Wimbledon and Tooting & Mitcham and are confident that in partnership with ourselves, they will both deliver a first class scheme that will benefit young people across the borough.

"As we have resisted the PFA decision other professional clubs may attempt to gain control of Merton's FITC. I would make it very clear that we are issuing a 'Hands Off' warning and I would call on supporters of teams across the country to urge their team not to gain control of an FITC outside of their area.

"I hope this further demonstrates Merton's long-standing commitment to supporting football in the borough".

Thursday 03 July 2003
Clean up Kingsmeadow

THIS Saturday and Sunday, the 5th and 6th July, we will be starting a spring clean of Kingsmeadow Stadium.

There are three main jobs to do:

Clearing the overgrowth behind the Kingston Road end.
Getting rid of the heavy items of rubbish which are lying around the ground.
General cleaning of seats, toilets, etc.
If we finish all of that, maybe we will start a little spot of re-painting of safety areas.
So bring along your garden shears and gloves, buckets, rubber gloves, old work clothes, strimmers, spades and any cleaning equipment you have to hand, e.g. sponges, etc.

We will be starting at 10 a.m and carrying on until late afternoon. Please come along on either day (or both!), even if you can only spare an hour. All help will be gratefully received.

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