News that AFC Wimbledon have moved closer to returning to their home borough is one to rejoice.

But what if that means Kingstonian look increasingly likely to be forced out of theirs?

The result of the Dons Trust vote approving the sale of the leasehold of Kingsmeadow to Chelsea was predictable given its founding intentions include returning to Merton.

But that won’t stop some Ks fans complaining Wimbledon are selling their ground from under their feet.

It’s hard not to sympathise. What use will a hefty chunk of the sale of the leasehold offered by the Dons be if a new site cannot be found?

It’s taken Wimbledon a generation to get this close to a return home – Ks’ pulling power and influence is much less.

Two forthcoming meetings are now key.

Dons need approval from Merton, with some vocal locals determined approval should not be a formality.

But even if they get knocked back it would only buy Ks time. What is more important is that the elected council, who own the actual site, wield their influence.

Just because Chelsea are huge, and plenty will see their presence as a coup for Kingston, doesn’t mean pressure should not be brought to bare.

Let’s be honest, Wimbledon’s benevolence genuinely is that, given the fact they are a League Two club who only attract crowds of a few thousand themselves.

Chelsea already own a state-of-the-art training complex at Cobham. The money they receive from television alone every year runs into the hundreds of millions.

And, make no mistake, there is a reason why they want to be in Kingston. In terms of raising the profile of their women’s team, where better than an area where their support is so dense.

If Arsenal Ladies and Boreham Wood can coexist north of the river, it would be an unforgivable own goal in this part of the world if Ks’ cause can’t be protected here.