I cannot deny that when I became a sports reporter at the Wimbledon Guardian in 2012, I was not an AFC Wimbledon supporter.
But I was, and I remain, a football fan.
As such, I knew about the years the Dons spent in the wilderness at Selhurst Park, the FA’s franchise fiasco and the club’s meteoric rise through the non-League pyramid.
I grew up near Brighton & Hove Albion and was on the terraces for the last game ever played at the Goldstone Ground – there were tears that day, and there were tears when they ran out at the Amex stadium after 14 years in their own wilderness.
Having lived in Whyteleafe and Caterham for 14 years, and following the exploits of the mighty Leafe, it was impossible not to be unimpressed, and jealous, of the Dons catching us up, and then disappearing over the horizon.
Still not forgiven you for taking Ryan Gray ;o)
Now, having reported on the Dons and covering Terry Brown’s departure, the arrival of Neal Ardley, that fantastic last-gasp escape from relegation, the FA Cup trip to the franchise, beating the franchise and that Monday night madness against Liverpool, I have grown accustomed to your smile.
Ardley hails "huge" moment in the history of the homecoming Dons
Having met Erik [Samuelson] and Ivor [Heller], and experienced their dignity and eagerness to promote AFC Wimbledon as the hub of the community that it is, has been a privilege.
Getting to know the Radio WDON chaps, Chris the press officer and Laurence the… well, the everything… has been a joy.
We have had our differences over the years, and I will always support the mighty Leafe over the Dons, but everyone associated with the club deserved last night’s yes vote.
Congratulations to you all – you are going home.
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