The WimbledonGround Fund set up by AFC Wimbledon fan Graham Stacey has gathered more than £100,000 in donations to help repair the damage caused by flooding at the club’s stadium. The news has brought hope to the football community as it highlights the kindness and generosity of fans across the country. The flooding, which occurred due to heavy rainfall in the area, has caused extensive damage to the pitch and the surrounding buildings, with more than 100,000 litres of water having been pumped out of the stadium this week.
As the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, the club has been overwhelmed by the support from the football community. Lifelong Wimbledon fan Graham Stacey, who set up the JustGiving page, expressed his gratitude towards the generosity of the fans, stating that “it’s absolutely amazing and unprecedented.” The initial target of £10,000 was quickly surpassed, with the current target now standing at £150,000. Stacey’s efforts have been recognized by the football community, with the Premier League club Newcastle United pledging £15,000 to the fund.
Wimbledon’s Stadium Crisis: How Flooding Affected the Club
The Cherry Red Records Stadium in Plough Lane, Wimbledon’s home ground, was severely affected by the flooding. The nearby River Wandle broke its banks, causing the water to funnel into the stadium and flood the concourses. The pitch was left underwater, with four tankers, carrying 27,000 litres of water each, pumping out the standing water on Tuesday. The flooding has caused significant disruptions to the club’s schedule, with the League Two game against Accrington Stanley and the visit of Crewe Alexandra being postponed.
The flooding has brought back memories of the club’s past struggles, with the original club being moved to Milton Keynes to form MK Dons over 20 years ago. The move led to fans forming the phoenix club AFC Wimbledon in its place. Stacey, who was born and raised in Wimbledon, has been involved with the club for many years, serving on the board of the Dons Trust from 2019 to 2022. He expressed his “utter devastation” when he saw the damage caused by the flooding.
The Community’s Response to Wimbledon’s Crisis
The news of the flooding at Wimbledon’s stadium has brought the football community together. Fans from around the country have been donating to the WimbledonGround Fund, with some individuals donating as much as £5,000. Newcastle United, Wimbledon’s opponents in the upcoming Carabao Cup third-round match, have pledged £15,000 to the fund. The club’s fans have also been showing their support, with many taking to social media to raise awareness about the fund.
The response from the football community has been praised by Stacey, who stated that “people have a pop at the Premier League, but this shows there’s a heart there.” The generosity of the fans has been overwhelming, with the fund surpassing its initial target. The money raised will go towards repairing the damage caused by the flooding, with Stacey stating that he knows the money will be “well spent and as a club, we’ll need it.”
Wimbledon’s History and Challenges
Wimbledon’s history has been marked by challenges and setbacks. The original club was moved to Milton Keynes over 20 years ago, leading to fans forming the phoenix club AFC Wimbledon in its place. The club has faced many struggles since its formation, including financial difficulties and challenges in finding a new home. Despite these challenges, the club has continued to thrive, with the support of its loyal fans.
The flooding at the Cherry Red Records Stadium has brought back memories of the club’s past struggles. However, the response from the football community has been overwhelming, with fans from around the country coming together to support the club. The WimbledonGround Fund has been set up to help repair the damage caused by the flooding, and the club is grateful for the support.
The Impact of the Flooding on the Club’s Schedule
The flooding at the Cherry Red Records Stadium has caused significant disruptions to the club’s schedule. The League Two game against Accrington Stanley and the visit of Crewe Alexandra have been postponed, with the club working to repair the damage caused by the flooding. The Carabao Cup third-round match against Newcastle United has been moved to St James’ Park, with Wimbledon set to receive 45% of the proceeds from the match.
The flooding has also affected the club’s ground staff, with excavation work beginning on the pitch on Wednesday. The club is working to repair the damage as quickly as possible, with the aim of reopening the stadium on Friday. The impact of the flooding on the club’s schedule has been significant, but the support from the football community has been overwhelming.
The Future of Wimbledon and the Impact of the Flooding
The flooding at the Cherry Red Records Stadium has brought the football community together, with fans from around the country donating to the WimbledonGround Fund. The club is working to repair the damage caused by the flooding, with the aim of reopening the stadium as soon as possible.
The future of Wimbledon remains uncertain, but the support from the football community has been overwhelming. The club will continue to face challenges, but with the support of its loyal fans, it is well-equipped to overcome them. The WimbledonGround Fund has been set up to help repair the damage caused by the flooding, and the club is grateful for the support.
As the football community comes together to support Wimbledon, it is clear that the club’s spirit and determination will carry it through this challenging time. The response to the WimbledonGround Fund has been overwhelming, and the club is grateful for the support. With the support of its loyal fans, Wimbledon will continue to thrive and overcome the challenges it faces.