Ordinary Gweilo

Congratulations to AFC Wimbledon.  Nine years ago, the Football League allowed the owners of Wimbledon FC to move the club to Milton Keynes.  The fans set up their own club, but they had to start in the Combined Counties League.   Five promotions later they are in the Football League:

AFC Wimbledon beat Luton on penalties to reach the Football League

As football’s reputation continues to be tarnished by soaring debt, political scandal and superinjunctions, proof is needed that the sport retains a soul. Step forward AFC Wimbledon. Under dark Manchester skies, the club formed by supporters for supporters produced a golden moment on Saturday, overcoming Luton on penalties to win the Blue Square play-off final and seal their place in the Football League.

"It only took nine years," bellowed the delirious fans in blue, moments after Wimbledon’s captain and top scorer, Danny Kedwell, had crashed in the spot-kick that gave his team a 4-3 victory following the 120 minutes of stalemate. The chant rose in volume and fervour from the end where the drama had eventually unfolded and told of the story that has captivated football romantics.

It’s hard not to feel sorry for Luton fans.  Their club suffered three successive relegations – from the Championship through Leagues One & Two to the Blue Square Premier, in part because of points deductions imposed by the Football League for financial irregularities.