The newly created headquarters of Network Rail is situated on the former grounds of one of English football’s most controversial clubs.
At its peak, the stadium drew in 9,000 supporters each week; prior to that, it served as the home field for England’s national hockey team.
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This adaptable arena was leased by a club undergoing significant transformation in the modern football landscape.
From 2003 to 2007, it was the venue for MK Dons, who were competing in League One during their EFL relocation from London.
Throughout their four-year period, MK Dons experienced the highs and lows of dropping to League Two and then bouncing back with promotion.
In the summer of 2007, MK Dons moved to the newly built Stadium MK, located Bletchley, leaving the previous venue vacant.
The stadium remained unoccupied for two years before demolition commenced in late 2009, paving the way for the new Rail headquarters, which opened its doors in July 2012.
MK Dons were established in 2004 following the contentious relocation of Wimbledon FC.
During the 80s and 90s, Wimbledon‘s infamous ‘Crazy Gang’ played at Plough Lane in Merton, South West London.
However, by 1991, the cherished yet aging stadium could no longer meet the all-seater criteria required for Premier League venues.
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Owner Sam Hammam encountered difficulties with the renovations, eventually selling 80% of the club to Peter Wrinkleman by 1997.
Wimbledon had to share a facility with Crystal Palace from 1991 until 2003, prior to Wrinkleman’s move of the club 46 miles north to Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire, with the approval of the FA.
New Luton Town Stadium given planning permission
Many fans were enraged when the club was forced to drop their ‘Don’ moniker, 102-year-old stadium, crest, and colors by 2004.
A significant faction of supporters broke away to form AFC Wimbledon in 2002 as a non-league entity, which is currently striving for promotion in League Two.
During this period, the club played its home matches at Kingsmeadow – which now hosts Chelsea FC Women.
AFC Wimbledon made their return to their original home at Plough Lane, now known as the Cherry Red Records Stadium, close to their previous ground in 2020.
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A groundshare with rugby league outfit London Broncos began in 2022.
MK Dons and AFC Wimbledon maintain a complex, yet tense relationship, with AFC choosing not to recognize MK Dons.
In fact, AFC Wimbledon was sanctioned for failing to refer to MK Dons by their official name in a pre-match program during their 2017 League One clash.
Any discussion regarding football’s most iconic teams would be incomplete without mentioning the ascent of Wimbledon FC in the 80s.
The infamous ‘Crazy Gang’ consisted of players who rose from the fourth division to the highest level within just four seasons.
Importantly, the Wombles triumphed in the FA Cup, with Lawrie Sanchez netting the deciding goal against a dominant Liverpool in the 1988 final.
However, this legendary First Division adventure had its shadowy aspects.
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The team’s unwavering work-play ethos established them as formidable adversaries.
Even within their own dressing room, the intimidation was palpable.
Former players Dennis Wise, Vinnie Jones, and John Fashanu have shared accounts of severe beatings, widespread brutality, and even cases of arson during their tenure.
“I witnessed players break down and weep from the maltreatment,” reminisced former defender Terry Phelan.
Even Jones acknowledged, “We were a ragtag band, a collection of outcasts, many of whom were unwanted. You either toughened up quickly or you fell apart.”
While Jones was often portrayed as the leader of this tough atmosphere, he asserts that the culture was already in place before his arrival in 1984, attributing the true management to Wally Downes.
Recently, Wrinkleman transferred ownership of MK Dons to a consortium from Kuwait, led by entrepreneur Fahad Al Ghanim this past August.
Wrinkleman oversaw the club’s rise to the Championship before they ultimately descended back to League Two.
MK Dons currently sit beneath their rival AFC Wimbledon in the professional fourth tier.
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