The newly established headquarters of Network Rail occupies the site of one of English football’s most debated clubs.

At its height, the stadium attracted 9,000 fans each week; however, before that, it was the home ground for England‘s national hockey team.

9

9

9

9

This versatile venue was rented out to a club undergoing one of the most notable transformations in recent football history.

From 2003 to 2007, it was the home of MK Dons, who were then in League One, during their EFL transition from London.

Throughout their four-year stay, MK Dons experienced both the highs of promotion and the lows of relegation to League Two.

In the summer of 2007, MK Dons relocated to the new Stadium MK, located  in Bletchley, leaving an empty facility behind.

The stadium remained unoccupied for two years before demolition began in late 2009, clearing the way for the development of a new Rail HQ,  which started operations in July 2012.

MK Dons were founded in 2004 after the controversial relocation of Wimbledon FC.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Wimbledon‘s notorious ‘Crazy Gang’ played at Plough Lane in Merton, South West London.

However, by 1991, the beloved but outdated stadium could no longer meet the all-seater requirements set for Premier League stadiums.

FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS

9

Owner Sam Hammam grappled with the renovations and divested 80% to Peter Wrinkleman by 1997.

Wimbledon was compelled to share its ground with Crystal Palace from 1991 until 2003, before Wrinkleman moved the club 46 miles north to Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire, with the endorsement of the FA.

New Luton Town Stadium given planning permission

Many fans were outraged when the club forfeited their ‘Don’ name, 102-year-old stadium, badge, and colors by 2004.

A significant number of supporters departed to establish AFC Wimbledon in 2002 as a non-league team, which is now seeking promotion in League Two.

During this period, the club played its home games at Kingsmeadow, which now serves as the home for Chelsea FC Women.

AFC Wimbledon made a return to their spiritual home at Plough Lane, now called the Cherry Red Records Stadium, just a short distance from their original ground in 2020.

9

A shared arrangement with rugby league team London Broncos began in 2022.

MK Dons and AFC Wimbledon maintain a complex, yet strained relationship, with AFC refusing to recognize MK Dons.

In fact, AFC Wimbledon faced charges for not referring to MK Dons by their official name in a pre-match program when both teams faced each other in League One back in 2017.

No discussion of football’s most unforgettable teams would be complete without mentioning the ascent of Wimbledon FC in the 1980s.

The infamous ‘Crazy Gang’ consisted of a set of players who surged from the fourth division to the top tier in just four seasons.

Notably, the Wombles secured the FA Cup with Lawrie Sanchez netting the winning goal against a dominant Liverpool in the 1988 final.

Yet, the legendary First Division’s most renowned Cinderella story was not without its darker aspects.

9

The team’s relentless work-hard/play-hard ethos made them formidable opponents.

Even within their own dressing room, the atmosphere was tense.

Former players Dennis Wise, Vinnie Jones, and John Fashanu recounted stories of harsh treatment, rampant violence, and even instances of arson during their tenure.

“I saw players break down and weep from the mistreatment,” reflected ex-defender Terry Phelan.

Even Jones acknowledged, “We were a bunch of misfits, a lot of unwanted individuals. You either toughened up quickly, or you fell apart.”

Jones was often seen as the leader of this challenging environment, but he insists that the culture was ingrained well before his arrival in 1984 and attributes much of the structure to Wally Downes.

Recently, Wrinkleman sold MK Dons to a consortium based in Kuwait, led by entrepreneur Fahad Al Ghanim, in August of this year.

Winkleman was at the helm during the club’s rise to the Championship before they eventually reverted to League Two.

Currently, MK Dons find themselves positioned below their fierce rivals AFC Wimbledon in the professional fourth tier.

9

9