Bad news for Bees as Dons given thumbs up?

Last updated : 28 May 2002 By

An independent three-man panel, appointed by the Football Association on behalf of the Football League, has given the Dons the green light after spending two weeks examining the club's application to move to a new 28,000-seater stadium in Buckinghamshire.

Koppel claimed the club, losing around £20,000 a day, would have folded if permission had been refused. But opponents are sure to be angered by what is a landmark ruling.

Wimbledon Independent Supporters' Association spokesman Kris Stewart said: "I am not sure what the future of football is in this country if Wimbledon are allowed to go to Milton Keynes.

"My football club is being taken away and it is not something I can easily accept. We have got our annual general meeting on Thursday and we will decide our next course of action then."

In the past two weeks, the panel listened to arguments from Wimbledon and the Football League, which had refused permission for the club to move to Milton Keynes and claims it is against its rules.

Wimbledon have been groundsharing at Selhurst Park for 10 years, but they could now decide to leave next season and move to a temporary home nearer the stadium they want to build to forge a fan base.

However, the move threatens to divide the club and its supporters, who have vociferously opposed the prospect of the Dons becoming what they believe is a 'franchise' club.

Is this the end of the Bees aswell as the Dons as Ron may get the move he wants - GP sold and Bees off elsewhere.....