AFC WIMBLEDON are targeting a swift return to action – after a devastating storm created a SINKHOLE at Plough Lane.
The League Two side have been forced to postpone their last two matches after the River Wandle burst its banks last Sunday.
Wimbledon’s games against Accrington Stanley and Crewe have already been called off.
The Dons were also forced to postpone their Carabao Cup third-round clash with Newcastle – as the Toon kindly donated £15,000 to the cause.
A huge sinkhole formed by one of the corner flags, prompting the fan-owned club to start a fundraiser to pay for the damage.
Managing director James Woodroof has described the response – from clubs across the EFL – as “absolutely phenomenal.”
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And he hopes Wimbledon can host football again against Carlisle on October 12.
Woodroof told South London Press: “That [Carlisle] game is absolutely our target.
“Until the diggers have finished excavating, it’s still too early to say. We’re hopeful that will be possible.
“It’s been particularly challenging for the team here and myself. My colleagues and everyone associated with the club have been flat out.
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“It’s been an overwhelming 48 hours. We are making significant progress each and every hour.
“It’s pleasing to have all of the club staff back on site.
” We’re going to try and open the stadium on Friday, so the shop will open and the comedy night will proceed.”
As well as damage to the pitch, much of the Dons’ off-field infrastructure was flooded out by the storm.
He continued: “The whole concourse, our offices and everything on ground level, was flooded.
“The water wasn’t dissipating. We had the tankers in on Monday night to remove the water.
“When we came on in Tuesday, that had a significant impact as we were able to walk around the entire stadium and the offices – we weren’t in standing water anywhere.
“It was a remarkable clean-up effort on Monday night. The pitch is now the focus of everyone’s attention.”
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Wimbledon have made a superb start to the new League Two season.
They currently sit in sixth, with two games in hand over their rivals.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
