Kingstonian fans have been told their home ground will remain at Kingsmeadow for the forseeable future despite the news AFC Wimbledon may be on the move.


The Dons, who share the Kingstonmeadow stadium, announced yesterday that they plan to move back to Plough Lane, Wimbledon.

A move by the Wimbledon team could impact on Kingstonians as currently the two teams share responsibility for leasing the ground.

Kingstonian chairman John Fenwick said: “AFC Wimbledon have stated an intention to move back to Merton, and have identified the redevelopment of Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium as their preferred option.

“It will obviously have an effect on us but not an immediate effect.”

Mr Fenwick said that any AFC Wimbledon decision would a long term project.

Kingstonian's have a ground share agreement until 2033 on the stadium, which is leased from Kingston Council by AFC Wimbledon.

He said: “Given how they were formed, I am sure that the last thing they’d want to do is be unfair to us.

"I believe that they would look to work with us to ensure that our interests are protected as far as possible”.

AFC Wimbledon's chief executive Erik Samuelson said his club would be discussing options with its members.

He said: "The possible options are keep Kingsmeadow and use it for reserve matches and training, or develop more of a sporting hub.

"But after what happened to us, we can't dump them in it."

 

Are you a Kingstonian fan? Tell us what you think about the ground move by contacting the newsroom on 020 8744 4255 or email cfleming@london.newsquest.co.uk