Wimbledon's FA Cup hero Lawrie Sanchez reckons the feud between fans of AFC Wimbledon and the franchise will soon be forgotten.
The 55-year-old insisted that the demise of his former employers, for whom he made almost 300 appearances, in 2002 should never have been permitted.
However, he also believes that the success enjoyed by the club up the M1, following their promotion to the Championship, is worthy of praise.
Despite the franchise’s elevation, AFC Wimbledon enjoyed a portion of the bragging rights last season after beating the old enemy in their own back yard in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.
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It was an emotional moment for Dons fans, many of whom cannot forgive and forget the events that led to the franchise’s creation, and for many more of those who refuse to travel to stadium:MK.
However, Sanchez, insists time has been a healer, and is looking forward to more meetings between the two clubs.
Passion: Although it ended in defeat, AFC Wimbledon’s first face-to-face with the franchise in 2012, featuring a Jack Midson goal, was an emotionally charged day
“MK Dons were founded in a way that should not have been allowed and it can't happen again, especially after a change of rules by the FA,” Sanchez said.
“That said, it is hard not to be impressed with what has been achieved in a short space of time as a football club and in the community.
“Their success and the way it has been built needs to be congratulated.”
The former Northern Ireland international player and manager added: “I believe the feud is now being forgotten now that a new younger fan base has begun to support both teams, the history now in the past.
“I’d definitely like to see both clubs enjoy success, and hopefully they will meet again in the future.”
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