Let's delve into a fascinating chapter in the history of English football, one that could have drastically altered the landscape of the sport in Ireland. The story begins with a simple newspaper report, but it sparked an ambitious plan that, in hindsight, might have been a stroke of genius.
The Dublin Dons: A Tale of What Could Have Been
In the early 1990s, Wimbledon FC, a club with a rich history, found itself in a predicament. Their chairman, Sam Hammam, was at odds with the local council over a permanent stadium, and the club was ground-sharing with Crystal Palace. This led to an intriguing proposal: move the entire club to Dublin, Ireland.
The idea, though audacious, had its merits. Dublin had a stadium in the works, and Wimbledon needed a home. It was a match made in football heaven, or so it seemed.
A Consortium's Vision
A group of Irish businessmen, including Tommy Higgins, Maurice Cassidy, and even Paul McGuinness of U2 fame, saw an opportunity. They envisioned a Premier League club in Dublin, attracting fans from across the island and beyond.
"It was a long shot, but we believed it could work," Higgins recalls.
The mid-90s were a transitional period for English football, moving away from the shadows of past tragedies and towards a new era of foreign investment and global appeal. Wimbledon's move to Dublin could have been a pivotal moment in this transformation.
The Players' Perspective
Kenny Cunningham, a Dublin-born player at Wimbledon, remembers the excitement and skepticism surrounding the plan. While he believed it could have been a success, some of his English teammates were less convinced, questioning the nightlife prospects in Dublin!
"I was telling them they were going to love it," Cunningham adds with a laugh.
Fan Reaction and the FAI's Concerns
However, not everyone was on board. Ivor Heller, a long-time Wimbledon supporter, felt the move would kill the club's identity. The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) shared similar concerns, fearing it would undermine their domestic league.
"It was a nightmare scenario for us," Heller explains.
The Deal That Never Was
Despite initial enthusiasm, the deal fell through after 18 months of negotiations. Hammam sold the club to Norwegian investors, and the Dublin stadium plan was shelved.
Legacy and Reflection
Today, AFC Wimbledon thrives in League One, having reclaimed their identity and returned to their roots. The Dublin plan is now a nostalgic memory, but many believe it could have been a success.
"It would have worked," Cunningham asserts. "People might laugh now, but it was a missed opportunity."
This story highlights the bold ideas and passionate characters that shape football. While the Dublin Dons never came to be, it's a reminder of the sport's ability to inspire and the power of a good idea, even if it's ahead of its time.
