AFC Wimbledon chief executive Samuelson outlines Plough Lane building plans
AFC Wimbledon are expecting their new stadium at Plough Lane to be ready to house them for the start of the 2020-21 season.
Building work should start in April or May.
Wimbledon chief executive Erik Samuelson said the League One outfit are in the process of finding a contractor.
The Dons have played at Kingsmeadow since 2002. Their new ground – just 250 yards from their old Plough Lane home – could eventually have a capacity of 20,000.
“We are looking at the different options that are available in our budget,” said Samuelson.
“That’s the process we’re in now, with a view to then going out and talking to members about what we can do.
“It’s still looking to open for the 2020-21 season. What some of the fans don’t seem to register is that we’re not building that full stadium that you see a picture of.
“We’re building a 10,000 [seater] stadium. The building work will be substantially less than for that image. That’s why it can be done in the available time.”
Wimbledon had been hoping to move into their new ground as a League One club. That could still be the case, but it now looks as if that would only be achievable by winning League Two promotion in 15 months time. The Dons are 1/12 on with the bookies to go down.
But a first relegation for the new incarnation of Wimbledon will not leave them in a financial mess.
Samuelson said: “We plan for staying up and we plan for not staying up, that’s not the first time we’ve done that – it’s just good practise.
“I know the fans don’t like to think about it but you have to prepare for all eventualities.”