Countdown recalls event that led to first Dons Football League season
The club’s new Admiral kits will be launched on Sunday, June 29, and we continue our countdown by remembering another pivotal event in Wimbledon’s history.
Ray Armfield recalls the significance of number 27 at a time almost 37 years ago when the Dons were waiting to hear if they would be admitted to the Football League.
27 – “And Wimbledon?....twenty seven!”
Lord Westwood was portentously reading out the results of the election/re-election to Division Four at the Football League’s AGM at the Cafe Royal on 17 June 1977 in the manner of X-Factor or Eurovision. Wimbledon Chairman Ron Noades and his deputy Jimmy Rose had been busy canvassing votes for several months and their hard work had paid off. The announcement was as follows: “Altrincham 12, Halifax Town 44, Hartlepool 43, Southport 37, Workington 21. And Wimbledon? TWENTY SEVEN!” The Dons, following three consecutive Southern League titles, had a big new challenge. Workington were out and Wimbledon were elected in. They were now a Football League club. The Dons would go on to more than hold their own in the professional ranks with Steve Galliers (pictured above) boosting Wimbledon’s challenge in that debut Football League season.
.Your AFC WimbledonIn association with Admiral Sportswear Limited, supporters will be able to see the club’s new home, away and third kits, along with training wear, for the first time, on 29 June, at Centre Court Shoping Centre. To view our previous announcement about this, click on