Lifelong fan pledges to double donations made
AFC Wimbledon is aiming to provide Neal Ardley with extra funds to boost his squad for 2014/15 after a generous offer from lifelong supporter Mike Richardson.
Mike, who has been a Wimbledon supporter for over 50 years, has pledged to match every new £1 donation made by fans towards the playing budget during June.
With the club’s Vice President promising to match up to £100,000 of new donations, it means that an extra £200,000 could be allocated to Neal’s transfer fund.
AFC Wimbledon supporters have produced a superb response to back their fans-owned club in recent years by supporting initiatives such as the Blue & Yellow Club and the We Are Wimbledon Fund and Mike hopes his idea can build on these campaigns.
So I’m offering to match every pound that is donated to the club this month up to a maximum of £100,000. With that sort of extra money at his disposal, I'm convinced that we will be in for a very exciting season." "I'm very impressed with the progress that Neal has made since he joined the club,” said Mike. “But if we are to achieve our potential he needs more funds at his disposal.
Letters and e-mails have today been sent out to supporters with Mike’s message and details of how to make a donation, which can either be by signing up to the We Are Wimbledon Fund or by sending a one-off donation to the club.
Chief Executive Erik Samuelson said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to enable Neal to strengthen his squad for next season and make us competitive during 2014/15. I must thank Mike for his continuing generosity towards the club.
“Mike has been a fantastic supporter of the club over the years and this is another fine example of his desire to help us progress.”
One-off donations can be made by bank transfer (sort code 089250 and account number 7060 6719) or make out a cheque to 'AFC Wimbledon' at the following address:
AFC Wimbledon
The Cherry Red Records Stadium
Jack Goodchild Way
422a Kingston Road
Kingston upon Thames
KT1 3PB.