With Christmas just a few weeks away, why not let Dons Trust fundraisers Paul Jeater and Ray Armfield tempt you into buying a few presents at our annual Silent Auction?
We've had a cracking response from supporters, but there's still time to submit your online bid before 12 midnight.
Following the close of online bidding, the culmination of the 2018 Dons Trust Silent Auction will be on Saturday before the Southend game (until 2.15 pm in the Your Golf Travel Bar). With the festive season not far away, what better way to treat yourself or surprise a loved one – and contribute to club funds at the same time?
Get your bids in online for a fantastic array of items by e-mailing pauljeater@btinternet.com . Take a look further down the page at the bids submitted so far.
Silent auctions have raised over £40,000 for the Dons Trust since their inception, and once again the auction team have been busy sourcing a wide range of sporting memorabilia. These are not just related to AFC Wimbledon and Wimbledon FC, but also personally signed items featuring 2018 Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas, five-time World Snooker champion Ronnie O’Sullivan, England cricket captain Joe Root, plus a very special item signed by 9 members of the 1966 England World Cup winning team. Nearer to home we have a pair of Jon Meades’ match-worn boots, a signed shirt and matchball from the 2018/19 AFC Wimbledon squad, and the Carabao Cup shirt worn by goalscorer Joe Pigott against West Ham.
Many thanks, and please get those wallets and purses out (payment by cash or cheque only please) – and we’ll see you in the bar on Saturday!
Below are more details about the auction items with the bids received so far (as of Friday afternoon) in brackets:
Lot 1 – The Boys of ‘66 (£50)
A fully certificated colour 10’’ x 8’’ press photo of the England World Cup winners with the iconic Jules Rimet Trophy, mounted and signed by nine of the team – goalscorers Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters – plus Nobby Stiles, Roger Hunt, Ray Wilson, George Cohen, Jack Charlton, Gordon Banks and Alan Ball.
Lot 2 – Rooooooot! (£10)
An official 2017 Ashes programme from the 4th Test in Melbourne, signed to the cover by Joe Root, with a bonus item of a scorecard signed by several of the 2018 Surrey CCC Championship side including Sam Curran, Ollie Pope and Dean Elgar.
Lot 3 – The Boys of ‘88 (£150)
A 12’’x 8’’colour photo of Wimbledon FA Cup heroes Lawrie Sanchez, scorer of the most famous goal in the Dons’ history and captain Dave Beasant – who famously saved a penalty in the Wembley final, celebrate together with the trophy. Signed by both.
Lot 4 – Fancy a Beere? (£50)
Tom Beere’s number 16, long-sleeved yellow away shirt from season 2015/16. It is signed to the front by most of the League 2 Play-off winning squad, including Lyle Taylor, skipper Barry Fuller, Andy Barcham and manager Neal Ardley.
Lot 5 – When Vinnie Met Gazza (£200)
As memorable football images go, they don’t come more iconic than Vinnie Jones putting the ‘squeeze’ on Paul Gascoigne, when the pair faced each other at Plough Lane. Quality print signed by the pair from a certificated source.
Lot 6 – The Tour According to G (£100)
Three-time World Champion and double-Olympic gold medallist cyclist Geraint Thomas tells all about his journey to win the Tour de France in his new autobiography. And we have a signed copy so get on your bike and bid!
Lot 7 – The Premier League Dons! (£40)
A rare WFC Centenary poster, framed and signed by Egil ‘Drillo’ Olsen and what would be the last Wimbledon side in the Premier League (to date!) Clear signatures of Earle, Hartson, Euell, Gayle, Cunningham and many others.
Lot 8 – On The Ball (£20)
An (unsigned) official AFC Wimbledon Mitre Sky Bet matchball as used in a game last season. Would be a good stocking-filler for an young Dons fan!
Lot 9 – The Rocket and The Whirlwind! (£20)
If you like your snooker, then check out this montage of two green baize greats – five-time World Champion Ronnie O’Sullivan and six-times World Finalist Jimmy White – signed by both, mounted and framed.
Lot 10 – Feed The Pig (£500)
Feed us your bid and you could be taking home the Carabao Cup shirt worn by Joe Pigott when scoring that memorable early goal against West Ham in front of the Sky Sports cameras back in August.
Lot 11 – Peter Crouch – How to be a Footballer (£20)
From fighting relegation to winning trophies to the ‘robot’ goal celebrations, a very readable book from one of the country’s most popular, recognisable and self-deprecating players, reflecting his great sense of humour. A signed copy.
Lot 12 – The Crazy Gang (£150)
A different take on the 1988 FA Cup winners – this time, laid out in 4-4-2 formation and depicted as Subbuteo players. Nicely framed and would look very nice on a bedroom or office wall.
Lot 13 – 2018/19 AFC Wimbledon signed home shirt (£50)
Exactly what it says on the tin. Supplied by the club and signed by most of the squad. Ideal present.
Lot 14 – 2018/19 AFC Wimbledon signed football (£20)
And this would go very nicely with Lot 13. An official EFL Mitre matchball signed by the Dons squad.
Lot 15 – Sports Interactive Goodie Bag! (£40)
Always a popular item from our sponsors and often comes with rare giveaways not usually available. Come and take a look for yourself. This will be popular with the Junior Dons especially!
Lot 16 – Around the World in 80 Pints! (£15)
More cricketing escapades from one of the sport’s funniest raconteurs, bon viveurs and Accrington Stanley fans! ‘Bumble’ searches for the greatest places where the sound of leather on willow can be heard. And obviously has a pint along the way. Signed by the author.
Lot 17 – Awooga!
A professionally mounted black-and-white press photo of John Fashanu in action for the Dons. We’ve left the choice of framing to you. Comes fully authenticated from a leading memorabilia dealer.
Lot 18 – Sully! (£5)
A matching pair to go with his old team mate, the popular Neil Sullivan transcended both Wimbledon FC and AFC Wimbledon to become one of the last players to have turned out for both versions of the club. Get your hands on a signed, framed picture of one of Wimbledon's best goalkeepers.
Lot 19 – Meades’ boots (£50)
A pair of match-worn Nike Magista boots from Jon Meades. And if your feet are size 9 1/2, you could even wear them yourself and see if some of the Welshman’s talent rubs off on your own game!
Lot 20 – Old school Wimbledon (£36)
A very proud looking Wimbledon FC side pose for a team photo in 1905 having won the South London Charity Cup. A fine-looking trophy - and the team wasn’t bad either. We’ve even framed it for you.