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Eight years ago: Creating history at Manchester

Pictures and your memories from a dramatic day in Wimbledon's history

21 May 2019

Club News

Eight years ago: Creating history at Manchester

Pictures and your memories from a dramatic day in Wimbledon's history

21 May 2019

That magical day at Manchester for AFC Wimbledon is now eight years ago, but the achievement will never be forgotten by everyone connected with the club.

On 21 May 2011, The Dons edged out Luton Town on penalties to complete a remarkable feat - a return to the league just nine years after starting again in the Combined Counties League.

Terry Brown, who guided Wimbledon back into the Football League, said: "It seems like last weekend – it certainly doesn’t seem eight years ago. Nothing can replicate that day in terms of my time in football. I remember five absolutely fantastic years at the club. I’ll never forget having the honour of being the manager who took Wimbledon back into the Football League.”

Relive the magic of that day by taking a look at our extensive picture gallery above.

We earlier today asked on social media for your favourite memories from eight years ago and below are some of your responses. James Mulley, who came on as a substitute in the second-half, posted a message, and Luton fan @HungryHatter even sent a complimentary message to our official club Twitter account! 

@jmullz10 - Honestly, one of the best days of my life! This was undoubtedly my greatest achievement in my football career. What a group we had.

@JoeZBlair - The tube driver on the Northern Line back from Euston announced: "You might want to congratulate all the people in Yellow & Blue. They are Wimbledon supporters and they just got back into the Football League”.

@Carwyn_Tywyn - Two memories from the train back home to Wales. Breaking the AFCW news to a carriage of Leinster Rugby fans who had got on at Cardiff, and having a sing-song. Then, meeting @SwanseaWomble for the first time!

@KentWomble - Being there (and thinking second time round was a bit more exciting than finding out via a copy of the Evening Standard, like we did in 1977!)

@Amp1969 - I remember not being as nervous as I thought I would be. And being confident that @DKedwell would put his laces through that final penalty. Then just a melee of hugging and beer flying through the air.

@HungryHatter - Going home disappointed that my lot hadn't really turned up on the day, but really, really pleased that Wimbledon had got their league place back.

@stevebutton1889 - Those few seconds when Kedwell stood with the ball in front of him, anticipating in my mind what was about to happen, then watching it happen.

@nickprowse1 - Still to this day feel nervous watching the vid back of Kedwell smashing the ball into the top bin. What a great day, what a great club, what an amazing achievement.

@Marriotti67 - Dancing with Luke Moore around the corner flag just after the winning penalty had gone in. Moore, Moore, Moore, how do you like it...

@combyne - Helping to run 20-plus coaches to Manchester - thanks to all who stewarded on the day. Awesome Luton Town media people, whilst disappointed with missing out, they praised us. The two clubs' media people remain great friends. The achievement of nine years focus and beers at KM on return.

Eugene Robson - My brother Bertie Dawson going bonkers outside afterwards because we’d be on FIFA the next season!

Angela Widdup - That, of course, it was my birthday too. Thanks for the birthday present.

Terry Hunt - Being a Dad for the 1st time!

Bill Drummond - Got to be on the list of my top 5 days on this planet!!!!

Mark Laming - Was away working and listening to the radio. Kedwell penalty went in and I nearly got the sack!

Rastus Marizian - The ball hitting the inside of the post and rebounding into Seb Brown's arms and Seb saving the penalties.

David Bosanquet - Arriving at our hotel in Manchester to find our team coach in the car park, what an awesome evening we had with the players.


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