The Plough Lane Bond received a notable boost today with the endorsement of mayoral candidate and co-leader of the Green Party, Sian Berry.
The Bond, which is administered and offered by the Dons Trust, is looking to raise £5m by 14 February and help secure the club’s on-going existence as a fans-owned club.
Sian Berry said: “The success of AFC Wimbledon has been such a great community achievement. I lived with a friend who was a Wimbledon fan during the period when fans rallied round to save and rebuild their club from the ground up, and the battles you have fought are truly inspiring.
“Having a new ground back in Wimbledon is a really important step in the club's ongoing story. Using a bond to keep the club in the hands of supporters and the community fits so well with Green Party values and I'm delighted to back the campaign today.”
Siobhain McDonagh has regularly backed the Dons’ fans plight, and the Labour MP for Mitcham and Morden also offered her support. She said: "Today Wimbledon fans stand on the cusp of completing their fairytale return to the Borough of Merton.
"It has been a long hard struggle and I have the upmost respect for their efforts. Their dedication is an inspiration to everyone.
"The Bond scheme is an ingenious way to ensure it happens and most importantly also ensure the club remains fans owned and firmly embedded in the community."
Cllr Stephen Alambritis, Leader of Merton Council, added his approval for the fundraising efforts by our supporters: “Wishing all the best to the innovative Bond fundraising activity by the fans of AFC Wimbledon," he said.
The Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats and mayoral candidate Rory Stewart have also been asked to support the scheme.
The Plough Land Bond offers annual returns of up to 4%. Minimum investment starts from £1k with loans running for five, ten and twenty-year terms. Your capital is at risk. Please see the website www.ploughlanebond.com for full terms and conditions and risk factors.