The Dons are coming Back to Plough Lane.
The first game might be behind closed doors, but we are going to mark the occasion with a one-off digital show to celebrate this incredible achievement and bring fans together virtually, though sadly not in person.
The show will be hosted by Chris Phillips with Terry Gibson and John Scales live on YouTube from 6pm on Tuesday 3rd November. It will include a look back at Wimbledon’s history on Plough Lane, the amazing work by Wimbledon fans across so many campaigns to make the dream of returning home a reality and some highlights of the journey so far. Footage will take fans inside the dressing room and around the ground. We will also be looking for updates from fans watching all around the world to find out where they are watching from as we all try to share remotely in marking this milestone.
Manager Glyn Hodges said: “Obviously playing our first game behind closed doors isn’t the way we all wanted to open the stadium. And in a very real sense none of us will consider the stadium is properly and truly opened until everyone is there together because bringing the Dons home has been an incredible joint effort by thousands of people.
“But we hope this special show will mark this amazing milestone in the history of the club and give everyone something to enjoy at home while we all wait to be together again soon.”
The show is being produced by long-standing fan Charlie Talbot, who said: “When the fans pulled together so magnificently during the Plough Lane Bond campaign, we all thought we were counting down to a massive celebration all together in our new home. Sadly, that will have to wait a while yet and whilst no digital event will feel as special as that first full house will, we hope this broadcast will give everyone something to enjoy in the meantime.
“We’ve got some amazing content and have had a brilliant array of contributions and input from so many people to put this together creatively and technically, so we really hope people enjoy it. And that everyone gets involved in the countdown to kick-off by sending us their messages.”
John Scales added: “Going down to film part of the preparation for this show gave me goosebumps already. Like every fan, I am gutted we can’t have everyone there yet, but that day will come and will be a tremendous occasion. But I’m looking forward to working with Gibbo and Chris to give everyone watching a home an evening to enjoy and a sense of pride at what we have all achieved.”
Chief executive Joe Palmer concluded: “The closer we get to the first game, the more bittersweet it feels that we will have to play our first game behind closed doors. But while we wait for that final stage of our homecoming, we hope everyone enjoys this show and then of course the iFollow coverage of the game with the indefatigable Mikey and Rob. It won’t be quite as good as being there, but we will show you the way to Plough Lane digitally for now.”
The live show will be streamed on the club’s YouTube channel from 6pm on Tuesday 3rd November and keep an eye on our club Twitter feed for your chance to get involved. #BackToPloughLane
For a taste of what’s in store on the night, take a look at the promo video below.