Ahead of his co-commentary Emirates FA Cup debut for our Monday night clash with Ramsgate, Terry Gibson exclusively spoke to us about his excitement for a trip to the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
The forward turned pundit played a total of 86 league games for the Dons, amassing 22 goals during that time, however his greatest day came in the world’s greatest cup competition as the Crazy Gang of Wimbledon beat the Culture Club of Liverpool in the 1988 FA Cup final.
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Below is an extract from our exclusive matchday programme interview with Terry, as he tells us exactly what it means to be returning home.
As part of our discussion he also detailed his love-hate relationship with Bobby Gould, a run in with Sir Alex Ferguson and revealed the secret that got him through the pain barrier during the 1988 FA Cup final. Buy your matchday programme for £3 on Monday night to read the full interview!
The new version is totally better than the old one thankfully! I’m excited to come back on Monday and see a crowd and of course some old faces. I last visited the stadium when we screened England against Wales in the World Cup. I’m looking forward to seeing it in all its glory. I want to get a real feel for the new version of Plough Lane. Last time I came I saw people I know that have just grown up.
The old ground was so unique. It wasn’t the best stadium in the league, that’s for sure, but it was just different. It had a lower league, non-league feel about it and we used that to our advantage. I know from old teammates of mine that played there that they hated coming to Plough Lane. The facilities, the changing room and the tunnel were nasty. The only good thing about it was the pitch!
It was even considered an old fashioned stadium in the 1980s but it was our advantage. We loved it. We referred to it as a ‘dump that’s our dump’. It had that feel about it. It provided a great atmosphere for us and it was intimidating for other teams that came there.
You felt the intimacy of the Club, you got to know everyone that went to the games. There was nothing corporate about the Club, the Nelsons nightclub was open to everybody after the game and the fans could meet top division footballers. It was and still is totally different to any other football club.
It’s been a heartwarming story from beginning to end to see the fans keep the Club going and then bring it back home. I’m full of admiration for what a small group of people decided to do. To now see the Club back in the Football League and at a stadium that’s incredible, is unbelievable.
The identity has been retained over the years because it couldn’t be wiped away. So many people deserve so much credit for that. I’m excited to embrace it all with our supporters again on Monday evening.