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AFC Wimbledon and London Clarets, Sunday 4th May
Fans unite against franchised football


The statistics said...

As previously advertised, some of us boycotted Burnley's game against Charles Koppel's Franchise FC, and joined fans of AFC Wimbledon for a pleasant afternoon in south west London.

After some drinking and sunbathing, we adjourned to Wimbledon Common to show off our footballing (or in some cases, spectating) skills. Actually, it was just like watching Burnley, as the goals rained in - we soon lost touch with the score, but it was well into double figures, and there were some very dodgy decisions!

Everyone was united in hoping for a Burnley victory at Selhurst Park, and for a while it looked as though that might be on the cards, Gareth Taylor putting Burnley ahead before the half-hour mark. Sadly, it wasn't to be, and two goals from Franchise's David Connolly in the 55th and 81st minutes gave Koppel's crew all the points, leaving Burnley ending the season in 16th place.

After saying goodbye to our friends from AFC Wimbledon, we travelled to Carshalton, where we met up with some of those who had gone to the game for - you guessed it! - some more drinking.

Some photos from our day are below. We'd like to thank everyone from AFC Wimbledon who turned out to meet us, in particular Simon and colleagues from WISA, the Wimbledon Independent Supporters' Association. We'd also like to wish them all the best as they continue their fight against Charles Koppel and Franchise FC.


Our survey said...

Firmo:

I really enjoyed today's game. Phil Whalley is the new Alan Moore! We spent a very enjoyable afternoon with the Wimbledon supporters. It turned out to be a very enjoyable way of ending the season.

Nic:

I was very pleased to see Pauline, Phil, and my lovely husband, Andrew Firmin, lending their support to the boycott of Franchise FC. What lovely people they are.

Cozzo:

It was a great game, and we were unlucky to be 1-0 down at half time. However, we came back in the second half to win 2-1, with my nephew scoring the winner in the last minute.

Editor's note: Cozzo boycotted the Franchise game, and instead went to watch his nephew Matt's team (Chipping Lions) take on Morecambe Colts. A great away win, and congratulations to Matt on scoring that crucial goal.

Pauline:

Today was great, and I'm really glad I boycotted the Franchise game. Although it's not easy to pass up a chance to watch Burnley, in my opinion some things are more important. Unfortunately, I think that what's happened with Wimbledon will be the thin end of the wedge.

It was particularly interesting to hear the Wimbledon fans talk about the work involved in forming AFC Wimbledon. There was a lot of work involved, much more than I had realised. And of course, the work goes on - the next step is to achieve promotion to the Ryman League. These are very dedicated and committed people. Hats off to them all, and good luck for the future.

Phil:

I am the new Alan Moore. Just call me Wing Wizard! I combine the speed of Ian Moore with the trickery of Glen Little, the commanding presence of Driss and the aerial ability of Di Branchio. I even managed to get in a Kevin Ball-like tackle on WISA's Simon. My only problem was having to play with all those amateurs.

Editor's note: OK, we made up Phil's comments - largely because we couldn't drag him away from the football game when the rest of us left for Carshalton! Seriously, he was rather good.

Simon (WISA):

We'd like to thank all the Burnley fans who stayed away from the game, and those who joined us on Wimbledon Common. Burnley has always been a community club, and the attendance of 1,972 (at Franchise FC - Burnley) is a fantastic achievement.

Burnley fans have illustrated that football franchising is unacceptable in the English game. We hope to visit Turf Moor next season as part of our aim to raise money to buy Kingsmeadow, to protect the interests of both AFC Wimbledon and Kingstonian FC, and to keep them integral parts of the communities they represent.


Poll of the day

We did try to hold some kind of poll, but it was towards the end of the evening. This probably explains the topic: which Burnley player has the nicest bottom?

Goodness knows who won, but we did establish that this is quite an individual thing, as virtually everyone voted for a different player. It was generally agreed, though, that another reason had been found for mourning the departure of Steve Davis. We think we may be onto something here: what about an official Rear of the Year award next season?


Quote of the day #1

In the Franchise - Burnley matchday programme, Charles Koppel says:

This season has brought with it forthright adversity and vociferous hostility from so many quarters yet we have remained proud, treasured our history and traditions and used that as a platform of strength from which to launch forward. All those associated with the Club, especially our true supporters, have held their heads up high in the face of unwarranted criticism and occasional ridicule.

Quote of the day #2

From Frank Leahy:

Egotism is the anaesthetic that dulls the pain of stupidity.


Pic of the day #1

Team photo: AFC Wimbledon and Burnley supporters pose together.

Team photo: AFC Wimbledon and Burnley supporters


Pic of the day #2

The new Alan Moore: Phil (or "Mr Burnley", as the Wimbledon youngsters called him) waits for the ball.

Photo of Phil Whalley in action

Pic of the day #3

Man of the match: Rhys Hurworth. Fearless against the adult competitors, and made a number of excellent saves. We would send Stan down, but unfortunately young Rhys is already under contract to AFC Wimbledon's youth team.

(We did try to get an action shot, but unfortunately the camera operator wasn't competent enough...)

Photo of man of the match, Rhys Hurworth


Pic of the day #4

What? No beer photos? Fear not: Woody to the rescue, with a not inconsiderable jug of something or other. We believe he did finish it, eventually!

Photo of Woody with large jug of beer


As with all articles on the site, the views expressed in the vox pop section are those of the individual contributors, and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Burnley FC London Supporters Club.

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