Quote ="orangeman"I really hope Hughes isn't being fed the line that this move hasn't worked because the hosts are in disarray, but past form would point to him swallowing that crap, just so he doesn't feel bad about the rotting carcass of a club he has left.
AFC Wimbledon may well be in a bit of a spiral, but they at least can fill the stadium with paying fans.
I hope smithers concerns about the visit of the franchise aren't merited. I've seen nastiness return to football post covid and that game has a real powderkeg feel to it.....'"
For the football club it's reboot time. To go from nothing to a League team with a modern ground and have just about removed all external debt (so it's unsecured) has been exceptional. The model for running the club now needs changing. There are currently two boards, the Dons Trust and the PLC, although the later as a 5-4 majority of DTB members! It's not clear which board is making what decisions. There is a temporary Chair (in place of the departed CEO) who is part of the AFC minority. He is a major businessman but currently (assuming he's taken on the CEO roles) is managing the club (off the field, stadium etc), the on-field side (ultimately he hires and fires the coach), whilst reviewing the whole model to decide how the CEO is replaced (potentially two roles, one being a Director of Football). It's solvable if people put aside their personal agendas. They are extremely lucky to have no hit on the attendances.
Regarding Franchise the concern is on the streets. The Dons Trust are surprised it isn't a bubble match. I'm sure inside the stadium the atmosphere won't be great, but will be very safe. It's the walking to the multiple stations that is the concern. If Franchise fans start goading, there may be some supporters who snap. Likely to be older fans where the decisions 20 odd years ago remain very raw.
Doesn't help that the other slightly problematic match is four days earlier against Charlton. There was an incident at London Bridge station pre-Christmas and Charlton fans weren't happy. The interaction outside the ground this year has been fantastic. I hope neither of these games will result in any issues, but it's a risk. Hopefully both visiting set of supporters will treat the ground amenities with respect, such as seats and toilets!
not good at all, as downcast fans not likely to want to come watch rugby after the end of the season. Was really hoping they would stay up....
