WISA and Barratt Homes are pleased to confirm the names which will be used to commemorate the illustrious and colourful history of Wimbledon Football Club within the new residential development being built at Plough Lane.
Last September, WISA held a poll at Kingsmeadow, asking fans to vote for the names of individuals after whom they wanted the apartment blocks to be named. We received a wide range of suggestions, from players to managers to others who had contributed to our 90-year history at Plough Lane.
From the votes, a dozen names emerged as the clear favourites among our fans. WISA presented this list to Barratt, the developers, along with short biographies outlining the contribution to the club which these individuals had made while Plough Lane was our home.
Barratt, in conjunction with Merton Council, have now chosen seven of these to represent the club’s history.
The apartment blocks will be named after Allen Batsford and Dave Bassett, who were both managers; players Harry Stannard, Alan Cork and Lawrie Sanchez; and Stanley Reed, who was the club’s chairman from 1983 to 2000.
In addition, when complete, the development itself, currently being marketed as The Sanctuary SW19, will be known as Reynolds Gate, honouring Eddie Reynolds, the outstanding striker who scored four goals in our memorable FA Amateur Cup win against Sutton in 1963.
Most of us have felt some sadness that our spiritual home Plough Lane is no longer where our club plays. We would however like to thank Barratt and Merton Council for their help in ensuring that the history of our club will remain an integral part of Plough Lane’s future existence.
We would also like to thank all those who voted to choose names. And we offer our respect to everyone who played a part in Wimbledon’s story in the days when we walked down the Haydons Road to see the Womble Aces.
In the meantime, the plans for commemorative artwork and a time capsule to be buried at Plough Lane are also taking shape, and we’ll let you know when we’ve got more news.
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