Portsmouth preparing to make return to Wimbledon's Plough Lane for first time in 32 years

The last time Pompey played at the ‘spiritual home’ of Wimbledon, Alan Knight suffered a fractured cheekbone and broken nose following a collision with Crazy Gang hardman Eric Young.
A general view of the under construction Plough Lane stadium of AFC Wimbledon on March 31, 2020.  Picture: Andrew Redington/Getty ImagesA general view of the under construction Plough Lane stadium of AFC Wimbledon on March 31, 2020.  Picture: Andrew Redington/Getty Images
A general view of the under construction Plough Lane stadium of AFC Wimbledon on March 31, 2020. Picture: Andrew Redington/Getty Images

Full-back Lee Sandford was called upon to take his place between the posts as the Blues No1 counted the stitches on his face.

Meanwhile, goals from Paul Mariner and substitute Kevin Dillon, earned Alan Ball’s side a share of the spoils from that Plough Lane meeting on April 19,1988.

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The point wasn’t enough to save the Blues from relegation from the top flight that year, with Pompey returning to the old second division at the first time of asking following promotion 12 months earlier.

Now, 32 years later, the Blues are preparing to head back to the borough of Merton in southwest London for the first time with both clubs’ circumstances completely different.

Yes, League One might now be the hunting ground of both clubs, while games between both teams are not exactly scarce at this current point in history.

And while both clubs have experienced extraordinary changes since that top-flight in the late ‘80s, the venue of their next match-up in the capital promises to be one that is totally unrecognisable.

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Indeed, the Dons are returning home to Plough Lane – or 200 yards away from the original ground, taking over the Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium – after more than 30 years being away for the 2020-21 season.

The old Plough Lane home of Wimbledon.  Picture: Chris Raphael/Allsport/Getty ImagesThe old Plough Lane home of Wimbledon.  Picture: Chris Raphael/Allsport/Getty Images
The old Plough Lane home of Wimbledon. Picture: Chris Raphael/Allsport/Getty Images

But those Pompey fans who can remember being among the 9,119 crowd for the 2-2 draw in 1988 needn’t think they’ll recognise a former stomping ground.

Wimbledon, who in previous years have had both Kingsmeadow and Selhurst Park as temporary addresses, are in the final stages of completing their brand new £30m stadium that will boast a 9,000+ capacity.

October 25 has been earmarked for its opening – a month after the new League One season kicks off on September 12.

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There’s no guarantee when supporters will be able to take their seats in their spectacular new surrounds – nor will Blues fans know straightaway if they can travel to a new ground when the new season fixtures are eventually released next week.

Nevertheless, the new Plough Lane has got the whole club brimming with excitement and fans giddy at the prospect of watching their team back in familiar neighbourhood.

The Plough Lane Bond and a crowdfunding campaign helped raise £7.5m for this particular project, which began in earnest in 2013.

Meanwhile. this week fans have been encouraged to sign up to a new seat debenture scheme, which essentially allows supporters to buy the rights to a particular seat for a period of 10 years.

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The price sits between £500 to £600, but fans can then make savings as their season ticket will be discounted.

Holders will also get 11 seasons for the price of 10 due to the continued uncertainty over the forthcoming season.

It’s hoped their return to PO4 is not too far down the line – as is Pompey’s first taste of Wimbledon’s new spectacular home.

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