AFC Wimbledon’s Plough Lane stadium faced a major setback as it was flooded with over 100,000 litres of water, leaving the entire stadium submerged. The club’s managing director, James Woodroof, described the damage as “significant” after the nearby River Wandle overflowed on Sunday night.
Due to the flooding, the Carabao Cup third-round match against Newcastle United had to be postponed, with the game now set to take place at St James’s Park on 1 October. Additionally, the League Two home game against Crewe Alexandra has also been postponed, with hopes of relocating the upcoming league game against Accrington Stanley to another venue in south London.
Woodroof expressed his shock at the extent of the flooding, stating that the pitch had suffered substantial damage. Efforts to pump out the water resulted in over 100,000 litres being removed from the stadium, equivalent to a running tap left on for a week.
The club is now focused on assessing the damage and planning the necessary repairs. Diggers are expected to be brought in to excavate the damaged pitch, with investigations ongoing to understand the full extent of the natural disaster that occurred. Despite the challenges, Woodroof remains optimistic about the club’s ability to overcome this obstacle and return to normalcy.
In a display of solidarity, a JustGiving page has been set up to raise funds for the repairs, with contributions from fans and even the opposing team, Newcastle United. Woodroof expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, highlighting the strong community spirit that defines AFC Wimbledon.
While the club has insurance coverage for the stadium and pitch, efforts are being made to ensure that revenue streams are maintained during this period of disruption. Woodroof encouraged fans, including those of Newcastle, to attend the rescheduled matches to show their support and help generate much-needed revenue for the club.
Despite the challenges posed by the flooding, AFC Wimbledon remains determined to navigate through this difficult situation and emerge stronger. The club’s resilience and unwavering spirit are evident in the face of adversity, reflecting the enduring ethos of community and togetherness that defines the Wimbledon football club.
