Personalised Wimbledon Football Books
Enjoy a Newspaper History of the Dons
Wimbledon FC was a London-based football club between 1889 and 2003. The Dons originated as Wimbledon Old Centrals. The club was then known briefly as Wimbledon Borough, before settling on the name Wimbledon FC in 1911. Wimbledon spent many years playing as an amateur side. The Dons eventually joined the Fourth Division in 1977 and took just nine years to reach the First Division. Wimbledon stayed in the top flight for fourteen consecutive seasons and the Dons also enjoyed cup success during this period. Wimbledon beat Liverpool in the 1988 FA Cup final to win the club’s only major trophy. Further FA Cup semi-final appearances followed, but the Dons’ form began to falter when financial crisis hit Wimbledon FC in the late-1990s. Relegation in 2000 proved to be disastrous and owners began to consider the option of relocating the Dons. The move was predictably unpopular amongst the fans and a break-away club was soon founded, called AFC Wimbledon. The original Wimbledon FC moved to Milton Keynes in 2003 and was subsequently rebranded as Milton Keynes Dons FC in 2004.
Personalised Wimbledon Football Books - Inspired Gifts
A Wimbledon Gift Book can be an inspired present for a fan of the Dons. It is unique, smartly presented and filled with fascinating newspaper reports on the history of the club. Being able to personalise this Wimbledon Football Book makes the gift even more special and shows the thought that has gone into buying it. The present will also prove to be a terrific addition to a supporter’s Wimbledon memorabilia collection.
Wimbledon Football Book Coverage
The Wimbledon Football Book opens with an FA Cup tie win over Colchester in 1962. Other top stories in this special Gift Book include the Dons’ epic battle against Leeds United in the fourth round of the 1975 FA Cup and the start of life in the Football League at home to Halifax in 1977. The Wimbledon Books feature promotion to Division Three in 1979 after just two seasons in the league, promotion to Division Two in 1984 and a fantastic report on the club reaching Division One in 1986. Coverage also incorporates the 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the 1983 Milk Cup second round and another victory against Forest in the 1985 FA Cup fourth round. These wins were impressive, as Nottingham Forest was a force to be reckoned with at the time. The Gift Books relive the fabulous FA Cup win over Liverpool in 1988 and many other highlights of the Crazy Gang era. The famous team beat the best sides around during their golden years. These stunning triumphs included a 4-0 win over Chelsea in 1986, a 5-1 humiliation of Spurs in 1991 and numerous wins over Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool.
Newspaper coverage continues right up to the move to Milton Keynes. The Wimbledon Books end with reports of the 1-0 win over Wigan Athletic in April 2004.
This unique insight into the Dons’ history makes these books truly memorable gifts and a great addition for a collector of Wimbledon memorabilia.
Wimbledon Memorabilia
If you are a collector of Wimbledon memorabilia or looking for other Wimbledon gifts, why not consider our Wimbledon Calendar or Wimbledon Diary? Each month features a newspaper headline on one of the Dons’ key games. The presents can be personalised with the recipient’s name to make them even more special and both items make great gifts for Wimbledon fans. Other presents include themed Spoof Newspaper Headlines and Personalised Football Commentaries.
Finally – Did You Know?
- When Wimbledon beat Burnley in the first round of the 1975 FA Cup, the Dons became the first non-league side in the history of the competition to beat a top flight team away.
- Wimbledon FC was nicknamed the “The Crazy Gang" in the 1980s. This was due to the club’s boisterous supporters and a group of eccentric players, including Vinnie Jones, Wally Downes and Lawrie Sanchez
- Dave Beasant was captain of the Dons in the 1988 FA Cup final against Liverpool. During the match, he became the first goalkeeper to save a penalty in the final of the competition.
- Wimbledon clinched promotion to the First Division in the last match of the 1985-1986 season. The Dons beat Huddersfield Town 0-1.
- The relocation of Wimbledon FC was originally banned by the Football Association and the Football League. These rulings were overturned when the club’s owners lodged an appeal.