The Lounge

[MacWomble]

0-0, 4804 diehards. Ah well, we are still further ahead than at the same point last season, and average attendance is up. We are on the rise, with the new stadium, and better days are ahead. As for Bolton: like us, once in the premiership and shaking-up a few of the bigger clubs. But look at them now. Jeeze. Actually, I’m of a general view that any season where Liverpool is going to be the top dog means it is instantly forgettable at all levels. Another grimace as that weird, bearded ‘pool manager appears on the gogglebox. I recall seeing Wimbledon play an FA Cup game at Anfield many years ago – what a dump. Was relieved to get back to London (and did not see Brookside Close). A season for the trash can all round.

[Windlesham Don]

Although I expected a disappointing result, even I was shocked at the toothlessness of our attacking play. As well as a strike force lacking any real pace or skill, we are hampered by a midfield without any creativity. In Hartigan, Reilly and Wagstaff we have a central trio without the ability to spot a killer pass. Thus, we get the normal aimless thump-ball down the channel or up to an outmuscled Pigs…

On the bench were Sanders and Rudoni (Wordsworth not even fit enough to warm the bench evidently), both attacking passers of the ball, but by the time Rudoni was introduced the rhythm of the game was set. Once again, the manager’s substitutions failed to impress…

Sadly, it is going to be a nerve-jangling run in. If we need to win a game we do not have the ability to create chances. We are more effective playing the underdog role against opposition happy to attack us.

Of course, despite the toothless performance we did have the ball in the net, Kwesi heading in a perfectly good goal cancelled out by the fluttering flag of the incompetent knobwit of a referee’s assistant.

Let’s hope the Footballing Gods are kinder to us during the run-in…

PS – Congratulations to Singapore Don of this parish, who once again managed to get his picture in the match day magazine – he seems to make more appearances in it than Joe Palmer…

[Colum]

There are no handshakes allowed, but we still have an utterly pointless sponsors photo opportunity as the teams walk past each other. I loved Ramsdale’s cheeky grin and nod last weekend. What follows is 22 players getting up close and personal in a fashion that would give our government’s Chief Medical Office a heart attack.

Elsewhere my firm has told all staff who can, to feel free to work from home. It looks likely to take a firmer stance in the days to come. There are several reports of offices being evacuated after a worker collapsing. And today the owner of Notts Forest has tested positive.

Can it be long before we follow the example of Italy and cancel all large sporting events? What will that mean to this season? Watch this space!

[onyadon]

A quick update during our splendid isolation.

Joe Palmer has put out a statement which in part stated the following points of interest:

On Plough Lane Stadium
Construction work has been progressing, following government guidance relating to the wider importance of continuing construction works, if done in accordance with the social distancing guidelines wherever possible. The roof covering is completed and cladding has been completed for the ground floor on the main West Stand. The pitch foundations are in place and should be fully ready by July, as planned.
The stadium’s completion date has been revised and the Club is now looking at October 23 – no guarantees while so much remains unknown and that means this date could yet further change.
In terms of financing the finished stadium build the Club is in advanced discussions with a lender and will provide a separate update in the near future.
Kingsmeadow
Should the season be restarted and games are played throughout June, July and possibly beyond, then Chelsea [the new KM ground owners] have agreed in principle to let the club play its remaining home fixtures of the 2019/20 season at Kingsmeadow. The EFL estimates it will need a period of 56 days to complete the current season and is advising that the recommencement of training sessions should not commence until May 16 “at the earliest”.
Next season
Ahead of the new stadium being ready, the club have identified several ground options to meet various outcomes and will update supporters when the future becomes clearer.

I invite you to respond to the above and maybe use the opportunity to tell us what you’ve been doing during your isolation. Stay safe and healthy everyone.

[Windlesham Don]

Hello all from a rather surreal Blighty! I guess it is a little easier to avoid other people outside of the big cities in Oz, but we are a small island and self isolation/social distancing are not coming easy over here. We have the normal idiots and f*ckwits who see it as a joke, and I feel that the road back normality is going to be a long and hard one.

IMO the idea of restarting the season in June is ‘pie in the sky’. There may be a way of the Premier League players being tested and then playing behind closed doors, as they have no need of fans (it is all about the TV cash for them). But for lower leagues I cannot see this happening – match day income is vital below the Premier League and there is no prospect of assembling large crowds any time soon.

It is great that work on the stadium is progressing, even if it is at a slower rate, and it will be a huge boost if the final funding can be tied down shortly.

Although these days are very worrying they are also exciting for the club, and if we get news on ST arrangements for the stadium through soon then excitement will hit another level!

I feel sorry for you guys around the world though, as it looks like making arrangements to be at the first game at NPL is going to be almost impossible.

Stay safe wherever you are…

[Devon Womble]

As I write this, it’s 8am in South Carolina, US of A; a country that has finally woken up after six weeks of denial. Yet, I shall go to work today in the knowledge that many customers will decide it’s their ‘constitutional right’ to spread coronavirus to everyone, whether they want it or not. Oh well, I made my bed as they say.
On the bright side, I have toilet roll… (Thinks… I wonder if Lionel Messi is short of the stuff? Perhaps I could offer him a roll or two in return for a couple of games in a Don’s shirt?)
Back to reality then and the thought of finding some alternative grounds for a few weeks. Kind of brings back a feeling of ‘Deja Vu’ and those uncomfortable days at Selhurst Park. Oh Well, it’s the Don’s way. Maybe we could be more creative this time though? ‘Dons on tour’ has a nice ring about it. In fact, there’s a decent pitch available just over the border in North Carolina. Liverpool and Man.City have played there to a 60,000+ crowd. Fund-raising anyone? It might be preferable to some dour, unwelcoming hovel in the wrong end of London.
At least NPL is still progressing, as is the financing apparently. Which reminds me, we may have furloughed some of the staff, but how are we keeping the players together? Anyone? At least we have Rudoni for next season, and that’s a flying start for sure!

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