Wimbledon go into administration

First Division Wimbledon have fallen into administration a year after the club decided to move from south London to Milton Keynes.

Andy Hosking and Nick Wood, partners of Grant Thornton, have been appointed joint administrators and they will work with chairman Charles Koppell to produce a rescue package.

Wood said: "Wimbledon's problems have been well documented and like so many clubs the short-term cash flow has become critical.

"Whilst not welcomed by many, it is becoming increasingly clear a move to Milton Keynes is a key element in ensuring the club has the facilities commensurate with its ambitions."

Hosking added that the move to a proposed 28,000-seat stadium in Milton Keynes was crucial to the club's survival.

He said: "Over 60 per cent of the club's current season-ticket capacity has been sold and these funds are secure and unaffected by this administration.

"We and the directors believe, with the enthusiasm shown in Milton Keynes and the dedicated efforts of the club's staff, we will in due course see a successful outcome."

Wimbledon's attendances plummeted after Koppell decided the club should leave Selhurst Park with less than 700 fans turning up for several matches.

Many supporters showed their anger by setting up AFC Wimbledon in the Combined Counties League. The non-League side frequently got better crowds than their professional neighbours.

Dave Beasant, the former Wimbledon goalkeeper, said: "It's difficult to try and put the blame on the fans because they support Wimbledon as a London-based club."