In the mid-1990s, Wimbledon FC, then a Premier League club, considered a radical plan to relocate to Dublin, Ireland. The idea, proposed by the club's owners, was to play home matches at Lansdowne Road, the national stadium, and rebrand the club as the 'Dublin Dons'. The plan was driven by the club's struggle to find a suitable stadium in London after leaving Plough Lane.
According to contemporary reports, the move was seriously explored, with the club's chairman at the time, Sam Hammam, being a key proponent. The plan would have seen Wimbledon play in Dublin while remaining in the English football league system. However, the proposal faced significant opposition from fans, the Football Association, and UEFA, and was ultimately abandoned.
The idea has resurfaced in recent years as a historical curiosity, especially given the success of Irish players in the Premier League and the strong following of English football in Ireland. The quote, "People would be laughing now but it's something that would have worked, no doubt about it," reflects the belief of some that the move could have been successful, though it remains a hypothetical.
Wimbledon FC eventually moved to Milton Keynes in 2003, becoming MK Dons, a decision that led to the formation of AFC Wimbledon by fans. The Dublin Dons plan remains a fascinating 'what if' in football history.
