Wimbledon: From Southern League to Premiership 1964-1995

The story of Wimbledon FC is among the most astonishing Cinderella tales in the history of the English game. The clubs achievements have no equal. Winning the FA Amateur Cup in 1963, they were elected to the Southern League and promoted to the Premier Division at the first attempt. Championships followed in 1975, 1976, and 1977. These, coupled with headline-grabbing performances in the FA Cup against Burnley, Leeds, and Middlesbrough, opened the door to admission to the Football League. Some clubs would have settled for life in the lower divisions. But Wimbledons roller coaster ride to fame had barely begun. By 1986 they were in the 1st Division. In 1988 25 years after lifting the FA Amateur Cup they achieved their highest accolade, winning the FA Cup. Then then became proud members of the FA Carling Premiership. Having the smallest gates, and having to sell to survive, meant the Dons were regularly tipped for relegation. They confounded the critics each season, invariably finishing nearer the top than the bottom. Rich clubs and poor would like to know how Wimbledon did it. Perhaps these pages will show them.