Wimbledon told to buy Selhurst

Dons fans could do worse than stay at Selhurst Park

Wimbledon have been given an open invitation to buy Selhurst Park rather than carry out their controversial plans to move to Milton Keynes.

Andrew Judge, the leader of Merton Council, said the club should consider purchasing the ground where they have played for 10 years if no other space could be found locally.

Ever since Wimbledon were forced to quit their own Plough Lane ground, they have had to share Selhurst Park with Crystal Palace, owned by former Palace chairman Ron Noades.

Judge said that staying at Selhurst was far more palatable, however, than moving to a new "home" 80 miles away.

"I know some supporters do not like Selhurst but ownership would permit refurbishment and renewal," he said.

"Frankly, I cannot believe there is not a site in south London or to the area immediately south and west.

"If that search leads nowhere then I am sure Selhurst Park would be a much more popular option than Milton Keynes."

Wimbledon fans have reacted furiously to plans to relocate the first division club to a new 45,000-capacity ground.

Although Crystal Palace do not own Selhurst Park it is universally considered to be their home

Wimbledon spokesman

If the proposal to move at the start of the 2003-4 season goes ahead, diehard supporters will face a 160-mile round trip.

Merton Council sources said Noades had already offered to sell the freehold of Selhurst Park to Wimbledon and that this had been turned down.

But a club spokesman said no discussions had taken place.

"Although Crystal Palace do not own Selhurst Park, it is universally acknowledged to be their home," the spokesman said.

"Wimbledon FC has absolutely no intention of buying Crystal Palace's home ground. There has been absolutely no conversation between Ron Noades and Wimbledon chairman Charles Koppell regarding any sale."

The Football League is due to discuss Wimbledon's case at a board meeting on Thursday.