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AFC Wimbledon beat MK Dons on finances

Kieran Maguire of the Price of Football reports 'AFC Wimbledon publish 2019 accounts for AGM. Income up 15% on back of FA Cup run and beating West Ham. Sale of ground to Chelsea made £4m profit +£1m from developer. An extra £70k was given to Kingstonian. Stripping out one off items gives an operating loss of £1.5m (£30k a week). For the first time in the club's history as a phoenix club AFC Wimbledon had higher income and wages than MK Dons, also had lower operating losses.'

AFC Wimbledon paid £80 in wages for every £100 of income in 2018/19. This is higher than recommended levels, but not unusual for a League One club.

Wimbledon Bond came too late for the accounts but reference made to nearly £2.5m of investment made from share issue late in 2019 assuming final price agreed for new stadium. The club spent more that £4.2m on development for new stadium in 2018/19. The sale of Kingsmeadow allowed the club to pay off bank loans.

The Wimbledon Bond is powering ahead and is still open to investors who should be aware that there is an element of risk involved.

I am sceptical about fan owned clubs (if my club became one I would walk away) but at the very least AFC Wimbledon is the exception that proves the rule.

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