AFC Wimbledon are expected to raise around £2.5million to help pay for their new stadium at Plough Lane after 5,200 people invested in a crowdfunding scheme.
The Dons, who currently play at Kingsmeadow, are planning to move back to their old ground for the 2020/21 season as part of a project worth £25m.
To help pay for the ground, the club launched a crowdfunding scheme this summer, with there being scope for a maximum of £7m to be raised.
It involved issuing more shares in AFCW PLC — who own the club — while still retaining the Dons Trust’s 75 per cent controlling stake.
The project, which is in collaboration with fundraising partners Seedrs, has now closed.
The news is a major boost for the League One club, who needed to raise a minimum of £2m to keep alive their dream of returning to Plough Lane.
The current total of investment stands at £2.4m. However, with Seedrs still chasing a few contributors for payment, it is likely to rise above £2.5m by the weekend.
Those who have not paid for their investment yet have until 5pm on Friday to do so.
Wimbledon chief executive Joe Palmer said: “This campaign has not only surpassed our wildest expectations — for which we can’t thank you enough — it’s also taught us one or two unforgettable things about our club and our supporters.
“First and foremost, it’s underlined what going home to Plough Lane truly means to each and every one of you.
“It’s clear that the pull of Plough Lane has never deserted our club. Everyone wants to go home and this proves it.”
