League to re-examine Dons move

The Football League has been told to re-examine Wimbledon's plans to move to Milton Keynes by a Football Association tribunal.

The ruling means that the club's aim of leaving London and its supporter base is still very much alive.

Today's decision is also the best Wimbledon chairman Charles Koppel could have hoped for.

He went to the FA after the League rejected Wimbledon's application to move and turned down the call for an appeal hearing.

Koppel argued that the body had not properly considered the club's case and the FA panel made up of Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein, York chairman Douglas Craig and Charles Hollander QC effectively ruled found in his favour.

However, it may not have improved Wimbledon's chances of leaving Selhurst Park for a new stadium in Milton Keynes as the same men who originally voted unanimously against are likely to be the ones looking at it again.

Football League chief executive David Burns said: "We need to analyse the very detailed judgement and in conjunction with our solicitors and those of Wimbledon, consider the most appropriate next course of action."

Legal teams from both sides are now going through every aspect of the judgement.

The next moves that they make will be thoroughly checked by lawyers, whose costs to Wimbledon alone during this case are thought to have reached nearly £500,000.

The judgement will be a disappointment to Wimbledon fans, who have campaign for the club to return to its historical home in Merton.

They wanted the panel to rule against the club and back the League's original decision to reject permission to move to Milton Keynes.

They have been vociferous in their opposition to the plans and are likely to mount a further demonstration during Wimbledon's televised game at home to Manchester City on Sunday.

But Merton Council today claimed it was a victory for those against the move and urged Wimbledon to reconsider other options.

A Merton Council spokesman said: "We are disappointed that the arbitration did not come to a final result to ensure Wimbledon stayed in their home area, but this is the next best thing. At least they have not been allowed to go to Milton Keynes." Meanwhile, manager Terry Burton will be without several players for tonight's First Division trip to Walsall.

Missing will be midfielders Jermaine Darlington, who has a calf injury, and Michael Hughes, who is suspended along with defender Darren Holloway.

Striker David Connolly, who has an ankle injury, is also out.

Defender Alan Kimble could return after knee problems.