The match that embodies defiance
Luton Town versus AFC Wimbledon is full of history
The new season kicks off this evening and if ever a fixture highlighted the fluctuating fortunes, challenges and resilience required to be a football fan it is Luton Town versus AFC Wimbledon. What has befallen both over the years is a reminder of the dangers in the game, and a reminder to those who inhabit the top flight to take nothing for granted. The journey from penthouse to pavement can be quick and painful.
A year ago Luton were adjusting to life following relegation from the Premier League while Wimbledon, founder members of the Premier League in 1992, were in League Two. When the Premier League considers sharing some of its huge broadcast revenue to the EFL it should remember the number of clubs “downstairs” who were once “upstairs”.
Fifty-one clubs have played in the Premier League; riding the gravy-train doesn’t always last, you can hit the buffers, so it makes sense for the Premier League to support the EFL (and not simply through parachute payments). Clubs rise from there, managers and players rise from there. Tonight may seem a straightforward League One fixture but it is 90 minutes of energy, combat, noise and immense symbolism.