**Richard Clarke** — born Portsmouth, 1955. First attended Wimbledon in 1968, introduced by his father. From 1969 attended weekly with school friend Tony Hitchen, cycling from Kingston upon Thames.

Describes the stadium as futuristic compared to football grounds; recalls the grandstand boxes, matchday ritual of filling in programmes, rosettes and merchandise, and the ceremonial pre-meeting parade to *Blaze Away*. Crowds of 6–8,000; affordable on pocket money. Strong local rivalries with West Ham and Hackney, the latter's promoter Len Silver noted as a deliberate crowd-baiter.

First hero was Ronnie Moore; attended the 1969 World Final at Wembley (c.80,000 crowd) via the supporters' club coach. Memorable matches include the 1970 Knockout Cup first leg against Bellevue (Ivan Mauger's off-night), the 1980 England v America test (54–54 draw), and Wimbledon holding Cradley Heath in 1983. Describes Tommy Janssen's death in 1976 as the point from which Wimbledon never truly recovered.

Began reporting for the *Surrey Comet* in 1975, moved to *Speedway Star* in 1979–80, became editor in 1996, retired 2024. Notes sport had reasonable national media coverage through the 1970s. Recalls riders as highly accessible and unpretentious; anecdotes include interviewing Ronnie Moore post-shower and securing an exclusive with Mark Loram after his 2000 world title.

Reflects that Wimbledon's decline was structural — the GRA owned the stadium, leaving promoters with admission income only — compounded by the deteriorating fabric of the venue and thinning crowds in its final years. Also follows AFC Wimbledon and welcomes the club's return to Plough Lane.