Bradford City boss has painful memories of trips to Plough Lane

City make their first trip to Wimbledon’s new stadium - which is only 200 yards from their traditional home.

Bantams number two Glyn Hodges, who played more than 200 games for the London club, was their manager when the Dons opened the new ground in 2020.

It is a new venue for Hughes but the location will stir the memories, many of them quite painful, of some blood-and-thunder encounters with the old Crazy Gang.

Hughes said: “It was not as plush as it is now.

“I recall a few rumbles in the tunnel on occasions. But it was always handbags at dawn because it was so tight we couldn’t move anyway even if we wanted to punch somebody!

“They were interesting times, a different era, and certain things were part and parcel of the game.”

Hughes knew he was always in for a bruising encounter at Wimbledon during his own playing days and remembers their proud “tough guy” image.

“They played on that and were very good at it,” he added.

“But underpinning all the banter and what they used to get up to, they actually had some very good players.

“Everybody said the FA Cup win (in 1988) was a shock, and it was against Liverpool, but there was always a potential of it because they did have good players on the pitch.

“It was always difficult to go there, I did on a number of occasions and came back with a bloody nose literally and figuratively.

“It was always a challenge. They had some big lads and a way of playing that worked for them.

“Glyn was a big guy but he could play as well and I recall he had an influence on the game on a few occasions.

“It’s good to reminisce. At the time you’re thinking, ‘goodness me, what’s going on here’ but looking back, it was great fun.”

Hughes is pleased to see Wimbledon go back to their Plough Lane roots after living a nomadic existence since leaving their home of 80 years in 1991. The present club were founded in 2002.

He said: “The club split, for want of a better phrase, and it was moved and was ground-sharing for a while.

“It’s obviously not the same stadium because it’s been rebuilt. But for them to go back to Plough Lane was really important.”

Hodges is looking forward to seeing fans inside the ground when he revisits his old club.

Glyn Hodges was Wimbledon boss when they moved to the ground (Image: Twitter)

"I never got to see the stadium full because of Covid," he told Wimbledon's official website.

"Wimbledon are on a good run, so I’m expecting to see a big gate for the game and I’m sure we’ll bring a lot of fans down as well.

"I’m excited to see Plough Lane packed so that I can sample the atmosphere for the first time. I’m sure it’ll be magnificent.

"My focus will be on the match itself but I spent 10 years at Wimbledon. It naturally has a special place in my heart, it always will."