Niall Couper has decided to step down from the Dons Trust Board.
His decision follows on from incidents at yesterday’s game versus Sutton United.
He has decided to stay on until the AGM allowing a smooth transition.
Niall said: “I have taken the difficult decision to stand down early from the Board.
“Over my entire period on the Board I have had abuse directed at me on social media.
“Sadly that has intensified in recent weeks. And on Saturday in two separate incidents I was threatened physically and verbally – including once in front of my 11–year–old niece, who was really rattled by it. She had taken her best friend to the game for the first time.
“I am only thankful that my own eldest daughter, a long–standing season ticket holder, was not with me.
“I will let others who have worked with me over the last two years assess my record on the Board and judge me on the manifesto I was elected on.
“I hope those that truly care about AFC Wimbledon have the strength to step forward and build a better club.
“I tried, but in the end I felt chewed up and spat out. And ultimately I have to do what is best for my own mental health.”
I am absolutely appalled by such bullies and this behaviour. You have been excellent as a board member and to volunteer so much time and effort I know numerous things have moved ahead due to your work with the board and club. This is a bad day for the club and community.
Very sorry to hear this Niall. I for one thought you have done a good job.
Regards
John Manderson.
So sorry to hear this and fully understand your decision. Unfortunately some of our fans are an absolute disgrace.
Kind regards
Very sad to see you leave early. Some fans overstep the mark No excuses but football is a tough sport with high expectations and how many Managers have been forced to leave. I thought Robbo should have stayed on until the end of last season after his long service and it was fruitless to leave with only a few games left. The fans have had to suffer to many goalless poor team performances over the past 2 seasons and I think the Club has forgotten that we pay to be entertained. Forget the sad endless passing game with no goals and let’s bring back the Crazy Gang spirit and let’s enjoy football again X
Spot on! We cannot ignore this and need to fully understand why fans are angry and not just disregard it. The way some fans go about voicing their protest is not right but that doesn’t make their views wrong. Why have fans felt the need to behave like this? It is time to focus on the football – I totally agree!
It’s a very sad day when people that give up there time and volunteer have to face this behaviour. I’m a lifelong season ticket holder some of our fans need to remember what we have achieved and be thankful. To all our board members and volunteers thank you for all your work, we wouldn’t be here today without you.
Very sad and appalled sorry Niall on behalf of the decent fans.
It’s only the minority that cause issues and I’m sure they are just out to cause trouble and don’t really have any interest in our club.
Please reconsider as you are doing a wonderful job.
It’s just on the field issues that get the minority upset and take it out on innocent folk like you.