IT’S SURE GUNNER BE DIAL’S EXCITING VENTURE

FIRST, disgruntled Wimbledon and Manchester United fans opted to go it alone, then Liverpool and Blackpool supporters decided to follow suit. Now, it’s the turn of Arsenal fans to make their mark – and they’ve got big plans for the future!

Annoyed by a perceived lack of ambition at the Emirates Stadium since Stan Kroenke and KSE took full ownership, lifelong Gunners fan Stuart Morgan has launched his very own breakaway football club to rival similar Phoenix ventures of their rivals.

Dial Square FC – a reference to Arsenal Football Club’s original name before it was renamed Woolwich Arsenal in 1893 – have been formally registered with the Football Association and has applied to join the Combined Counties League Division One at Step 6 next season.

Using the successes of AFC Wimbledon and FC United of Manchester as a business model, Dial Square FC have secured a 3G groundshare with current CCL incumbents Abbey Rangers, based in Addlestone, Surrey.

They are planning to hold player trials in April, once it is known what level the club will start at.

“It’s not a pipedream, is got purpose, a proven model,” Morgan, a former director at Camberley Town, told The NLP. “We are trying to emulate the same model as AFC Wimbledon and FC United – look how successful they have gone on to be!

“It’s not going to be easy but the amount of interest I’ve had and the number of people on board with the idea makes me believe it’s a venture which has legs.

“I have a short, medium and long-term plan with the aim to the Isthmian Premier in 10 years. Ultimately, then, the aim is to be granted our own purpose-build stadium closer to Arsenal’s spiritual home in Woolwich.

“For now, though, it’s logistically easier to run the club from closer to home – and it doesn’t matter if we have to start from Step 7, 8 or even 9. Already, we have two shareholders and a management committee in place, it’s something we are fully committed to.”