A key figure in the history of AFC Wimbledon died this week.

You may not have heard of Brian Lomax. He was not a Dons fan, he was not even from this part of the world. From a housing charity in Rugby, he pioneered supporter ownership of football clubs.

Described as “the founding father of football activisim” by the Guardian, Lomax’s original involvement came when he formed the Northampton Town Supporters Club in 1992.

From the club he held dearest to his heart, he went on to found Supporters Direct, which provided invaluable support to the Dons Trust – formed as AFC Wimbledon’s website puts it “through a crisis situation (as the club) appeared terminally critical in the season of 2001-02”.

It means that, for the princely sum of £25, any supporter can become a part-owner of the club they support and on a one member, one vote system, proof that even a football club can be democratic.

Under the continued ownership of the Dons Trust, there is no better model of Lomax’s vision although it is fascinating to see the renaissance of Portsmouth since they escaped a string of unsuitable owners.

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Of course the Dons have had benefactors, but that word is far closer to its true meaning than at clubs which are run as dictatorships with little feel for the club and community they purport to represent.

The struggle goes on at places like Leeds where, in the week of Lomax’s death, Massimo Cellino first told Leeds United Fans United he would sell to them and forego his profit, then promptly instructed his lawyers to tell them the deal was off.

The Dons Trust had to set up a new football club to win their fight and the Dons fans should never lose sight of how lucky they are. For any supporters, control of their own destiny has got to be a price worth paying ahead of selling out for a fast buck, with no guarantee supposed riches will bring success.

Brian Lomax should not be forgotten.