Fans' hopes of founding a new Wimbledon Football Club were dealt a bitter but not mortal blow when they were refused entry to the Ryman League. The Dons Trust, which is looking to launch AFC Wimbledon into the non-league pyramid, had raised £75,000 in two weeks and secured a six figure sponsorship deal.

They had hoped to break the good news of the club's acceptance into the league to hundreds of fans gathered at the Fox and Grapes pub on Monday night.

But as news came in, just after 9pm, of the league's chairmen's rejection of the plan to play in Ryman Division Two next season - while groundsharing with Kingstonian - a mood of despondency descended. As many as 11 clubs are believed to have voted against the proposal, 95 per cent were required to vote in favour to secure AFC Wimbledon's status.

The depression gave way to a resilient optimism as Wimbledon Independent Supporters' Association chairman, Kris Stewart - part of the negotiating team - arrived to chants of one Krissy Stewart', down-hearted but not defeated.

A defiant Mr Stewart said: "We've had a setback, a lot of people have worked hard towards this and the Ryman League has decided it doesn't want us. We were optimistic after the first meeting when we were put forward to the AGM but having waited that long we thought that something was wrong. I'm devastated, we really weren't expecting to lose so now we start again, it's not over."

The Trust is now considering its options and has identified the Doctor Martens League and Combined Counties League as potential targets.

Former Dons player, Terry Eames, de facto manager of the new team, could not hide his anger at the outcome.

"They were going to get more money in one game than they would in the whole season and now they've rejected it. I can't believe it. We're in a better situation than any other club in the Ryman League. I already had a squad of players together, I think this is down to the fear factor."

A Trust spokesman said: "We're very disappointed but if the worst comes to the worst we will play a season of friendlies next season. We will fight on as Wimbledon always do."

AFC Wimbledon is holding trials between 11am and 2pm on June 29 on the A3 Wimbledon Common extension when manager Terry Eames will judge the talent before him.