Neal Ardley has revealed how the new recruits at AFC Wimbledon have been amazed by the huge and unwavering support of the Dons’ faithful followers.
This weekend marks the first home game of the season after trips to Torquay United for the League Two opener on Saturday, and Millwall in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night.
Almost 2,700 season tickets have been sold ahead of Saturday’s visit of Wycombe Wanderers, leading Ardley to anticipate a good welcome at the Cherry Red Records stadium.
Moreover, he is hoping the Dons’ good home form, that marked the end of last season, will continue into the new campaign.
“This will be a tough match. Gareth [Ainsworth] has got Wycombe wound up – they are fit and strong and we have to be ready for that,” he said.
Happy travellers: The Dons fans make their presence known at the Den on Tuesday night Picture: Tim Ashton
“You don’t run a Championship side like Leicester close [in the Capital One Cup] without being fit and strong.
“We cannot go into it thinking it is a given, especially after last season, but if we can carry our home form from the end of last season on to this season, then we should be OK.”
After Saturday’s 1-1 draw at the Gulls, Ardley said the obvious nerves would improve in time, and admitted that his players were worried about making mistakes after the torment of last season.
However, mistakes counted heavily in the midweek 2-1 cup defeat at Millwall, leading Ardley to praise the fans who stick by his side.
He said: “It will be nice to get home so the new lads can experience it. “Our fans are always good. There were 1,000 at Millwall and almost 800 at Torquay, which is just fantastic.
“Some of the new signings are saying ‘Wow, this is unbelievable’. The fans are brilliant, we just have to make sure we put a team out there every week they can be proud of.”
Proud: Neal Ardley is loving the Dons support Picture: David Purday
Meanwhile, the Dons completed the signing of 32-year-old Rhys Weston, pictured, this week after the defender received international clearance to make the switch from Malaysia to south-west London.
Defender Will Antwi could be back in action in two to three weeks after recovering from a hernia operation.
The 30-year-old said: “I am in rehab at the moment, and just waiting on the all-clear from the medical staff.
“It has been a frustrating time, obviously, I am a footballer after all.
“But the vibe in the camp is really good and I am looking forward to getting back. We have a renewed vigour for the season.”
Antwi could be available for the visit of Fleetwood on August 31.
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