NEXT up in our ’23 in 23’ series is AFC Wimbledon
WHEN DO WE PLAY THEM?
HOME: Saturday 1 September
AWAY: Saturday 9 February
CLUB HISTORY
AFC Wimbledon were formed in 2002. The Dons won a league and cup double in 2004 as they were promoted from the Combined Counties League.
They would win the Ryman League First Division South the next season and it took them just three years to win promotion from the Ryman Premier Division.
In 2011, AFC Wimbledon made it to the Football League. They beat Luton Town at the Etihad Stadium to reach League Two for the first time since their formation.
LAST SEASON
An 18th place finish in League One secured a third consecutive season in the third-tier for AFC Wimbledon. Neal Ardley’s men won 13 and drew 14 of their 46 games, scoring 47 goals in the process.
Their -11 goal-difference was the second-worst of any of the 20 sides who avoided relegation, something that the Dons will be looking to better this time around.
GROUND
The Cherry Red Records Stadium has a capacity of 4,850, 2,256 of this is seating. The ground is 159 miles from the Pirelli Stadium and takes around three hours to drive to.
MANAGER
Neal Ardley has been in charge of AFC Wimbledon since 2012. The 45-year-old has managed 303 matches to date, 101 of which have seen the Dons victorious. Ardley played for the original Wimbledon more than 200 times between 1991 and 2002.
INCOMINGS
So far, AFC Wimbledon have brought in one player. Ardley has strengthened his side with the acquisition of Mitch Pinnock from Dover.
The 23-year-old midfielder scored 11 goals in 45 appearances during his time at Dover.