We kick-off our summer study on the new clubs joining The Bluebirds in League Two 2022/23 with a trip south to take a closer look at The Dons.
How did they get here?
AFC Wimbledon’s relegation from League One was confirmed on the final day when they lost by the odd goal in seven at home to Accrington Stanley.
The Dons were facing an uphill task as they went into the final weekend inside the drop zone, three points from safety but with a goal difference seven worse than their relegation rivals.
As it was, Stanley blasted three first half goals to end any hopes of a miracle and, despite Wimbledon showing spirit to come back into the game, a 4-3 defeat condemned them to League Two.
That ended a six-year stay in the third tier, which remains a remarkable achievement for a club which was only formed 20 years ago and has enjoyed rapid progress since.
However, Dons fans will be keen to draw a line under the past campaign which ended with a winless run of some 28 games in all competitions – their last victory was in a midweek trip to Accrington at the beginning of December.
Who’s in charge?
Former Charlton Athletic boss Johnnie Jackson is the new man at the Dons' helm, after signing a two-year deal in mid-May. Joining Jackson in the dugout is his former Addicks coach, Terry Skiverton.
In his first interview in the Wombles' hotseat, the Camden-born gaffer made his intentions clear in targeting an immediate return to the league above.
He told his club's website: "AFC Wimbledon and The Cherry Red Records Stadium don't belong in League Two and I'll be doing everything possible to get us back up again."
Where do they play?
AFC Wimbledon completed an emotional move ‘home’ to Plough Lane (The Cherry Red Records Stadium for sponsorship purposes) in November 2020.
The Dons had played their matches at the original Plough Lane for much of the 20th century and their new stadium lies just 200 yards east of their former home.
Plough Lane has a capacity of 9,215 and is shared with professional Rugby League club, London Broncos who are tenants of AFC Wimbledon.
When did we last meet?
The clubs met as recently as November 2020 when AFC Wimbledon needed penalties to get past The Bluebirds in a First Round FA Cup after a goalless draw in Cumbria.
In total, there have been five previous encounters and the last time the two teams shared a division was in the 2010/11 Blue Square Premier when both games finished 2-0 in favour of the home side.