Neal Ardley admits he is living the dream after taking the AFC Wimbledon manager's job, but insists his appointment is not just a "romantic" move.

Former Wimbledon defender Ardley, 40, has landed his first managerial role at Kingsmeadow after replacing Terry Brown, who was fired last month.

"I have always dreamed of being a manager and I always hoped that one day I would get the chance to be a manager," he said.

"From that point of view, I will be living the dream on Saturday and it is great that I am doing that at a club close to my heart.

"I was born about 20 minutes away from here and I spent most of my career at Wimbledon so it is great for me. But I want this to be more than just a romantic thing, I want to be successful and to take this club forward.

"The only thing that is going to matter is results and we have to work hard as a team to get them. Hopefully, that will get people on board and there will be a good feel about the place."