AFC Wimbledon boss Neal Ardley was apprehensive about Sunday’s open-top bus tour, but when the parade entered Wimbledon Village – he knew his fears were misplaced.

Thousands of fans had lined the streets to cheer on their heroes and see the League Two play-off champions show off the all-important silverware.

But it has been five weeks since Dons’ secured promotion to League One on that famous day at Wembley, and Ardley was fearful that fans’ excitement would have been lost in the passing of time.

However, it could not have been further from the truth – and it was a fine way to end the summer break ahead of a return to training the following day.

“I was a bit apprehensive, unfortunately the logistics immediately after Wembley meant we could not have the parade straightaway, which may have been ideal,” Ardley said.

“But as we came through the village and looked down to see the fans queuing to get their place at 11am on a Sunday morning was fantastic.

“I am so pleased for the fans, and they were great, they cheered pretty much anything that was said.”

He added: “And it’s right that we celebrate these kind of things, winning a final at Wembley does not happen every week – it’s nice to have something to celebrate.”

Ardley flew off for a family holiday on the evening of the Wembley win, and in the rush admitted that the achievement of winning promotion had been lost for a few days.

But now, with the first pre-season friendly set for Tuesday night at Dover Athletic, the challenge of League One football is kicking in.

He said: “The whole Wembley thing was a bit surreal, and it took a few days to sink in.

“All I had been thinking about was the players, the push to the play-offs, the push to Wembley and the push to win the final.

“Then when it sank in I realised I had a promotion on my CV, and now I face some great new challenges.

“We’re up against better footballing teams, with better tactics and better players.

“I love the tactical side of the game, so I am really going to relish matching up that.”

Meanwhile, Ardley has strengthened his squad further with two more new names, bringing his summer recruitment so far to four.

Striker Dominic Poleon and midfielder Dean Parrett have made the switch to the Cherry Red Records stadium from Oldham Athletic and Stevenage respectively.

For more on the new signings, go to wimbledonguardian.co.uk/sport.