Neal Ardley was introduced as the new AFC Wimbledon boss in October 2012 and he had some big shoes to fill.

While the end of Terry Brown's tenure was disappointing, the great man had led the Dons back to the Football League and cemented his place in the club's heart and history books.

When Ardley and Neil Cox were unveiled at a special presentation at the CRRS, few could have imagined that such a memorable three and half years would follow.

Looking back: Wimbledon Guardian's first interview with the new manager in October, 2012

Ardley worked wonders with a ramshackle squad to do the Dons proud in the first ever clash with the franchise.

He guided them to Football League safety on the final day of his first season in charge.

The second season was a quiet affair, but the arrival of Matt Tubbs and Adebayo Akinfenwa the following summer was a signal of the club's ambition.

There followed the Johnstone's Paint win over that side, and the memorable FA Cup clash with Premier League Liverpool.

Had Tubbs not left in the January for the south coast, there is an argument to suggest Dons would have been pushing for the play-offs that season.

However, recruitement over the summer of 2015 bolstered an already growing squad and the rest... as they say... is history.

Play-off final coverage

Ardley plays down "inevitable" meeting between Dons and the franchise

Playing in the footsteps of schoolboy hero tops Meades' League One wishlist

Duo pay homage to the yellow and blue army

Meades returns from horror six weeks to grace Wembley

Striker hails the legs for the wonder of Wembley

Just how does a chief executive celebrate promotion to League One?

PICTURE GALLERY: Charles commits to AFC Wimbledon, and it is clear why

Ardley and the Beast go their separate ways as best of friends

Ardley's living the dream as AFC Wimbledon are crowned League Two play-off champions

Kennedy signs off with play-off glory, an assist and almost a penalty...

MATCH REPORT: AFC Wimbledon are promoted as play-off champions