AFC Wimbledon’s first team coach Simon Bassey has greeted the release of the League Two fixtures with mixed feelings.

The Dons open their campaign at home to Plymouth Argyle on August 8, before a trip to Crawley (August 15) and a first night under the Cherry Red Records stadium floodlights against Cambridge United (August 18).

Bassey is relishing the tricky start, and he has also highlighted the Dons run-in, which includes three games at home in the final five, culminating in the visit of Newport County on May 7.

However, Bassey is less pleased with the FA’s decision to send the Dons on a 400-mile road trip to Exeter City on December 28.

He said: “I should not be surprised by anything the FA does, but bearing in mind that they have Plymouth round the corner, it seems daft to send us on that massive journey at a difficult time of year.

“It’s tough on the players and it’s tough on the fans.

“We’re at home on Boxing Day, and there are so many more southern clubs in the league this season that we could easily have a more local game prior to new year.”

He added: “But I cannot deny that now the fixtures are out, I’m really looking forward to the new season.

“Having Plymouth at home will be a great start, with a good crowd against a good side with a new manager.

“No one really knows what to expect from Crawley Town, and I can see Cambridge being strong.

“There are some top sides this season, such as Leyton Orient and Bristol Rovers.”

One man who will be wearing an Orient shirt is former Dons midfielder Sammy Moore, who signed for the east London side last month.

Bassey said: “Sammy’s a top lad and I was delighted he’s got a new club.

“He asked me for a lot of advice in the run-up to the move, and after all he went through at the end of last season, I am made up for him.”