After the excitement of the open-bus parade, AFC Wimbledon’s Jon Meades cannot wait to get the serious stuff under way.

Dons kick off their pre-season schedule on Tuesday at Dover Athletic, before going to Margate on July 16.

The League One action starts on August 6 at Walsall, with the first home game of the new season on August 13 against Bolton Wanderers.

Sandwiched between them is an EFL Cup clash at Peterborough – but it is the league that has whetted Meades’ appetite.

“I cannot wait to get going, and that first home game of the season is going to be unbelievable,” he said.

AFC WIMBLEDON: No need to worry, Ardley, the fans are still super excited...

“To be playing Bolton Wanderers in a league game at home is something special, I am so excited.

“I am sure the fans cannot wait either, and I know they will be behind us from the start.”

He added: “It is important we get off to a good start, but I can see no reason why we cannot compete, and if we do, then you never know.”

Meanwhile, boss Neal 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 – joining fellow newbies Ryan Clarke and Chris Whelpdale.

Meades said: “The gaffer has recruited some experienced players – I know Ryan [Clarke] from my days with him at Oxford, he is a really good goalkeeper.

“But there are a few guys in the squad already who have played at League One level and higher, so the new signings are not just about experience.

“They are there to improve the squad as a whole, and from I have seen in the very early stages of training, they will do that.”

Dons returned to training on Monday, bringing to a close a summer of celebration following the Wembley heroics and Sunday’s parade through Wimbledon.

However, although Meades insists all focus is on the new season, he cannot help but dwell occasionally on the success of last season.

“Sunday brought back all the memories of that great day at Wembley,” he said.

“I’ve never been on an open-top bus parade before, and to see all the fans come out and enjoy the day was incredible.

“There was a real party atmosphere, and I know all the boys loved every minute.”

He added: “We were all a little worried that too much time had passed since Wembley, but the fans were fantastic.”