AFC Wimbledon’s historic promotion has galvanised political support that could see the Dons play in Merton borough once again.

Merton’s opposition Labour leader has pledged that bringing the club back would be at the top of his agenda if elected next year, while the current Conservative leader has promised to lobby Mayor Boris Johnson in support of any proposed move.

The club, set up by fans seven years ago, is now just one step away from the football league and has made no secret of its desire to play in Merton once again.

AFC Wimbledon’s commercial director, Ivor Heller said: “This is fantastic news.

"Everyone knows that if there’s anyway for us to get back to Merton, we’ll do it.

"But for that to happen it would take a lot of people pulling in the right direction.

“It seems quite amazing that in seven years we’ve gone from an idea to a fully-fledged club in the national conference, so anything is possible.

“We haven’t lost sight of a return home, particularly to Plough Lane and the greyhound stadium, so to return there would be a nirvana.”

The club currently owns the Kingsmeadow ground in Kingston but according to Mr Heller this would not be an obstacle preventing a return to Merton.

Merton’s opposition leader, Councillor Stephen Alambritis, said a range of potential sites could be opened up in the borough’s green spaces around existing sports facilities including the All England Club, Tooting and Mitcham’s football ground in Imperial Fields, or Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium in Plough Lane.

He said: “As someone who refereed for 10 years and has done the rounds at games around Surrey, I desperately want to see the club back in Merton.

“The borough has a huge amount of green space - more than almost any other in London.

"While we need to be mindful of residents concerns, there’s no reason a stadium couldn’t be built where there’s already a sports centre.”

A possible return to Plough Lane was reported in 2007 when the Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium went up for sale, but with the land than valued at £40m, financing the project was beyond the club’s reach.

Council leader David Williams, said: “I think they know that there’s only one real option and that’s the greyhound stadium.

"We have always supported the principle of trying to find a home for AFC but the only option as we see it is not under our ownership.

“However, we are certainly prepared to look at all the planning constraints and assist them in over coming any difficulties.

"That would also mean we would be prepared to lobby the Mayor of London.”

Wimbledon FC’s original efforts to redevelop their former ground were scuppered prompting a temporary move to Selhurst Park in Croydon.

The club’s then chairman Sam Hammam was openly critical of Merton Council’s lack of support, although the local authority maintained that the demands of the Lebanese businessman were unreasonable.

• Would you support a return of the club to Wimbledon? Have your say in the comments section below.