Wimbledon legend John Scales has warned it will be almost impossible for the club to replicate the heady days of the 1980s and 90s.

Central defender Scales, part of the Dons' historic 1988 FA Cup-winning team, revealed he retains a fondness for AFC Wimbledon. And he has backed them to continue their progress through the non-league pyramid.

Scales said: "My heart lies with that football club.

"It is great to see them back on their feet and that they are pretty successful at present.

"People are very committed to the cause at Wimbledon."

Scales made 280 appearances for Wimbledon in a seven-year spell at the club.

And he revealed that the current state of football was a far cry from his playing days.

He added: "I think it is possible that Wimbledon could get back into the Football League, but I cannot see how they could rise much further.

"In the modern game, it all seems to be down to money and that will always be a problem for Wimbledon."

The cultured defender watched with interest the club's tumultuous upheaval in 2002-03.

And he has little time for the new-look MK Dons.

Scales added: "I noticed on a football website that my career stats listed me as playing for MK Dons between 1987 and 1994 and I am not happy about that.

"The heart and soul of a football club is always the fans.

"I loved playing at Plough Lane as the place had a unique atmosphere and I will never forget that. They are the true Wimbledon fans."

Memories of 1988, Wembley, Lawrie Sanchez's header and Dave Beasant's penalty save will all come flooding back to Scales on April 11 when the Dons face Corinthian Casuals in a showcase friendly at the new Wembley Stadium.

And the former Crazy Gang member has urged the new breed to soak up the occasion on what will be the 20th anniversary of the greatest day in the Dons' history.

He continued: "To be honest, the whole day seemed to pass me by.

"It happened so quickly and, when I look back on it, it all seems a complete blur.

"Luckily, I got to go back with Liverpool and I made a real effort to take it all in.

"That will be a great day for everybody involved with the club."

Scales, who also played for Liverpool and Spurs and earned three England caps, is now an ambassador for the Football Foundation, the UK's largest sports charity.

The project unites the Government, the FA and the Premier League in providing facilities and equipment to get youngsters involved in the sport.

Scales said: "It is great to be helping something that allows me to give back to the game that gave me such a good life.

"It is all about giving people opportunities.

"You get a tremendous buzz knowing you are laying foundations for the future."

For further details visit footballfoundation.org.uk