Terry Brown has pleaded for perspective regardless of the outcome as AFC Wimbledon’s Blue Square Premier bow against Luton Town draws ever closer.

The Dons announced themselves on the Blue Square South stage with a thumping 4-1 win at Newport County on the opening day of last season - a result which triggered their title-winning charge.

But with the pre-season favourites the Hatters descending on Kingsmeadow on Saturday, the Wimbledon boss has urged caution all round.

Brown said: “The first game of the season always seems to take on a ridiculous importance.

“In my view it is stupid how much emphasis people put on the first fixture.

“There are a few things you can guarantee in an opening game - there will be very little good football and an awful lot of huffing and puffing.

“We have three games in the first seven days and as far as I am concerned the Eastbourne and Kettering matches are just as important as the Luton game.

“So win, lose or draw at the weekend everybody needs to stay focused.”

The Dons ended their pre-season campaign with a 6-1 romp at North Greenford United on Monday night - Sam Hatton (two), Callum Morrisen (two), Elliott Godfrey and Elliott Frost on target.

And Brown reckons he finally has the line-up for the Luton clash set in his mind.

He added: “Barring any late injuries I know how I want to play and who I want to play.

“But this season will all be about using the squad.

“I hate the word rotational but that is the way we will probably have to go - it is by no means concrete that the team we have out against Luton will be the team that plays against Eastbourne or Kettering.

“We have 14 games in the first two months so we have to be sensible.”

Despite his cagey approach over the importance of the fixture there is no doubting Brown’s excitement over the campaign ahead.

And the veteran boss admitted he is itching to get things under way.

Brown added: “We have had a really satisfying pre-season and there is a great buzz about the place.

“We will be the underdogs this season for the first time since I have been here and I am looking forward to that.

“This is a new chapter in the history of the club and we are all extremely proud to be part of that.”