Wimbledon v Blackburn Rovers - Andy Neild's match preview

THE famous Crazy Gang spirit responsible for sustaining Wimbledon's top-flight status appeared to have died a slow and painful death at the back-end of last season.

But new boss Terry Burton is clearly pulling out all the stops in a single-handed attempt to revive it as the Dons prepare to pull off another one of their infamous 'upsets' against big-spending Blackburn tonight.

As the press-pack assembled for the post-match press conference following Wimbledon's 4-4 home draw with Gillingham on Saturday, Burton bustled into the room flanked by the club's head of PR.

"Mr Burton will only be answering questions in French and German today," came the announcement, before Joe Kinnear's former assistant sat down and started spouting off in both languages.

Several minutes later amidst a sea of bewildered faces, Burton finally broke off from his patter.

"What's the problem?" said the Dons manager.

"You're going to have to get used to this when they appoint a foreigner as the next England manager!"

For a man steeped in Wimbledon tradition, Burton knows all about the importance of the Crazy Gang mentality.

Pranks like that were tantamount in helping to build the kind of team spirit necessary to enable the Premiership's poor relations compete with the fat-cats on an equal footing.

Now the new boss is leading from the front in a bid to restore normality following Egil Olsen's miserable term in office. And, after a stuttering start following the double blow of relegation and the loss of star men like Ben Thatcher, Neil Sullivan and Carl Court, things are now back on an even keel.

Saturday's high-scoring draw with Gillingham saw the Dons move up to 10th in the First Division table.

And, though Burton was disappointed with certain aspects of his side's defending, he can find little to complain about going into what he describes as his side's toughest test yet.

"We didn't defend well against Gillingham," said Burton.

"We conceded four avoidable goals and the fact that Kelvin Davis had a good game but let in four says it all really.

"But I'm not going to start crying into my beer just yet!

"There were some good points to come out of Saturday's game.

"If we can take them into tonight's game against one of the best teams in the division, and tighten up considerably at the back, then I think it will be a good yardstick to see how much we are progressing. "The chances are when you look at Blackburn player for player they are probably the strongest side we've faced this season.

"But, on our day, I believe we've got the talent here to more than match them at home.

"Our form at home is getting better with every game and we proved against Watford that we can create chances against the best teams in this division.

"So Blackburn shouldn't really hold any fear for us.

"Having said that, Graeme Souness is a manager who has done it at the very highest level and it won't be long before they are firing on all cylinders again."

Burton and his Crazy Gang, however, are planning to have the last laugh.