WIMBLEDON went for a Burton at the back end of last season as they crashed out of the Premiership in abject fashion.

But rather than triggering a slide back towards oblivion, the Dons believe the appointment will spark a change in fortunes.

After a disastrous campaign under former Norwegian national team boss Egil Olsen, the Londoners belated turned to Terry Burton to save them from the drop.

It was too little too late, however, as Joe Kinnear's former number two couldn't stop the rot in the final couple of games.

And among some outsiders the feeling grew that Wimbledon, with new Norwegian owners, would disappear from whence they came during their spectacular climb through the divisions during the 1980s.

However, in Burton they have a character who may nip those suggestions in the bud. Having worked with Kinnear he is a popular figure among the playing staff and part of the succesful old guard.

Having been moved over to the post of Academy Director following Olsen's arrival, he was brought back into the fold initially to assist Olsen as the wheels came off and then after a brief spell as caretaker given the job on a permanent basis.

Since then he has been re-adjusting to life in Division One and concentrating on looking forward rather than back.

"It's been a busy time but I feel pleased with what's been achieved so far.

"The spirit is excellent and the lads have worked hard. The heartbreak of relegation has been put to the back of our minds," he said.

Relegation led to the inevitable departure of the likes of Carl Cort, Neil Sullivan and Ben Thatcher, while Icelandic international Hermann Hreidarsson is on his way to Ipswich Town. However, the predicted mass exodus didn't materialise and Burton still has some quality players left plus good-looking summer signings in Paul Robinson, Michael Thomas and Ian Selley.

In addition, he has recruited American goalkeeper Ian Feuer from West Ham, Mark Williams from Watford, young Irishman Des Byrne and is set to land Everton's young central defender Richard Dunne.

Injuries haven't been kind at the start of the season with half-a-dozen experienced players sidelined but with a fully fit squad an immediate Premiership return doesn't look to be out of the question.

Tomorrow's visit to Burnley will therefore provide a useful yardstick for the Clarets as the two clubs meet for the first time since the 1983/84 season.

"It is going to be an interesting fixture for us," Burton admitted.

"Most of our lads will never have played at Burnley. But I'm expecting it to be a brilliant atmosphere at Turf Moor.

"They are a club with a fine history and they will be buzzing after last season."

Twelve months ago you would have got decent odds on the two sides meeting on level terms but Burton certainly has no superiority complex as he predicts a testing afternoon in Wimbledon's search for a first away win in a year.

"I expect they will be looking at what Manchester City achieved last season when they went through two divisions and might even think that is not beyond them," added Burton, who was pleased enough with the performance of his side in a goalless draw with Tranmere last Saturday.

"They have some experienced battlers which is what is often vital in this division.

"Kevin Ball was brilliant for Sunderland and likes of Mitchell Thomas at the back know what it's all about.

"I have had them watched and by all accounts they did very well at Bolton in what was a tricky away fixture against their local rivals."