They were once team-mates, but now Neal Ardley is Paul Robinson’s boss at AFC Wimbledon.

However, it is not a problem for the experienced defender and he knows his place in the pecking order.

Robinson and Ardley played together at Millwall in the 2006 League One season, before the latter retired from the game.

Robinson went on to make more than 340 appearances for the Lions, before joining Portsmouth in 2014 and then making the switch to the Cherry Red Records stadium.

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His competitive debut ended in disappointment following a 2-0 defeat at home to Plymouth Argyle, but he remains confident the new-look Dons will come together.

“I thought the performance in the first half was excellent, but we did not score when we were on top,” he said.

“Plymouth scored a decent goal against the run of play, but we cannot start the second half like we did.

“We were a bit sloppy and we were punished for it. It gave them enough to hold on for and we were not good enough to break them down.”

Wandsworth Times:

Friendly start: Paul Robinson enjoyed a goal-scoring debut in the pre-season win over Cheltenham Town

He added: “We had more than enough chances to score, especially from set pieces, but we didn’t. We will learn from that and work on it and get better.”

Robinson’s move from the south coast was finalised two weeks ago on the eve of the pre-season win over Cheltenham Town.

The 33-year-old signed a two-year deal on the Friday, and made a goal-scoring debut in the win over the National League side.

“Two-year deals don’t come along very often when you’re my age,” he said.

“I was impressed with the signings Neal has made. I’ve known Neal since my time at Millwall and we have kept in touch.

“He’s an ambitious and impressive manager – with a bright future.”

Wandsworth Times:

Former Lion: Paul Robinson celebrates winning the League One play-off final with Millwall in 2010

He added: “There’s no issue with us having played together and he now being the boss.

“It happened to me at Millwall under Steve Claridge and that did take a little bit of getting used to.

“But now coming from another club to here, I know Neal Ardley is the manager, and that’s it.

“There is no blurred line there, and no need to get used to the idea. You get into it straight away, you respect him as a manager and then it is just a working relationship.”

The Dons go to Crawley this weekend before the Tuesday night visit of Cambridge United.