Former AFC Wimbledon defender lands National League move

Ex-AFC Wimbledon defender Luke Jenkins has signed with National League side Aldershot.

The Shots say they beat a number of clubs, including Football League interest, to Jenkins’ signature.

Jenkins, who made seven senior appearances for AFC Wimbledon and scored his first EFL goal before being released at the end of the 2022-23 season, joined Chelmsford at the start of last season.

He was a key player for the Clarets as they finished second in the National League South and his efforts earned a place in the league’s Team of the Season.

The 21-year-old has penned a two-year deal with the Shots.

Alsershot’s head of recruitment  Jamie Hedges told the club website: “We are absolutely delighted to have secured the signature of Luke: 

“He was absolutely our top target and he attracted interest and offers from lots of clubs, in the EFL and our league, and so we are really pleased Luke has chosen us.

“Luke was the standout centre back in Step 2 last year with his performances for Chelmsford. We watched him regularly throughout the season and all of us were massively impressed.

“He’s an aggressive, front-foot defender who’s quick and can defend 1 v 1 situations well. He loves the art of defending – heading and blocking balls – which we felt we needed more of and he is also a great footballer; he can play from the back and fit into the style that we like to play.

“We feel he is ready to go now, but also with scope to improve and develop further which is a great prospect for the club.”