Former Wimbledon midfielder joins League Two rivals

Colchester United have signed former AFC Wimbledon midfielder Alfie Bendle after was released by Forest Green Rovers earlier this summer.

Bendle had been on trial with the U’s at the start of the campaign and has earned a one-year contract after impressing.

Midfielder Bendle, 19, made 17 appearances for Wimbledon before leaving at the start of the 2023-24 season to join Forest Green, who were relegated from League Two at the end of the campaign.

The Dons play Colchester in the first game of the 2024-25 season at Plough Lane.

“I was really buzzing,” Bendle told the club website.

“As soon as I heard it was an opportunity for me, I said: ‘Yes, let’s give this a go and see what happens.’

“As soon as my agent told me, I was thinking ‘Get me there and let’s give it a crack’.”