COLCHESTER United have boosted their defensive options with the signing of Zach Mitchell on a season-long loan from Charlton Athletic.

The 18-year-old has arrived from the Addicks, having worked under U's boss last season at The Valley.

Mitchell told Col U TV: "I heard about it not too long ago - I'm really excited to be on board at a great club that's ambitious. I'm also excited to be reunited with a manager that I've previously worked with and the support staff, which I really enjoyed.

Gazette:

"It's always nice to be wanted in that sense - I really enjoyed working with the gaffer (Ben Garner) beforehand and the coaching team quite closely - I'm really excited to be on board.

"I'm just eager to get started - I want to get as many minutes and as much experience as possible and hopefully with that, it can mutually benefit both this club and myself."

Mitchell has made 11 senior appearances for Charlton, to date.

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The Bromley-born youngster featured in their Carabao Cup tie at Newport County, last month.

 

Mitchell has been with Charlton for more than a decade and penned his first professional contract with the South London club in the summer of 2022.

The young defender is expected to be involved in the U's game at Walsall on Saturday and will wear the number 15 shirt during his time at Colchester.