FORMER Colchester United midfielder John-Joe O'Toole has signed for League Two side AFC Wimbledon.

The 35-year-old, who was released by League One new boys Mansfield Town last month, has linked up with another former U's man Johnnie Jackson, after penning a one-year deal at Plough Lane.

O'Toole, played 76 times for Colchester during a four-year spell at the JobServe Community Stadium between 2009 and 2013, spent time on loan at the Dons last season, making 14 appearances.

 

O'Toole told the AFC Wimbledon website: "I'm delighted to sign for a club that's going in the right direction.

"I’m pleased to be a part of it.

"I’m looking forward to getting a full season under my belt, we’ll be giving it everything we have to get promoted."

O'Toole had been at Mansfield since October, 2021 when he joined them from Burton Albion.

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He has made more than 400 career league appearances for the likes of Watford, Sheffield United and Bristol Rovers, during the course of his career.

He won promotion to League One with Northampton Town in 2016, where he was named in the PFA Team of the Year for a second season.

Johnnie Jackson told the AFC Wimbledon website: "John-Joe was outstanding when he joined us at the back end of last season.

"He’s versatile, can play in defence, can play in midfield and has a wealth of experience.

"His professionalism and the way he trains every day is something our young lads can learn a lot from and he will have a big role to play both on and off the pitch."

 

O'Toole played three times for Mansfield in their promotion-winning campaign from League Two, last season.

AFC Wimbledon Head of Football Operations, Craig Cope said: “We are delighted to welcome John-Joe back to Wimbledon.

"He has been a key part of the team since his arrival and we are pleased that is going to continue into the new season."