NEW Colchester United signing John-Kymani Gordon believes his past experiences in League Two will stand him in good stead, next season.

The 21-year-old forward joined the U's on a two-year contract from Premier League side Crystal Palace, last week.

Gordon spent the second half of last season in League Two on loan at AFC Wimbledon, where he made 18 appearances.

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The England under-16 international also helped Carlisle United win promotion to League One in another loan move, in the 2022-23 season.

Gordon told the Colchester United website: “I think the experience I’ve had in the league already will help me.

“I was playing week in, week out so I know how teams played and how physical it is.

“I’m excited to get going.

“Danny and Nicky (Cowley) have told me how I can help the team.

(Image: WWW.CU-FC.COM)

“They told me the direction the club is going in and for me, it was just a no brainer really.”

Gordon had spent all of his career at Palace prior to leaving them to join Colchester.

He signed his first professional contract in 2020 before it was extended, two years later.

Gordon played and scored regularly for the Eagles' development team and played several times for their under-21 side, in the EFL Trophy.

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“It was definitely a difficult decision (to leave Palace)," said Gordon.

“For me and my family, all we’ve known is Palace and I’d been there since the age of eight.

“But this is how football is; you have to move on and experience new things, clubs and see where it takes me really."

Gordon is expected to feature when Colchester play their first pre-season friendly of the summer when they take on Maldon and Tiptree, this weekend.

 

Gordon added: “I’m familiar with a few of the lads.

“The other day, we had a little session at Goals and they brought their team over – they actually beat us in the final of the tournament.

“I didn’t tell any of them that I was going to be seeing them so soon!”