ALFIE Bendle says he was eager to join Colchester United after securing a one-year deal.

The 19-year-old midfielder, who has impressed during his time training with the U's in pre-season, has become the club's tenth summer signing.

He told www.cu-fc.com: "I was really buzzing to be honest, as soon as I heard it was an opportunity for me I was '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'."

Bendle was on the lookout for a new club after being released by Forest Green Rovers, at the end of last season.

He had been with the Gloucestershire club for 12 months, making a total of nine appearances, before spending time on loan at National League South side Eastbourne Borough in the final weeks of last season.

(Image: NEWSQUEST)

Bendle spent the early part of his career at Brighton and Hove Albion's academy, before signing a professional contract at AFC Wimbledon on his 17th birthday.

He made his EFL debut for the Dons on the final day of the 2021/22 season, and went on to make 17 league and cup appearances for the South-West London club.

Bendle featured for Colchester's under-21s in their 2-1 friendly win at Canvey Island, on Saturday.

The likes of Will Greenidge, Frankie Terry and Oscar Thorn also played, along with two trialists.

The U's took the lead at the Steve's Taxis stadium with a first-half goal by Kaleel Green.

And although after the break the hosts scored a very good goal, it was Colchester who won it with a penalty by Oscar Thorn.

The only U's substitution saw Alfie Newby on for Frankie Edwards, on 75 minutes. Colchester United U21: Trialists A and B, Frankie Terry, Frankie Edwards (sub Alfie Newby, 75), Will Greenidge Milton Oni, Alfie Bendle, Max Jolliffe, Hakeem Sandah, Oscar Thorn, Kaleel Green. Subs (not used): Harrison Chamberlain, Trialist C, Alex Kosoko.