FORMER Colchester United defender Riley Harbottle has joined AFC Wimbledon on a two-year deal.

The 23-year-old centre-back, who spent time on loan at the U's in the second half of last season, has joined the Dons from Scottish Premiership side Hibernian.

Harbottle will link up with fellow former Colchester loanees Owen Goodman and Alistair Smith at AFC Wimbledon along with his former Mansfield Town team-mate John-Joe O'Toole and will play under ex-U's midfielder, Johnnie Jackson.

Harbottle told the AFC Wimbledon website: “The future is exciting for me.

 

“I’m buzzing to take on this new opportunity and challenge.

"This is a really exciting club that I was determined to be a part of.

"I spoke to the manager previously about coming here, so when I got the call this time it was a no brainer.

“I want to settle down and stay here for a while.

"I want to give everything and get Wimbledon to where it should be, which is in the league above.”

(Image: RICHARD BLAXALL)

Harbottle made 12 appearances for Colchester last season, after joining them on loan from Hibs.

He started his career at Nottingham Forest and also had loan spells at Mansfield and Wealdstone.

Johnnie Jackson told the AFC Wimbledon website: “Riley very much fits the profile of what we are looking for.

"He’s young, hungry and has good experience at the level.

 

"We’ve now got good depth in our defensive positions and have added another front foot defender who will suit our style of play.

"His willingness to sign also gives us great confidence.”

Wimbledon's Head of Football Operations Craig Cope told the club's website:

“We’re delighted to welcome Riley to Wimbledon.

"He is a player we have monitored for a while and suits us.

"He is hungry and ready to kick start his career in yellow and blue.”