There will be a reunion of familiar faces at Plough Lane this Saturday as AFC Wimbledon takes on Colchester in the first match of the 2024-25 League Two season.
One of the notable faces in this match is ex-Wimbledon striker Lyle Taylor, who joined Colchester after being released from Cambridge. Taylor, who scored 55 goals in 150 matches for Wimbledon, opted for a one-year deal with Colchester instead of an emotional return to his former club.
Another familiar face returning to SW19 is John-Kymani Gordon, who spent the second half of last season on loan with Wimbledon. The ex-Crystal Palace youngster signed a two-year deal with Colchester after leaving Selhurst Park permanently.
Former AFC Wimbledon captain Alex Woodyard is also making a comeback to the EFL after parting ways with National League side York. Woodyard, who had 123 appearances for Wimbledon, left the club at the start of the 2023-24 season.
On the Colchester side, 19-year-old Alfie Bendle has joined the team on a one-year deal following his release from Forest Green. Bendle had previously made 17 appearances for Wimbledon before moving to Forest Green, who were relegated from League Two last season.
In an interesting twist, former AFC Wimbledon first-team coach and interim boss Simon Bassey is now involved in Colchester’s recruitment process. The Dons, on the other hand, have signed former Colchester loanees Alistair Smith and Owen Goodman this summer. Goodman, who made 40 appearances during his loan spell with Colchester, and Smith, who played 15 times, will now be facing their former club.
It is worth noting that Dons boss Johnnie Jackson has a history with Colchester, having played 123 times for the club and winning the Player of the Season award in the 2007-08 season.
The match between AFC Wimbledon and Colchester is not just a regular league game; it is a meeting of familiar faces with connections that run deep in both clubs. Fans can expect an emotional and competitive battle between the two sides as they kick off the new season at Plough Lane.
