Dons sign Hibernian centre-back on two-year deal
Dons sign Hibernian centre-back on two-year deal
Riley Harbottle, a center-back for Hibernian, has signed a two-year contract with AFC Wimbledon.
The 23-year-old was on loan at Colchester United for the second part of the previous season, when he played in 12 League Two games.
With him starting the season’s first match against Colchester, Joe Lewis, Ryan Johnson, and Isacc Ogundere round out Johnnie Jackson’s center-back options.
“The future is exciting for me,” Harbottle stated in a statement posted on the AFC Wimbledon website. I can’t wait to embrace this new chance and challenge. I really wanted to be a part of this incredibly fascinating group.
It was an easy decision to come this time when I received the call because I had previously discussed going here with the manager. I want to make myself at home here for a time. I want to give it my all and move Wimbledon up to the higher league, where it belongs.
The manager of the Wombles, Johnnie Jackson, continued, “Riley definitely fits the profile of what we are looking for.” He’s hungry, youthful, and well-versed in the area. We’ve signed another front-foot defender who will fit our style of play, so we now have good depth at defense. His readiness to sign also inspires us with great assurance.
Craig Cope, head of football operations, said, “We’re thrilled to have Riley join Wimbledon.
We have been keeping an eye on him as a player, and he fits us. He is eager to begin his career in yellow and blue and is hungry for success.
Tilley’s contribution to the match on Tuesday and his overall performance suggested to both staff and supporters that the former Brighton young player is far from done at Plough Lane.
Since the wide player’s form started to decline in the middle of the previous season, there have been doubts about his future.
Though he scored seven league goals in his first two months at the club last season, he had a great start to life in a Dons shirt. However, his explosive form quickly faded, leaving many fans wondering where their dangerman had disappeared.
