Colchester sign Goodliffe and Gordon

Colchester United have doubled their total of summer signings to four by signing two players in half an hour – defender Ben Goodliffe and striker John-Kymani Gordon.

Goodliffe, 25, who had spent five seasons with Sutton United, has left following the South London club’s relegation back to the National League.

He was part of the side who won promotion to the Football League for the first time in 2021.

Gordon, 21, moves on following his departure from Premier League club Crystal Palace.

Both players have signed a two-year deal to follow the previous capture of goalkeeper Matt Macey and winger Harry Anderson.

Colchester boss Danny Cowley said: “We first came to learn about Ben when he was at Boreham Wood. We looked at him when we were at Portsmouth, and I know that Peterborough put a significant transfer offer into him this time last year.

“We see a player that has got a love for the game, which is so important and a commitment to be the best that he can be. He will improve us in both boxes.

“JK has come from Crystal Palace – and I think people were a bit shocked to see him go from there. He has getaway pace, can carry the ball and has good end product. He has an edge, and I like that.”

“He will be a super exciting player for the club. We lost Jayden Fevrier and his athleticism, but we think we’ve found a really good replacement.”