AFC Sudbury bring in former Cambridge United defender Tom Dickens after stints with Chelmsford City, Welling United and St Neots Town

AFC Sudbury manager Marc Abbott has continued his squad rebuild with the signing of former Cambridge United defender Tom Dickens.

It is going to be a busy summer for the recently-appointed AFC boss, who to this point has seen 16 of last season’s promotion-winning squad move on to pastures new.

Abbott – former manager of Haverhill Rovers and St Neots – started the process last week with the addition of goalkeeper James Bradbrook, who had enjoyed a successful stint with Sudbury’s Suffolk neighbours Stowmarket Town.

And Bradbrook has now been joined in the arrivals hall by Dickens, a 20-year-old centre-back who made one senior appearance for the U’s in the EFL Trophy.

After being released by the Sky Bet League One side at the end of the 2021/22 campaign, Dickens has gone on to have spells with the likes of Welling United and Cheshunt alongside loans at St Neots and Chelmsford City.

Abbott told the Sudbury website: "Tom is a left-footed centre-back that can play in a back four or a back three depending on the system required.

“Tom has an excellent left foot with a great passing range. He can defend the box, back to goal or in behind having had experience at Step 2 with both Chelmsford and Welling United. I think it's an excellent signing that the Sudbury fans will very much enjoy watching throughout the coming season.”