ALEX Gilbey has signed for Charlton Athletic - and his former Colchester United team-mates have been quick to wish him well on his move.

The U's academy product has joined the Addicks on a three-year contract, joining for an undisclosed fee from MK Dons.

Former Gilberd School pupil Gilbey, who made his professional debut at Colchester at the age of 17, made 121 appearances for the U’s before joining Wigan Athletic in 2016.

Gilbey's former Colchester team-mates have been quick to turn to social media to wish the 2016 Colchester Player of the Year well, following his switch to the Addicks.

Ex-U's goalkeeper Mark Cousins wrote: 'Well done fella, all the best for the season ahead' while former Colchester striker said Freddie Sears 'Congrats geez'.

Darren Ambrose tweeted 'Love it Gilbey' while Gilbey's fellow U's academy product Freddie Ladapo, who plays for Rotherham United, wrote: 'All the best bro'.

Gilbey, 25, made more than 100 appearances for Colchester since emerging through their academy ranks and making his senior debut for the club in October, 2012.

He joined Wigan and then moved to MK Dons in 2017, playing 105 games and scoring 11 goals in his three years at Stadium MK.

Gilbey will link up again with former Colchester striker Macauley Bonne, who is also at Charlton.

Gilbey told the Charlton website: “It’s amazing to be here.

“I don’t need to be told how big of a club this is. As soon as I found out there was a bit of interest, I just wanted to get it done as soon as possible.

“The manager is a big pull. I really want to work for him, I’ve heard a lot of good things and I just can’t wait to get going now.

“I’m a high energy player, I like to get up and down and look to score as many goals as possible to just help the team as much as I can.

“I know Pearcey [Jason Pearce] from Wigan, Chuks [Aneke] from MK Dons and I’m friends with Macauley Bonne because we were in the same youth team at Colchester, so it makes it a lot easier coming into a changing room with friends already.”