Colchester United have signed Swindon Town’s Ellis Iandolo

But who is the U’s new defender? The Gazette takes a closer look at Iandolo’s career, so far.

BEN Garner can bring the best out of new Colchester United signing Ellis Iandolo.

That’s the view of Swindon Advertiser sports writer Jonny Leighfield, who believes the defender’s switch to the U’s can be a productive one.

Iandolo, a left-sided defender, has been reunited with Colchester boss Garner, whom he played under at Swindon in the 2021/22 team that made it to the League Two play-offs.

Thank you Ellis! ❤️#STFC would like to place on record its thanks to Ellis Iandolo for his efforts and contribution during his eight years at the club and wish him all the best for the future.

🎨 @stj_designs_ pic.twitter.com/gP8VixPyHh

— Swindon Town Football Club (@Official_STFC) June 23, 2023

The 25-year-old was one of the first names on Garner’s teamsheet during his time in charge at the County Ground and is now aiming to recapture that consistent form, at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Jonny said: “Garner is likely to get the best out of Iandolo as he has already proved that there is a trust between the two, playing Iandolo in 52 of the 56 games he was Swindon head coach.

“As Garner develops as a coach, I would hope he can pass that knowledge on to Iandolo and potentially improve the player with ball at feet.

“And as previously mentioned, Iandolo’s versatility will help him slot into wherever the Colchester boss needs him to.”

Iandolo is capable of playing in a variety of positions for Colchester.

He was predominantly utilised as a left-back under Garner at Swindon but the Kent-born player can also be used in a number of other positions.

“Colchester are getting a versatile left-sided player who can comfortably operate at left-back or left wing-back,” said Jonny.

Summer signing number ☝️#ColU | #WeAreUnited pic.twitter.com/rkmgQPjNws

— Colchester United FC (@ColU_Official) June 23, 2023

“He did play in centre midfield at a few different points over the past couple of years, and in certain situations did quite well.

“Iandolo is a powerful runner who can also count on strength as another key part of his game.

“If I was to signal a weakness, I would say his tackling could improve as he often loses 50-50s.”

Iandolo had spent his entire professional career with Swindon, making 130 outings for them and scoring three goals.

He missed the final three months of the League Two season after fracturing his heel in February.

Iandolo made 26 league and cup appearances for Swindon and is now looking to further his career at Colchester.

🎥 𝗜’𝗺 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗲.#ColU | #WeAreUnited

— Colchester United FC (@ColU_Official) June 23, 2023

Jonny added: “I’m not surprised Town let him go as it felt like Iandolo had come to a natural end at Swindon.

“In his interview with Colchester, he said that he felt now was the best time to leave and start something new.

“Michael Flynn was keen for Iandolo to stay, but equally most clubs nowadays say that if a fair offer comes in for a player and the player wants to leave, the club won’t stand in their way.

“I hope Iandolo does well at Colchester and the new start breathes new life into his career.”