John Akinde has found his latest club following his release from Colchester United at the end of last season.
The 35-year-old made 30 appearances for the Essex club in his final season, scoring three times. Danny Cowley took over from former Crawley Town boss Matty Etherington and guided The U’s to safety on the final day of the League Two season.
Joining from Gillingham in January 2022, Akinde ultimately racked up 86 appearances for Colchester, the most he made for one club since his stint at Barnet. He will now face his former side in The Bees after joining National League newcomers Braintree Town.
The Iron secured their return to the top of non-league after winning the National League South play-offs, beating Bath City, Chelmsford City and Worthing to gain promotion. It is not the first time Angelo Harrop’s side has recruited from the EFL this season, with Oxford United goalkeeper Jacob Knightbridge.
He was released alongside Tom Dallison, Sam Hornby and Marley Marshall-Miranda at the Jobserve Community Stadium, and will play with the latter at their new club. Goalkeeper Hornby has since moved to Walsall, with Dallison now at Ebbsfleet United.
Akinde arrives just in time for Braintree to face League One competition, with Cambridge United playing tomorrow before facing off against Stevenage on August 2nd. Their league season gets underway against Oldham Athletic at Boundary Park a week later.
The Iron join Tamworth, Yeovil Town and Boston United as the promoted sides in the National League this season, and will be hoping to avoid the drop in their first season back in the division for six years.
Akinde returns to non-league football after 10 straight years in the Football League for four different sides. His debut season with Barnet was the last time the 6’2 striker appeared in the division.
Writer’s View
John Akinde has been a journeyman across football during his career, and will now make the short trip from Colchester United to Braintree Town. It was unlikely for him to remain in the EFL considering his age but now has the chance to get regular football with The Iron. His sheer physicality and aerial dominance will cause problems for any defender and with Braintree coming into the league as relegation candidates, he could be enough to get vital goals and in return points to beat the drop.
Colchester have a similar, younger player in Samson Tovide so Akinde will not be much of a loss for Danny Cowley’s men. Their business does point at a more successful season than the last and the former Lincoln City boss knows how to tackle League Two. A full off-season and transfer window allows him to establish his style of play properly. It won’t be easy but United are fully capable of putting 2023/24 behind them.