Colchester United have announced the signing of 30-year-old free agent central defensive midfielder Dominic Gape following the expiration of his contract at Shrewsbury Town, making it their second signing of the summer transfer window after the arrival of Jaden Williams from Tottenham U21s.
After coming through the Southampton academy, making one appearance for the Saints first team, coming on as a substitute for Shane Long against Everton.
In December 2014, Gape joined Wycombe Wanderers where he cemented himself as a regular starter, guiding Wycombe from League Two to the Championship in 4 years between 2016 to 2021.
The midfielder made 204 appearances for the club before leaving in the summer of 2023.
Gape joined Sutton United following his departure, but made just 7 appearances before leaving the club in January to join League One outfit Northampton Town on a six-month contract where he’d made just 2 League One appearances before a series of injuries hindered his game time.
After his recovery period, he joined National League side Eastleigh on a short-term contract for some consistent game-time after his spell out with injuries, making 10 appearances.
Subsequently, Gape joined Shrewsbury Town in January 2025, making 16 appearances during their relegation campaign becoming a key part of Shrewsbury’s midfield three.
Why Did Colchester United Make This Signing?
Colchester’s midfield options look thin off the back of highly rated Jamie McDonnell’s loan spell with the club, who’s performances stood out in an improved Colchester side last campaign. Last summer, Cowley brought two central defensive midfielders in Alex Woodyard and Jamie McDonnell, and it looks like the same model may be in this summer’s recruitment plan, bringing in one seasoned EFL veteran and one young loanee with a high potential ceiling.
Gape, who’s unlikely to play every minute, fits the experienced CDM role to a tee mirroring Alex Woodyard’s role in the first half of the 2024/25 season before he ultimately left in January for Sutton United.
Cowley’s U’s set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with one of the two centre midfielders sticking to a more slightly more defensive role, with stamina to quickly break up counter attacks and cover for any full backs who have advanced further up the pitch on the attack.
What Has Been Said About The Move?
In his interviews with Colchester’s media team, Gape stated:
“I’m a central midfielder who likes to get around the pitch, make tackles, and recycle the ball. Coming through at Wycombe, I was really lucky to have a great group of senior pros to help guide me.”
He also said:
“Now I feel like it’s my turn to be that senior pro, to offer guidance and show the young lads what it means to be a professional and to be a winner. If you look at the form from the back half of last season, the last 30 games were really strong. If we can build on that, make a few improvements here and there, we should be set for a really successful campaign.”
Is This A Good Move?
The signing of Dominic Gape adds experience and depth to the Colchester squad. But, is this a good signing? Tell us in the comments below.
