Colchester's former defender Tom Dallison will be playing his football in the National League next season. The 30-year-old centre-back, who was released by the U's at the end of the 2023/24 season, has joined newly-promoted Hornchurch from Ebbsfleet United. Hornchurch manager Daryl McMahon expressed his delight at signing Dallison, citing his experience in the Football League and the National League. Dallison made 65 appearances for Colchester after joining them from Crawley Town in January 2022, for an undisclosed fee. He spent two and a half years at the U's before being released in the summer of 2024. Dallison joined Ebbsfleet after leaving the U's and made more than 50 league appearances for the Kent club. He has now joined Hornchurch, where he will add physicality to the back line and provide a left-footed option. Dallison took to X to express his excitement about joining The Urchins, saying he couldn't wait to get going. The signing is a significant boost for Hornchurch, who will be looking to make an impact in the National League next season. With Dallison on board, they will be hoping to build on their promotion and establish themselves as a force in the league. The U's, meanwhile, will be looking to rebuild their squad after releasing Dallison and several other players at the end of the season. They will be hoping to find a suitable replacement for the experienced defender and push for promotion in the upcoming season.