We are delighted to announce the signing of experienced centre back Zak Jules on a permanent deal from MK Dons for an undisclosed fee.
The 26-year-old, who stands at 6ft 3, joins on a one year deal - with the option of a second - from the Dons and links up with his new side ahead of Saturday's pre-season friendly against Coventry City.
The London born defender, who has played youth level for Scotland, is a product of the Reading academy and has almost 150 Football League appearances to his name with the Dons, as well as Walsall, Macclesfield Town, Port Vale and Chesterfield.
In his early career, Jules signed a professional deal at the Royals and joined Hemel Hempstead on loan, before further temporary switches at Braintree Town and Motherwell in Scotland.
In the summer of 2019, Jules joined Walsall and scored his first goal in EFL competitions when he netted against Bristol Rovers. As well centre-back, he also covered a large part of the Saddlers season at left-back, becoming a key player in their 2020/21 season.
MK Dons came calling at the very end of January 2021, joining the club for a fee. He scored on only his second start for the Dons, featuring at left-wing-back as well as the centre of a back three under Russell Martin. A year later, under a new manager, Liam Manning, his first team opportunities were limited and he joined Fleetwood on loan for the rest of 2021/22, where the Blackpool Gazette credited Jules as a star player in the Cods defence.
He made 32 appearances for MK in 2022/23.
Manager Gary Caldwell said of his new recruit: “I think he’s experienced in League One, that is what we’ve been looking for, somebody that knows the league.
“He has had real success in the league finishing in the playoffs the season before last with MK Dons and he is somebody I know. Previously I signed him on loan at Chesterfield, so I know the character, I know the person and his career has really kicked on since then.
“I think the club appealed to him, he was really excited at the project, he was really excited at coming to the environment we have created here at Cliff Hill and I am sure he is eager to get in and training with the boys."
Welcome, Zac!