Former Arsenal goalkeeper James Shea has been officially released from League One side, AFC Wimbledon.

The 25-year-old, who joined Arsenal’s academy in August of 2007 and departed the club in 2013, never featured for the Arsenal first-team despite being called up to the substitutes’ bench on five occasions during the Gunners’ 2012/13 UEFA Champions League campaign.

Having been given permission by Arsene to train at London Colney whilst playing for Harrow after being released, things could’ve ended up differently for the goalkeeper in truth.

As quoted by a 2014 article in the Evening Standard he said, “If I hadn’t got a professional club this season I’d have had to get a job. My dad is in the building trade so I’d probably have worked for him.

Shea joined Wimbledon on a free transfer in July of 2014 and made over 100 club appearances for the Dons. Manager Neal Ardley said it is time for the club to seek a step-up in quality.

James did really well for us when he stepped in after Ryan Clarke moved on,” Ardley said. “After being left out, James really knuckled down and made the number one spot his own again.

“He has been a real team man with an attitude that is a model for all players.

“He has had a really solid season, but unfortunately for James I am determined to try and improve the squad all over.”

We wish James all the best in his efforts to find a new club.