Former Reading FC captain Alex Pearce has officially joined League Two AFC Wimbledon.

The Millwall club captain was released upon the expiration of his contract and will link up with new Dons boss Johnnie Jackson from July 1.

Appearing more than 230 times in Berkshire, the Academy graduate played the full 90 minutes in last months 150th anniversary legends match between Brian McDermott and Steve Coppell's Championship-winning sides.

Having just been relegated from the third tier under new Royals Head of Football Operations Mark Bowen, Pearce and Jackson will be hoping their EFL know-how will ensure they don't stick around long in the basement division.

Speaking to the club website, he said: "I’m delighted to welcome Alex to the football club.

"He’s a player I’ve long admired and exactly the type of player I was looking to bring in after I was appointed. Alex brings a wealth of experience at a higher level with a track record of success. He will be a huge asset for us, both on and off the pitch.”

33-year-old Pearce added: "It’s a family club and I think that’s going to be vital – that we all pull in the same direction. We need to all come together as a unit – as fans, players and staff, everyone together.

β€œIt’s about pulling together as a group because you’re a lot stronger as a group than you are as individuals and the fans are a massive part of that.”