Scooby signs for Hampton

1:42pm Wednesday 11th June 2008

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Former Sutton United centre back John Scarborough has tipped boss Paul Doswell's new team to clinch promotion back to the Blue Square South at the first attempt.

The 28-year-old crowd favourite signed for Hampton & Richmond Borough this week after four seasons and 163 first team appearances for the men in amber and chocolate.

Scarborough, twice named player of the year during his stint at Gander Green Lane, was one of 10 players to officially leave the club last week, also including Paul Honey, 25, who made 348 appearances for the club.

The Gravesend-based social worker, known as Scooby, had already made his mind up to quit the club before being told he was surplus to requirements, but believes Doswell's recruitment policy can deliver.

He said: "Sutton shouldn't be where they are for a club of their size. The players they have got in are Conference South quality and I would put them down as clear favourites to get promoted.

"If they can get the team to gel they will fulfil expectations, and hopefully I will be playing against Sutton again next season."

Doswell has defended his cull, which saw Scarborough, Honey, Phil Wilson, Jamie Whisken, Bashiru Alimi, Nicky Greene, Uzo Opara, Jason Goodchild, Rob Hughes and Liam Wright released.

Even player of the year Craig Dundas has been warned he must fight for a place in the team for the opening day on August 16.

"Some of the supporters think I have been hasty in letting so many players go, but they don't realise how much prior knowledge I have of Sutton," he said.

"I watched them about six times last year and Dundas was one of the stand-out players on those occasions in a side that was struggling.

"That is why I have kept the players I have.

"I do know my strongest 11. That is not hard with such a small squad, but it is a very, very close call in all areas.

"All the players have come here knowing how I work. It is an unwritten rule of football that no-one is guaranteed a starting slot."

Former Dover Athletic striker Walid Mutat will add to the competition up front and Doswell has also agreed terms with Karim El-Salahi over a permanent switch from Eastleigh.

He is also confident of landing one of two centre halves - Chris Collins or Robbie Marshall - to add to his squad.