Sutton ready for kick off with two new signings (From Your Local Guardian)

Doswell strengthens Us ahead of kick off

5:00am Friday 17th August 2012 in Sport By Tim Ashton

Sutton United boss Paul Doswell may have been in football management for more than 10 years, but he still gets a tingle of excitement as a new season draws near.

The Us kick off their Blue Square South campaign at Basingstoke on Saturday having suffered a 1-0 reverse in their final pre-season match at Met Police at the weekend.

Doswell completed his squad this week with the capture of 25-year-old former Tamworth midfielder Nick McKoy and ex-Millwall 19-year-old Connor McLaren, after he impressed in last week’s friendly with Southampton.

“There was one place up for grabs before the Met Police game, but that is sorted out now,” he said.

“While it has been a pleasure to do pre-season this year, we’re desperate for the season to start.

“You need to do the friendly games, but there is nothing on them.  You want to be playing for points or a cup run – so everyone looks forward to the start of the season.

“If you don’t get excited about it you may as well not be in the game.”

And Doswell reckoned the flexibility he has in his 17-man squad will counter any perceived shortage in numbers.

“Through the versatility of several players we’re covered just about everywhere.”