Sutton United have unveiled a new strike partnership that boss Paul Doswell hopes will fire the side to Blue Square South promotion.

New strikers Jamie Taylor and Jamie Slabber both arrive at Gander Green Lane with impressive goalscoring records, with both well regarded in non-league circles.

Indeed, Taylor turned down Blue Square Premier big boys Luton Town to join Sutton’s push for promotion.

Taylor, accompanied by his pregnant girlfriend, was presented to the Gander Green Lane crowd during the Surrey Senior Cup final last Wednesday night, that Sutton lost 1-0 to Godalming Town.

Having signed from Lincoln City, much is expected of the hot shot. The 30-year-old, who hit 16 goals as the Imps’ top scorer last term, hails from south  London and had been offered a contract at Luton, but turned it down in favour of staying close to his family.

He said: “My girlfriend is expecting twins and she wanted to be closer to home so we came back from Lincoln. Commuting there just was not workable.”

Sources at the Lincolnshire Echo newspaper have said Taylor is not driven by money – had it been so, the Imps would have offered the striker fresh terms – instead being close to  the support of family and friends when the twins are born was more important.

Taylor said: “I spoke with a few clubs down here, but Paul [Doswell] said the right things, such as the club going in the right direction, and I decided it was the best place for me to be.

“I have come to Sutton to score goals – that is what strikers are paid to do.

“I have a reasonably good record, although I am not sure I have played in this division.

“But I have scored a fair amount of goals in the Conference and, hopefully, I can do it here.

“I’ve not met up with the players yet, although I know Ali [Fuseni] from Lincoln, and I’ve played with Simon [Downer] and Jamie [Stuart] down at Grays.”

His new striking partner Slabber, 28, has signed from Chelmsford City after they missed out in the Blue Square South play-offs.

The former Grays and Eastleigh man hit 28 goals in 48 games last season for the Clarets.

United ended their season in dismal fashion last Wednesday with that Surrey Senior Cup final defeat.

Godalming, of the Evo Stik Division One Central, grabbed a last-minute goal to seal a 1-0 win and their second cup final victory in two years – both over United.

Meanwhile, midfielder Harry Beautyman has been called up to the England C squad for the International Challenge Trophy clash against Bermuda next month.