Sutton United new boy Billy Hawes has revealed the prospect of playing alongside brother James was too good an opportunity to turn down after agreeing a move to Gander Green Lane this summer.

The pair are one of seven new faces boss Paul Doswell has brought in during the close season as he bids build a young and energetic side capable of taking the Ryman League Premier Division title.

Former Heybridge Swifts defender Billy has never played in the same side as older brother James, having been in different age group sides at the Ipswich Town academy set-up as teenagers.

The 22-year-old law student - a year younger than his sibling - has admitted it didn’t take long to decide on the move once Doswell indicated his ambition to sign the two of them.

“We both came down to see the gaffer and when he made the offer we decided more or less straight away,” he said.

“I want to play as high a level as possible, so coming to club that will be challenging for promotion was important.

“I’ve never had the chance to play with my brother before and that was a big factor in the decision.”

Hawes junior battled back from three years of recurring knee problems after being released by the Tractor Boys without making the senior ranks and rekindled his love for the game at Leyton.

A move to struggling Heybridge Swifts turned sour last season before he finished the Ryman League campaign with Boreham Wood, helping them avoid the drop Division One.

“Heybridge looked like they were certain to be relegated. I decided to leave because I think I’m too good for the level below,” he added.

“I’m grateful to Boreham for giving me the chance to stay in that league and the experience of playing important games there at the end of last season was good, but the offer to come here was too good to turn down.

“Sutton are a young side, but we have got a good mix of experienced, physical and flair players which is what you need at this level.

“We are aiming for promotion. Everyone wants it, but whether we will achieve it is another question.”

The brothers have started pre-season training later than the rest of the squad with James holidaying in Tenerife and Billy - who already has a sports science degree - finishing first year exams of a law conversion course at Herfordshire University.

And the Essex-based attacking right back admits he is looking forward to getting back on the pitch.

“I love football. It is all I want to do, but you need a contingency plan and I’m hoping I can go on and become a solicitor if I can pass,” he said.

“I can’t wait to get back playing and playing against James in training matches. I’m not the sort of player to hold back. If a tackle needs to be made I don’t care who I go through.”