SUTTON United’s former Eastleigh contingent have gained a new member with Stuart Fleetwood the latest to sign for Paul Doswell’s side.

The 29-year-old forward, who spent the back end of last season on loan at Forest Green Rovers from the Spitfires, has penned a two-year deal at Gander Green Lane.

Doswell – himself an ex-Eastleigh man – has already signed defender Dean Beckwith and targetman Craig McAllister from his old club this summer and is delighted to add former Cardiff and Charlton man Fleetwood to his Vanarama National League South squad.

“We have had to be patient on this signing,” said Dowell.

“We’ve been talking for some time regards the club’s ambitions and hopes for the future whilst also sticking to our strict budget.

“Stuart is really looking forward to joining the club and adding much-needed competition to Craig Dundas, Craig McAllister and Dan Fitchett in the forwards department.

“Stuart’s best position is as a second striker playing off the targetman and I think the fact we share that opinion was a significant factor in him coming.

“He’s had to play out wide in a 4-3-3 system and, whilst happy enough to play there, it’s clearly not his preferred position.

“We also had fantastic reports on him from Richard Hill and Ady Pennock, his managers last season, and knowing so many of the current squad will help immensely.”

Meanwhile another ex-Spitfire, Marvin Williams, has been appointed Sutton’s new development/under-21 manager. The 27-year-old winger was forced into retirement by a persistent Achilles problem.