Ex-Don thought to top Sutton wishlist (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Ex-Don thought to top Sutton wishlist

12:39pm Wednesday 13th June 2012 in Sport By Stuart Amos

Former AFC Wimbledon striker Kezie Ibe is believed to be one of three new signings Sutton United boss Paul Doswell has targeted before the pre-season programme kicks-off.

The 29-year-old, who made five appearances for the Dons in 2009, is one of three new signings the Gander Green Lane chief is expected to complete ahead of the visit of League One Leyton Orient on July 18.

Doswell, who has cooled his interest in Sam Rents, is also in talks with a left back and a central midfielder - believed to be from League Two Exeter City - and hopes to confirm their arrival by the time pre-season training kicks off in earnest on July 9.

Sutton switch to a morning training programme this season and will face Orient, Eastleigh, Carshalton Athletic and Met Police in the build up to the Blue Square South season, with Premiership West Ham United also to be expected to be added to the list.

"We've shaken hands on deals for a left back and centre forward, but we cannot confirm anything until the deals are signed and the players are back from holiday," he said.

"We are also talking to a very good midfielder, who I think will open up defences a little more than we did last season.

"Along with Jamie Stuart's arrival, these three new signings are the only ones we'll be making and they will be with us in time for the pre-season programme.

"I think we will be in a good position to give it another good go next year.

"I don't think we'll be in a position to compete financially with the likes of Eastleigh and Dover Athletic, but the changes in our structure should mean we will at least be training more than them.

"Hopefully we will be as well - and some cases better - prepared than them, but we they are still part-time players on part-time money."

Pre-season schedule:

July 18 - Leyton Orient (h)

July 21 - Eastleigh (h)

August 4 - Carshalton Athletic (h)

August 11 - Met Police (a)

August ? - West Ham United (TBC, h)