Sutton United

Manager Paul Doswell was delighted today after securing the services of 28-year-old right back Dale Bennett on a two year contract. Dale was released at his own request by Forest Green Rovers just before the end of last season after five and a half years with the club, during which time he made nearly 200 appearances and played a pivotal role in the club's promotion to the Football League two seasons ago. Prior to that he spent five years with Watford after graduating through their academy, making 32 senior appearances, and had loan spells with Wealdstone, Kettering, Wimbledon, Brentford and Yeovil.Paul commented: " Once I knew Dale had left Forest Green Rovers for family and travelling reasons he was our number one target to replace Louis John. We have had to be really patient on this one as Dale had many offers financially way above our level, but his personal circumstances and proximity to Sutton were our key selling point. He already knows many of the squad and this is a great fit for both parties."Dale was equally pleased to have signed. "I've watched the progress of Sutton over the last three years and played against them in the 2016/2017 season on three occasions and was always impressed. I know Jamie Collins very well having played with him, and he was also very complimentary about the club. I had a number of offers to consider and financially they were far better but I decided this was absolutely the right club for me and my family at this stage of my life. I would like to thank the gaffer for his patience while we made this very important decision, and now I'm looking forward to joining the rest of the squad for pre-season on Thursday 28th June."Paul hopes to add further to his squad before the end of June, commenting: ''As with Dale's signing, w're having to be patient this summer, but negotiations are in progress with two or three players who will be valuable additions to what is already a good squad and we hope to be able to announce them before training begins.''