Sutton United boss Paul Doswell has completed his summer transfer activity with the surprise return of former fans’ favourite Simon Downer.

The defender, who made 191 appearances in a United shirt before work commitments took him away, has signed a one-year deal after those commitments changed.

Doswell thought he had finished his summer’s work with the signing of Dan Spence from Eastleigh last week.

The 25-year-old defender has signed a two-year deal and, including Downer, means Doswell has recruited eight new names ahead of the National South season.

They join Stuart Fleetwood, Craig McAlister, Ross Stearn, Tom Bolarwina, Dean Beckwith and Jason Brown coming through the Lane door.

Going the other way is Bedsente Gomis, last season’s supporters’ player of the year, who has decided to stay in France with his family.

Despite that disappointment, Doswell was excited to get the surprise phone call from old friend Downer.

The manager said: “We didn’t think it would happen due to Simon’s work situation, but the job he was hoping for has not come to fruition and I think he’s secretly pleased that was the case.

“Now he’s back at the club he loves, and I’m delighted to welcome him back. He adds great competition to the squad, which is now complete.”

He added: “Dan [Spence] enjoyed an outstanding season playing in the Conference last year and was hoping to play at the same level or higher.

“He rightly wanted to see what his options were, but having seen Craig [McAlister] and Stuart [Fleetwood] sign, he was more than happy to sign.”

Meanwhile, United legend Craig Dundas has been appointed as the club’s strength and conditioning coach.