Sutton United’s new man Stuart Fleetwood may be a much-travelled striker, but he has good reason.

The 29-year-old is the sixth former Eastleigh player to sign forms at the Lane since the beginning of last season, and the fourth this summer.

His two-year deal brings up club number 12 in a career spanning 12 years.

But rather than being unable to settle at one club, the reason for his nomadic existence is far more noble.

“A lot of those clubs were loan moves, for example, when I was with Charlton Athletic I was loaned out three times,” Fleetwood, who lives in Gloucester, said.

“But I am not happy if I am not playing. I want to play and I’ll travel any distance to play.

“I am not happy to sit comfortable on the bench and pick up money.”

He added: “Also, when you come to the latter stages of your career in the lower leagues, you’re working from year to year, and it can get difficult.

“And when you get offers you cannot refuse, you have to take them.”

Despite his many moves, Fleetwood does not employ the services of an agent, preferring to do his business on his terms.

And it seems to work as his move to the Lane had more to do a friendly text message, rather than hard-nose negotiations over transfer fees via a unscrupulous agent.

Fleetwood said: “I was on loan at Forest Green Rovers, but was not offered a contract, and I knew my time at Eastleigh was coming to an end.

“I don’t deal with an agent, so I made a few phone calls and starting talking to clubs – Craig McAlister rang me and said he was going to Sutton Utd, and they may be interested in me.

“Then it was as easy as texting Paul [Doswell] and saying if you’re interested give me a call for a chat – that’s what happened.”

He added: “Paul spoke highly of the club and the ambitions and plans he has for this season – I went on holiday and made the decision when I came back.”

Wimbledon Times:

Old friends: Fleetwood already knows a number of the Sutton United lads from his Eastleigh days, including skipper Glen Southam    Picture: Paul Loughlin

Fleetwood joins McAlister, Dan Spence, Glen Southam, Jamie Collins and Dean Beckwith as former Eastleigh players at the Lane.

He believes it wil make it easier for the team to gel when pre-season training gets under way on Saturday, and they will know what kind of striker Fleetwood is and how best to make the most of his talents.

He said: “I like to play off the shoulder as the last man and use my pace. I prefer to play with a big man, someone to take all the knocks for me so I can run in behind.

“I have a high work-rate and will hopefully bring a lot of goals.”

He added: “I have not played as a striker for the past few seasons. I have been out wide, left or right, wherever I’ve been put.

“So depending on where the manager puts me in, I will play wherever, but hopefully there will be a few goals.”

United kick-off their pre-season friendly schedule at Winchester on July 11, followed by the first game on the new 3G surface at the Lane on July 12 against Bristol Rovers.

The official opening of the pitch will see a Crystal Palace XI take to the surface on July 14.