Sutton United boss Paul Doswell reckons age is no barrier to success after signing three players in their thirties.

New boys Dean Beckwith, Jason Brown and Craig McAllister have a combined age of 98, with the latter the oldest at 34.

Doswell is also expecting to make two more signings – a centre forward and utility defender – to bring his squad tally to 18.

United started with 18 last season, but a series of injuries ripped through the squad and ultimately led to a disappointing season in the Conference South, finishing 15th in the table.

However, this time round Doswell is hopeful injuries will not be an issue, and he points to McAllister, who has a two-year deal, to explain why.

“If you look at players’ body shapes today, this year’s 31 is last year’s 21 – age is no longer a barrier,” he said.

“Players look after themselves a lot better. Craig is in better shape than I have ever known him before and he is keen to keep playing.”

Sutton United: McAllister only signed because boss Doswell will get United up

He added: “By his own admission he liked a beer or two in his 20s, and if he had carried on like that he would not be playing now.

“Now he’s doing yoga and pilates and is always at the gym. I’ve seen him playing football for the past seven or eight years and he’s got better and better, and he is going to be excellent for us.

“He’s a great a target man, which is something we’ve missed.”

Meanwhile, Dan Fitchett has signed a two-year deal at the club following his loan spell last season, and Doswell has revealed that both Beckwith and Ross Stearn have also signed two-year deals – Brown and Tom Bolinwara signed one-year deals.

Doswell added: “We’re talking to another striker, to add some competition, and a utility defender who can play right or left back, to give us some strength in depth.

“Louis John may have to go out on loan to get game time, and we may loan out a striker depending on where we’re at up front.”