GLEN SOUTHAM reckons new club Sutton United have what it takes to emulate the success of his former side Eastleigh by taking the Vanarama Conference South title.
Southam joined the U’s from league rivals Chelmsford City this week – following just two months at the Clarets – after a big was accepted.
The 34-year-old captained Eastleigh last season as they won promotion to Non-League‘s top-flight before departing by mutual consent.
The midfielder now wants to add another title on his CV and hopes his experience and winning mentality can help boost a Sutton side with two wins from their opening five games.
“We’re more or less full-time at Sutton and we do Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings which is what we did last season at Eastleigh,” Southam, who has signed a two year deal, said.
“It’s all about trying to get that edge and it does benefit you in the long run. After Christmas you tend to see the difference and it can be key.
“I’ve been lucky to play most of my career full-time and the offer from Sutton came in. The opportunity came up, it suited all parties and if any player has ambition they want to playing full-time.
“It’s the same routine as I was used to at Eastleigh last season and I can see the club going in the same direction – everybody knows what a good club Sutton are.
“I spoke to the gaffer Paul Doswell and he said I bring a winning mentality to the team and wants me to bring the same things I did for Eastleigh. The bottom line is they want to win the league and that’s exactly the same as me.”
As part of the move, Chelmsford have the opportunity to sign Lee Sawyer permanently at the end of his three month loan deal from United.
And despite departing the Melbourne Stadium, Southam, who was sent off on his U’s debut against Concord Rangers, still expects the Clarets to be fighting at the top end of the table.
He said: “It’s difficult when you haven’t played many games for a club as I like to be settled and my intentions were to go to Chelmsford and push to win the league.
“It’s not always about the biggest budgets but there are good people at the club, the support is unbelievable and they’ll be there or there abouts.”
