Ex-Dons skipper Stuart treads familiar path to Sutton (From Kingston Guardian)

Ex-Dons skipper Stuart treads familiar path to Sutton

3:03pm Friday 25th May 2012 in Non-League By Stuart Amos

Ex-Dons skipper Jamie Stuart followed the example of former AFC Wimbledon hero Jason Goodliffe to sign for Sutton United this week.

The 35-year-old centre back turned down a move to the Scottish Premier League and other interested parties in League Two, to switch to Gander Green Lane.

Goodliffe made the same move in 2009 after winning the Blue Square South with the Dons.

Stuart, who will team up with former Rushden & Diamonds defensive partner Simon Downer, endured a tricky time in League Two last term, but Sutton boss Paul Doswell insisted he could re-capture his best form.

“We’ve lacked a leader since we lost Jason Goodliffe and that is the sort of player Jamie is,” he said.

“I’ve watched him a couple of times against Shrewsbury Town and Barnet and know he will be great for us two levels lower.

“We suit where he is with his life at the moment and he turned down a club in the SPL and League clubs.

“Ninety per cent of people have said it is a good move and I would take the judgement of other managers over the 10 per cent who have criticised.”