Sutton United skipper Jamie Stuart has signed a new contract on the basis that there is a bright future on the horizon at Gander Green Lane.

The 36-year-old put pen to paper on a deal that will keep him at the club until the end of next season.

It is all part of manager Paul Doswell’s masterplan to win promotion to the Blue Square Premier next year.

And it is a plan that has seen a host of players – including Simon Downer, Dean Sinclair, Tom Lovelock and James Folkes – sign contracts, with Stuart at the heart of it all.

He said: “It was an easy decision to sign. I’ve enjoyed my time here and, after a long talk with Paul, I am fully behind the plans he has laid out. They are brilliant.

“Things have not gone as planned this time around, but next season we’re all about promotion.

“Paul has brought through some of the younger players, such as Kevant [Serbony] and Chris [Benjamin], which is great for any club.

“They’ve been thrown into some tough games and have shown real promise.”

Stuart, who joined United last summer from AFC Wimbledon, wants to build a winning mentality for next season starting now – despite the club’s mid-table position.

He said: “It is important to take that winning momentum into the summer, as it sets you up right for pre-season.”

Sutton host Billericay on Saturday in the Blue Square South, before a trip to Maidenhead on Tuesday.