Sutton United boss Paul Doswell is ready to put on a show when three big names come to Gander Green Lane to kick off the pre-season programme.

Teams from Arsenal, Fulham and Chelsea will provide the opposition in three of the opening four friendly games – with AFC Wimbledon sandwiched inbetween.

Although tickets will be available on the gate, anyone buying tickets in advance online will not have to queue.

And with more than 1,000 tickets already sold for each game, Doswell advises anyone wanting a seat in the stand to get to the ground early, get settled, and enjoy the show.

“I have never known a pre-season as exciting as this,” Doswell said.

“The players are excited about the games, it does not matter if you’re 21 or 30 years old, to play against a top Premier League side is exciting, and we’ve been told they will bring strong sides.”

He added: “The players will be running their socks off, but I know they will be chasing the ball a lot. The opposition are at a different level to us.”

The idea behind the three glamour ties is to get fans through the gates and then keep their attention when the Blue Square South season gets underway.

Doswell believes United can only move forward as a club if the attendances increase and more money is generated.

He said: “There is an excitement around the club given the signings we have made, these friendly matches and the general vibe.

“We’re hoping that some of those who come to the games enjoy the non-League experience, and decide to spend £12 to watch their local team rather than £50 to a Premier League match.”

He added: “We should not forget that AFC Wimbledon are coming, as well as Aldershot and Cambridge United, these are still big teams.

“And the results are not hugely important. If we lose 10-0 to Chelsea, nevermind, but if we lose 10-0 to Farnborough just before the season starts, then I will be worried.”

The schedule: Arsenal (July 12), Fulham (July 13), AFC Wimbledon (July 20), Chelsea (July 23), Cambridge United (July 27) and Aldershot Town (August 3).

To buy tickets online, go to suttonunited.net