Sutton United coach Steve McKimm is convinced defender Jason Goodliffe is far from retirement age and expects him to be a part of the club’s push for the Ryman League Premier Division title next season.

Boss Paul Doswell is expected to largely keep faith with the squad that finished second in the table - but bowed out of the promotion race in the play-off semi finals - next term.

Goodliffe, 36 in March, had considered quitting the game when he was released by AFC Wimbledon in 2009, but found a new lease of life in the heart of the United defence.

McKimm, a veteran himself, played more games than he had anticipated last year, but insists he will be available for selection come the new campaign.

And he believes there is no substitute for experience when it comes to Goodliffe leading the Sutton back-four for another shot at success.

“Jason comfortably has another season in him,” he said.

“He may not the legs of others, but when it comes to reading the game there is not many better than him.

“You need that in defence and it helps others around him if they can learn off him as well.”

Black cab driver McKimm has already put the disappointment of missing out on promotion and losing the Surrey Senior Cup final to Godalming Town behind him.

And he can’t wait for pre-season to start again in July.

“The end of the season was very disappointing, but you have to remember we had an excellent season and move on. That is football,” he added.

“I never expected I’d play so much, but I enjoyed it and won’t say I’ll never play that much again.

“I know Paul is looking to keep things pretty much the same, but it depends on who Paul brings in and who in the current squad steps up to the mark.”