Sutton United boss Paul Doswell has revealed defender Sam Page’s Gander Green Lane exit was not by choice.

The centre-back is one of a host of names leaving the club after United failed to secure promotion via the Blue Square South play-offs.

Page, striker Leroy Griffiths, defender Anwar Uddin, winger Tony Taggart, forward Bradley Woods-Garness, midfielder Fola Orilonishe and full back Lewis Hunt have all been released.

Doswell confirmed the signing of former AFC Wimbledon skipper Jamie Stuart last week and will secure two more new faces on his return from the club’s end of season trip to Spain with former Gateshead full back Sam Rents thought to top his list.

Page, who made more than 100 appearances for the club, had been tipped to star next season and Doswell has admitted his exit was reluctantly accepted.

“Because we are switching to morning training sessions we’ve been looking for a certain sort of player to fit with that set-up,” said Doswell.

“Sam had said he would be able to do that next year and we had planned for next season with him.

“Unfortunately, he has since informed us he will not be able to commit because of work commitments and sadly that means we have had to let him go.”

Midfielder Tommy Kavanagh is expected to play a pivotal role in Sutton’s 16-man first team squad, having impressed during a loan spell at Staines Town toward the end of last season.

“I expect Tommy and the likes of Romone McCrae to kick on next year. They will get their chance and I hope they are going to be important players for us,” added Doswell.

“I’m really happy with the look of our back four and if you look through the spine of our team, I’m delighted.”