Glen Southam may have had a Sutton United debut to forget, but he has promised fans he has arrived at Gander Green Lane to win promotion, and nothing less will do.

The former Eastleigh and Chelmsford City midfielder saw red in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Concord Rangers – the first red card of his career – but then helped United to a 2-0 win at Whitehawk on Tuesday night.

Southam will miss the Vanarama Conference South clash at Ebbsfleet on September 20.

However, the 34-year-old wants fans to see the bigger picture, be patient and understand he is at the Lane to win.

“Having won the title last year with Eastleigh, I want to do it again,” he said.

“Paul [Doswell] and I have the same ambition, and it’s just a question trying to get that into the lads, instilling that mentality that there will be frustrating games ahead, such as Concord, and you have to overcome them.”

He added: “I’ve never been sent off in my career and it’s not ideal being on my debut, but credit to the boys they dug in and got a good point.

“We should have had a penalty before they [Concord] scored. The ball went out of play because Charlie [Clough] would never stop like that if it hadn’t.

“They’ve scored and we’re frustrated at that. Three of the Concord players were in my face and one pushed me, I didn’t do a thing and so I’ve no idea why the ref booked me.

“The second card was a tackle I had to go in for, it’s part of football.”

Doswell was keen to bring Southam into the Lane over the summer after the midfielder was released by Eastleigh due to personal circumstances, but budgets were restrictive.

He joined Chelmsford City, but after Doswell’s reshuffling of his pack, he finally got his man last week.

Southam said: “Paul knows what he wants, he wants to win the league and I want that too.

“I am a different character on the pitch, I like to win games and get under people’s skin – and I’ll do whatever it takes to win and I’m hoping that’s why Paul has brought me in.”

He added: “It doesn’t matter how you win games, I would take 35 winning and not playing well and win the league, rather than play well and lose in the play offs.

“That might not be the fans’ views, but come the end of the season, if you’ve won the league, then all that is forgotten.”

At 34, Southam could be forgiven for slowing down but he believes that would be detrimental to his lifespan in the game.

And after more than 500 first team appearances, including 200 during Dagenham & Redbridge’s rise to the Football League, it seems his attitude serves him well.

“I am lucky that I’ve never had any serious injuries that have kept me out of action,” he said.

“I have never been a bit part player, and I think that has helped me to keep playing and keep fit.

“I am one of those players who, if I didn’t play or train, it would affect me.”

He added: “I feel strong and I have a lot to offer, and the moment you don’t then perhaps it’s time to call it a day, but that is a long way off yet.”