The 18-year-old striker was released by the League One outfit at the end of last season but AFC chief Nicky Smith believes the tall targetman will excel at King's Marsh.

"I am more than happy after signing Perry," said Smith. "He is a quick and powerful forward and I am sure he will fit in here at Sudbury."

Sansford, who was born in Wimbledon, joined the U's at 15 and wants to follow in the footsteps of his favourite player, former Manchester United and England striker Andrew Cole.

"Perry is an ambitious player and one for the future," said Smith. "We will not throw him in the deep end of Southern League football because that will do him no good at all. The idea is to introduce him gradually and if he responds well in his first season we will be more than pleased with that."

The club have targeted at least two more new signings in the coming weeks - a winger and centre-back being the priorities at this point.

In the same week that a former King's Lynn player rejected an offer from the club, another has verbally agreed to join on his return from holiday.

Smith said: "We want at least two more players in before the start of the season. I don't want to get people in for the sake of it because we are not far short from being a very good team."

Meanwhile, AFC will learn of their fate tomorrow when the club's appeal against playing in the Southern League will be heard by FA officials in Histon.

Sudbury are desperate for a return to the Ryman League due to a dramatic rise in travelling costs last term.

"Of course it is better for the club financially if we are playing in the Ryman League next season," said Smith. "You would hope that common sense prevails but, as a manager, I am preparing for another campaign in the Southern League."

l At the recent AGM, it was announced that the Southern League will have two new sponsors from the beginning of next season. Zamaretto will sponsor the league and Red Insure will do likewise for the League Cup.