BILLERICAY: Town beat rivals to sign striker
Romford-born Sullivan, who was out injured for most of last season after picking up a shoulder injury, was being chased by a posse of clubs after the New Dons' boss Terry Brown decided to release him in May.
Sullivan, who had spent the previous season at Braintree Town playing 40 Blue Square South games for them scoring nine goals, has now fully recovered and according to Statham is keen to play regularly again and still ambitious to play at a higher level.
"I've been tracking him since the end of last season when I knew that Wimbledon were releasing him and although I knew several clubs were after him, I'm pleased persistence has paid off and he's come to New Lodge," said Statham.
"He's fully recovered and although it didn't work out for him at Wimbledon, I know what he is capable of and I think will be a big asset to us. He has pace and can also play on either wing too.
"He's also still only 21 and he has dropped down a level to come to us but if he can do the business I'm sure he will be able to play at a higher level because he has the ability," Statham added. "He wants to be successful, is desperately keen to do well and will give us options up front too."
Statham went on: "I'm pleased with the way the squad is shaping up and I know I still want two or three new players for defensive and midfield positions but there's no panic. There are some good players now being released by clubs higher up and they are looking for a good club like Billericay. But I want to make sure they are the right players for me and also the club and that they want to play for us and are not just looking for an easy time."
Statham expects to have at least a couple of more new faces on show when they take on a Leyton Orient side at New Lodge next Tuesday in their first pre-season friendly.
"There's plenty of time and matches to bring people in to have a look at and that's what I shall do," he added.
Statham also praised his existing players for returning to pre-season training in good physical condition adding: "The players have clearly looked after themselves which is a credit. This helps us to now build on that and make sure we are ready properly for the start of the new season.
"We're now training three times a week and building up for the season start," he added. "Everyone is knuckling down and working hard in training and we will certainly be a fit side too."
The Ryman League fixtures are not out until next Wednesday but Town do now know who they will be playing in the FA Cup and FA Trophy.
They will go to neighbours and Ryman Premier Division rivals AFC Hornchurch for the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup on September 12 and in the First Round of the FA Trophy on October 17 they will go away to the winners of the Romford v AFC Sudbury tie in the Preliminary Round.
"It would have been nice to have had a home tie, particularly in the FA Cup, but there will still be a good crowd at Hornchurch and it will be a good game between two good sides," said Statham.
"We will know what to expect and obviously we'll still be looking for a good FA Cup run because it gives the whole club a boost and not just for the extra finance."
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