Football Season Guide

Matt Gray has created history for Sutton United, becoming the first manager to lead them to the National League title and promotion to the Football League. The U’s most famous moment came in 1988 when they knocked holders Coventry City out of the F.A. Cup at Gander Green Lane. A weakened Leeds United team were also beaten at a much-changed Gander Green Lane in 2017 but those achievements have been outstripped as they climb into the Football League. They are a small club based in the Surrey commuter belt and face several challenges in establishing themselves as a Football League club. The first of many is ripping up their 3G surface and replacing it with a grass pitch. Fortunately for Gray, he has been able to keep most of his Championship squad. Goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis, left-back Rob Milsom and midfielder Craig Eastmond are the mainstays for the side whilst striker Donovan Wilson’s loan move from Bath City has been made permanent. The only departure of note is loan striker Isaac Olaofe, who has returned to parent club Millwall. Gray has acted quickly with the signing of striker Richie Bennett, who was also promoted after finishing last season on loan with Hartlepool United. Full-back Joe Kizzi and winger Enzio Boldewijn are also excellent additions from Bromley and Notts County respectively. League Two will be a baptism of fire for the U’s but they have stability in both their manager and squad and they are used to winning.