Club captain Jake Taylor joins Mike for an inside look at Sutton United as the club prepares for a new National League season.

From joining Reading’s academy at just eight years old to leading Sutton’s rebuilt squad, Jake discusses the experiences that shaped him as both a player and a captain. He explains the importance of leaving the academy environment to play men’s football, how loan spells helped him grow up and why his career has taken him from right-back and striker to his current role anchoring the midfield.

Jake also reveals why he chose to join Sutton while the club was bottom of the table last season, what the young squad lacked during that difficult campaign and how the arrival of more experienced players has changed the balance of the group.

The conversation covers the responsibilities that come with being club captain, mentoring younger teammates, dealing with criticism on social media and creating a dressing room where players genuinely enjoy working together.

Jake describes a brutal but carefully planned pre-season, including the enormous distances covered by the squad, and explains why every session has been designed to make Sutton one of the fittest teams in the National League.

He also discusses the ruthless and relentless standards demanded by manager Chris Agutter, the squad’s ambition to challenge for promotion and why nobody has joined Sutton simply to settle for a comfortable mid-table season.

There is also time for some dressing-room quickfire questions, including the loudest player, the funniest teammate, the squad’s questionable fashion choices and who might make the best manager after retiring.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and the shoebox trophy

03:15 Early career at Reading Academy

07:40 Developing through the loan system

11:20 Footballing influences and Gianfranco Zola

14:50 Mentoring the next generation

18:15 Why Jake joined Sutton United

22:30 Reflecting on a difficult first season

26:45 Handling social media and pressure

30:10 The role of the club captain

34:25 Building squad unity

38:10 Working with Agi

41:50 Quickfire questions and dressing-room chat

45:30 Surviving a brutal pre-season

48:45 Promotion ambitions and a message to supporters

What are your expectations for Sutton this season? Join the conversation in the comments and follow @SuttonPodcast across social media.

Please like, share and subscribe for more Sutton United interviews, discussion and behind-the-scenes insight throughout the season.

Sutton United Talk Time on Podcast is produced in association with Lucky Star Gin.

#SuttonUnited #JakeTaylor #NationalLeague #NonLeagueFootball #FootballPodcast

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Welcome to one of the biggest episodes we've put together ahead of a new Sutton United season.

This week we're doing something a little different.

Firstly, I sit down with Ben from Pla Nimbus to introduce the brand new Sutton Podcast Play Nimbus League, replacing our Prediction League for the new campaign. Ben explains how the game works, why it's different from traditional fantasy football and why it should be a great way for Sutton supporters to compete against each other throughout the season.

Then, armed with a microphone and probably a little too much ambition, I headed around Gander Green Lane before the final pre-season friendly.

The plan was to grab a handful of supporters.

I ended up speaking to 29.

Supporters of all ages, a couple of players, the manager, a former player and fans who have been following Sutton for anything from a few months to more than 60 years all answered the same four questions.

• Why do you support Sutton United?

• What are your predictions for the season?

• Which player will collect the most Man of the Match awards?

• What message would you send to the players before the season begins?

The answers are funny, thoughtful, optimistic and, above all, a reminder of what makes Sutton United such a special football club.

Whether you've supported Sutton all your life or have only recently discovered the club, I hope you'll enjoy this one.

In this episode:

⚽ Introducing the Sutton Podcast Play Nimbus League

📱 How Play Nimbus works and why it's different from traditional fantasy football

💛 Twenty-nine supporters share why they fell in love with Sutton United

📈 Season predictions, promotion hopes and realistic expectations

⭐ Which players supporters believe will shine this season

🎙️ Honest messages from the terraces to the squad ahead of the opening weekend

Chapters

00:00 Welcome

02:20 Introducing the Sutton Podcast Play Nimbus League

13:45 Why 29 supporters love Sutton United

18:45 Season predictions

25:10 Who will win the most Man of the Match awards?

31:55 Messages to the players

39:30 Wrap up

If you enjoyed the episode, please give it a like, leave a comment and subscribe if you haven't already. Every like, comment and share helps us reach more Sutton United supporters.

You can also follow the podcast across social media: ⁨@suttonpodcast⁩ 

And yep, I forgot to add the phone number! 07424 688557

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Welcome back to the Sutton Podcast!

This week I'm joined by Ryan Deeney - National League analyst, Head Researcher for Football Manager and one of the most respected independent voices covering non-league football.

We chat about Ryan's journey from watching Solihull Moors to becoming one of the people supporters turn to for insight on the National League. Along the way we discuss Football Manager, scouting, spreadsheets (lots of spreadsheets!), Birmingham City, David Ajiboye and why Ryan believes there has never been a better time to follow non-league football.

Of course, we also spend plenty of time talking Sutton United.

Ryan looks back at the National League title-winning side, explains why he thought David Ajiboye was such a special talent, reflects on the difficult years that followed promotion and gives his verdict on Chris Agutter's summer recruitment.

We also revisit last season's predictions, discuss why the National League has become tougher than ever to escape and ask the big question...

Can Sutton United challenge towards the top end of the table this season?

00:00 Introduction

02:45 Ryan's National League journey

05:12 Becoming a Football Manager researcher

08:30 Birmingham City and Jude Bellingham

11:55 Turning football data into expertise

15:20 How Ryan analyses managers

19:40 Spotting players before everyone else

23:15 The players he got wrong

27:50 Why he stayed outside the professional game

31:40 David Ajiboye and Sutton's title-winning side

35:55 Looking back at Sutton's recent seasons

40:10 Last season's predictions revisited

43:45 Steve Morison and a brutal run of fixtures

47:30 Sutton's summer recruitment

51:15 Why the National League keeps getting harder

55:00 Early season predictions

58:20 Where to follow Ryan

1:00:11 Outro

💬 What do you think?

Can Sutton United mount a promotion challenge this season? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

👍 If you enjoy the episode, please like, subscribe and share it with another Sutton supporter.

🎧 Also available on all major podcast platforms.

#SuttonUnited #NationalLeague #FootballManager #NonLeague #FootballPodcast

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What happens when one of Britain's best-loved comedians falls in love with his local football club?

In this episode of Sutton United Talk Time on Podcast, Mike sits down with lifelong Sutton United supporter Tim Vine for a funny, nostalgic and surprisingly heartfelt conversation about football, community and why Gander Green Lane has become such a special place in his life.

Tim looks back at his first Sutton match in 1988, explains how a chance answer on national television led to a lasting friendship with chairman Bruce Elliott, and shares stories from some of the club's most memorable moments. From a Timvasion and Wembley to writing Rock Your Tambourine, commentary, fundraising evenings and riding a Pizza Hut delivery scooter onto the Wembley pitch, Tim has become far more than a celebrity fan.

Along the way we also chat about Steve Morison's current Sutton United side, the importance of supporting your local club, bizarre raffle prizes, Guinness World Records, pure oxygen birthday presents, why Tim hates the phrase "dad jokes" and much more.

Whether you're a Sutton United supporter, a fan of Tim Vine's comedy or simply enjoy hearing great football stories, this is a conversation full of laughs, memories and genuine affection for one of football's most community-focused clubs.

Chapters

00:00 – Intro and the lost interview

03:45 – How Tim Vine became a Sutton United supporter

07:10 – First memories of Gander Green Lane in 1988

11:30 – Bruce Elliott and the Sutton United family

15:20 – Being closer to the action than ever before

19:10 – Pure oxygen and unusual birthday presents

23:45 – Timvasion, mascots and Soccer AM

28:15 – Why Tim dislikes the phrase "dad jokes"

32:30 – Fundraisers, darts nights and club life

37:00 – Commentary, punditry and football analysis

41:15 – Wembley memories and the Wimbledon replay

45:40 – The story behind *Rock Your Tambourine*

49:50 – Legendary Sutton United raffle prizes

53:10 – Looking ahead to the new National League season

56:43 – Outro

👍 If you enjoyed the episode, please like, subscribe and leave a comment. We'd love to hear your favourite Tim Vine story or your own memories of watching Sutton United.

🌐 Follow Sutton Podcast for more exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes features and everything Sutton United.

#SuttonUnited #TimVine #SuttonPodcast #NationalLeague #FootballPodcast #NonLeagueFootball #Comedy #EnglishFootball #GanderGreenLane

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Join us for a landmark episode of Sutton United Talk Time on Podcast as we celebrate an incredible milestone: 30 years of Bruce Elliott as Chairman of Sutton United.

Bruce has overseen the most successful period in the club's history, from Isthmian League football to the National League title, an unforgettable FA Cup run, three seasons in the English Football League and so much more. In this special conversation, he reflects on the highs, the lows and the people who made the journey possible.

We look back at how Bruce unexpectedly became chairman, the volunteers who built the foundations of the modern club, and the appointments that changed Sutton United forever. Bruce shares fascinating stories about John Rains, Paul Doswell and Matt Gray, explains how the decision to install the 3G pitch transformed the club financially, recalls the famous FA Cup run that brought Arsenal to Gander Green Lane, and discusses the challenges of leading a football club through COVID, promotion to the EFL and life after relegation.

There are stories you've probably heard, plenty you've almost certainly never heard before, and a fitting reflection on what Sutton United has meant to Bruce over the last three decades.

Whether you've supported Sutton United for sixty years or six months, this is an episode that captures the history, ambition and community spirit that makes the club so special.

00:00 Introduction

03:15 Sutton United in 1996 and becoming Chairman

08:20 Volunteers, supporters and building the club

15:45 The 2008 relegation and appointing Paul Doswell

24:30 The revolving door of players and club legends

33:15 Why Sutton installed the 3G pitch

39:00 Winning promotion from National League South

43:30 The unforgettable FA Cup run begins

49:20 Beating Leeds United and making history

54:30 Drawing Arsenal and preparing for the biggest game in the club's history

59:30 Arsène Wenger, Arsenal and behind-the-scenes stories

1:05:00 Piegate and the difficult decisions of leadership

1:10:30 Matt Gray, COVID and National League glory

1:20:00 Promotion to the Football League and life in the EFL

1:27:00 Chris Agutter, the future and Sutton United today

1:31:30 What Sutton United has given Bruce Elliott

If you enjoy the episode, please like, subscribe and leave a review. Every like, comment and share helps more supporters discover the podcast.

What are your favourite memories from Bruce Elliott's thirty years as Chairman? Let us know in the comments.

Follow the Sutton Podcast on social media: @SuttonPodcast

#SuttonUnited #SuttonPodcast #BruceElliott #NonLeague #NationalLeague #EFL #FACup #FootballPodcast #EnglishFootball #FootballHistory

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How did Sutton United become a community giant?

For many supporters, Sutton United is known for giant-killings, promotions and unforgettable moments on the pitch. But behind the scenes, another story has been unfolding for more than a decade.

In this episode of Sutton United Talk Time on Podcast, Mike sits down with Steve King to explore how Sutton United built one of the country's most respected disability football programmes and, in doing so, became a true community giant.

Steve reflects on his journey from hearing the roar of Gander Green Lane as a young supporter in 1975, to helping create opportunities that have transformed the lives of hundreds of players and families. From muddy beginnings at Collingwood Recreation Ground to competing nationally and internationally, winning London Football Project of the Year and launching Sutton's successful Cerebral Palsy team, this is a fascinating look behind one of the club's greatest success stories.

The conversation also explores why so many people describe Sutton United as feeling like family, the incredible contribution made by volunteers and why, for Steve, success has never been measured purely by trophies.

Whether you're part of the Amber Army or simply interested in the power football has to change lives, I think you'll enjoy this conversation.

00:00 Intro and welcome

02:45 Steve King's history as a Sutton supporter

05:30 How the disability section began

08:15 Starting from scratch at Collingwood Rec

11:45 The first matches

15:10 Growing the programme

18:30 The George Best Community Cup in Belfast

22:50 Professional standards and England internationals

25:20 Moving to Cheam Sports Club

28:40 Why Sutton feels like family

31:15 London Football Project of the Year

34:30 The Cerebral Palsy team's success

37:45 The future and the Friendship League

39:40 Proud moments and unsung heroes

41:00 Final thoughts

👍 If you enjoyed the episode, please like, subscribe and leave a comment. It really helps the podcast reach more Sutton supporters and football fans.

Follow @SuttonPodcast across social media for more interviews, behind-the-scenes stories and everything Sutton United.

#SuttonUnited #AmberArmy #DisabilityFootball #FootballCommunity #NationalLeague #SuttonPodcast

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Go behind the scenes at Sutton United as the club prepares for a new National League season.

Every summer supporters ask the same questions. Who's signed? What kit are we wearing? What has changed around the ground?

But there's far more happening than most of us ever see.

This year I sat down with Sutton United COO Tim Allison for our annual walkaround of Gander Green Lane to talk about the projects supporters don't always notice. From the Pavilion Project and stadium improvements to planning for a return to the Football League, Tim explains why the club has to think years ahead, not just about the next Saturday.

Then I'm joined by Retail & Events Manager Vicky Garner, whose own Sutton United story started as a supporter before ending up running the club shop and helping make the stadium a seven-day-a-week destination. We chat about the move to VX3, the new merchandise, events, venue hire and what really goes on behind the scenes.

In this episode

⚽ The latest on the Pavilion Project and summer stadium improvements

⚽ Why Sutton are continuing to build towards EFL standards

⚽ The financial reality of running a National League football club

⚽ Tim Allison's vision for Sutton United over the next five years

⚽ Why growing the club isn't just about what happens on the pitch

⚽ Vicky Garner's journey from supporter to Retail & Events Manager

⚽ Behind the scenes of the new VX3 kit and merchandise range

⚽ How Sutton United is becoming a true community hub 365 days a year

If you've ever wondered what goes into running a football club away from matchday, this is the episode for you.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:15 Summer improvements around Gander Green Lane

07:20 The Pavilion Project explained

13:15 Building towards EFL standards

18:40 The financial reality of running Sutton United

25:30 Learning from clubs like Bromley

31:45 Creating a 365-day football club

38:15 Matchdays through the eyes of the COO

46:20 Sutton's five-year vision

58:30 CEO vs COO explained

1:05:15 Meet Vicky Garner

1:10:45 From supporter to Retail & Events Manager

1:17:30 New VX3 kits and merchandise

1:24:00 Events, venue hire and the future

1:30:00 Final thoughts

👍 If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a like, subscribe and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

📲 Follow @SuttonPodcast across social media for more exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes content and everything Sutton United.

#SuttonUnited #NationalLeague #NonLeague #FootballPodcast #SuttonPodcast #BehindTheScenes #VX3 #FootballBusiness #GanderGreenLane

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What does success really look like for a football academy?

For Glen Nichols, Sutton United's Head of Coaching and PDP Lead, the answer is simple:

"I'd take five professional contracts over any trophy."

In this episode of Sutton United Talk Time on Podcast, we go behind the Amber Curtain to explore how Sutton United develops young players into first-team footballers and why success isn't measured by silverware alone.

Glen talks openly about his journey into coaching, from starting a grassroots team for his son to leading Sutton United's academy, including the now-famous story of being offered a job over a coffee in Worcester Park.

Together we discuss:

⚽ Why professional contracts are the academy's true measure of success

⚽ Charlie Bell's breakthrough into the first team

⚽ Jack Taylor and Junior Eccleston's journeys from academy to senior football

⚽ Four academy graduates earning professional contracts

⚽ The mentality needed to bridge the gap into men's football

⚽ Why winning still matters in youth development

⚽ Working alongside Agi and the first-team staff

⚽ The changing landscape of football academies

⚽ How Sutton supporters can help the next generation of U's players

Glen also explains why attitude often separates the players who make it from those who don't, why every player's pathway is different, and why Sutton United continues to produce footballers despite operating in one of the toughest development environments in the game.

Whether you're a Sutton supporter, a coach, a parent or simply interested in player development, this is a fascinating look behind the scenes at the work that happens long before a player pulls on the amber shirt at Gander Green Lane.

If you enjoy the episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review, like, subscribe and share it with another Sutton supporter. Every interaction helps the podcast reach more U's fans.

#SuttonUnited #SuttonPodcast #NationalLeague #FootballAcademy #PlayerDevelopment #NonLeagueFootball #FootballPodcast

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In this episode of the Sutton Podcast, I am joined once again by Sutton United Women's manager Lucy Clark to look back on a season that saw the club take another significant step forward, and look ahead to what comes next.

Lucy reflects on a campaign that delivered a record points tally, a fourth-place finish and a memorable run to the Third Round Proper of the Adobe Women's FA Cup. She shares the stories behind famous victories over Brentford and Dartford, explains why the Chatham defeat still frustrates her, and reveals why this season has given the squad genuine belief they can compete with anyone in the division.

The conversation also goes behind the scenes of the women's section. Lucy discusses how the club is strengthening its pathway from the girls' teams through to the newly named Under 23s, why 180 players applied to join Sutton this summer, and how data, recruitment and high standards are helping raise the level across the squad.

Away from the pitch, Lucy opens up about the reality of managing at this level, balancing recruitment, coaching, analysis, administration and matchdays, while the players juggle football with work, university and long journeys across the South East. It's a fascinating insight into the commitment required to build a successful women's football programme.

Finally, Lucy reveals the club's theme for the new campaign, **Project Promotion**, and explains why she believes Sutton United Women are ready to challenge at the top of the table.

Whether you've followed the women's team all season or you're looking to learn more about one of the fastest-growing parts of Sutton United, this is an episode packed with honest reflections, behind-the-scenes stories and plenty of optimism for the future.

**Chapters**

00:00 Introduction

02:15 Reflecting on a season of progression

07:45 Record points and beating the champions

13:10 The FA Cup journey and Brentford heroics

22:40 Learning from disappointment against Chatham

29:30 Building belief within the squad

35:20 Developing young players and the pathway

43:45 Behind the scenes of the women's section

51:30 The commitment of players at this level

59:20 A full-time job without being full-time

1:07:10 Recruitment, 180 trialists and raising standards

1:15:40 Project Promotion and ambitions for the new season

1:21:00 Final thoughts

If you enjoy the episode, please like, subscribe and leave a comment. Your support helps us reach more Sutton United supporters and continue bringing you exclusive interviews from across the club.

Follow the Sutton Podcast on social media: **@SuttonPodcast**

#SuttonUnited #SuttonPodcast #WomensFootball #NonLeague #FACup #FootballPodcast

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What happens when a supporter ends up running the football club he loves?

For the first episode of our new season, I'm joined by Sutton United's "new-ish" CEO, Phill "Tats" Tattersall.

Around 250 days into the role, Tats reflects on his journey from supporter to volunteer, commercial manager, kit man and now CEO, sharing stories that supporters rarely get to hear.

We chat about:

His first memories of Sutton United

The Merthyr Tydfil match Bruce still claims never happened!

Following Chelsea home and away before Sutton took over

Becoming the club's kit man

The incredible United We Stand campaign

What really goes into running a football club

Season ticket sales, finances and the challenges facing non-league football

Why he still finds himself changing the fixture board!

It's an honest, funny and fascinating conversation with someone who has experienced Sutton United from almost every angle imaginable.

🎧 We'd love to hear your thoughts after listening.

👍 Please like, subscribe and leave a review if you enjoy the episode.

📲 Follow @SuttonPodcast across social media to join the conversation.

Thanks as always to Lucky Star Gin for supporting the podcast.

Up the U's!

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