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
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