Sutton United Talk Time on Podcast - The Sutton Podcast

Two games. Two wins. Four goals scored. None conceded.Not a bad start to our promotion-winning season...Mike is joined by Carl and Paul to look back at Sutton United's 1-0 win over Altrincham and a performance that was very different from the opening-day victory at Woking.It wasn't always pretty, but does winning a game like this tell us something important about this Sutton side? We discuss winning ugly, adapting the way we play depending on the opposition, the increasingly impressive Will Nightingale, coping with Jake Taylor going off injured and the options Sutton suddenly seem to have throughout the squad.There's also plenty on Temi Babalola's physical presence, David Ogbonna making it two goals in two games, Spike Brits and those back-to-back clean sheets. Most importantly, when does a good start become evidence that we might actually be quite good?Away from the match, Carl and Paul model the new lavender third shirt, we talk upcoming away coaches and Sarah's slightly mad plan to cycle to every Sutton United Women's away game this season to raise money for the team.There's also the latest from our Play Nimbus fantasy league, some mixed feelings about the National League Cup ahead of Leicester City on Tuesday and a look towards next Saturday's 12.30 kick-off against Hartlepool, where two teams with 100% records and no goals conceded meet at Gander Green Lane.And yes, Mike has already looked into how much notice you need to organise an open-top bus parade. Just in case.🎙️ Sutton United Talk Time on Podcast💬 Join the conversation: @SuttonPodcast#SuttonUnited #SuttonPodcast #NationalLeague #NonLeagueCHAPTERS00:00 Welcome, Carl & Paul and the lavender shirts03:45 The new Sutton United third kit07:12 Away travel and upcoming coaches09:30 Sarah's cycling challenge for Sutton United Women12:15 Altrincham: winning ugly?17:40 What's changed about this Sutton side?23:10 Clean sheets, Will Nightingale and Spike Brits28:00 Temi Babalola and a different option up front33:15 David Ogbonna and Sutton's attacking options38:20 Referees, throw-ins and consistency42:45 Play Nimbus fantasy league update47:30 When does a good start become a good team?51:15 National League Cup and Leicester City54:20 Hartlepool: our first big benchmark?57:00 Club legends, shoebox trophies and goodbye

Sutton United are back, and that's a rather nice way to start.Mike is joined by Sarah and Dan to look back at Sutton's 3-0 opening-day win away at Woking, with more than 500 travelling Sutton fans getting to enjoy three goals, a clean sheet and a performance that gave us plenty to be encouraged about.But first, the important stuff. The away support, the heat, the struggle to get a drink at half-time and, of course, the unmistakable aroma of Woking's open-air toilets...Then we get into the football and ask the obvious question: were Sutton good, or were Woking bad?We look at what felt different from last season, particularly Sutton's shape, togetherness and defensive organisation. Will Nightingale's experience and leadership gets plenty of praise, while Dan Urpens' performance, positional flexibility and genuinely dangerous long throw give us another weapon to get excited about.The late withdrawals of Alex Kirk and Charlie Carter meant an unexpected reshuffle before kick-off, but Sutton barely seemed affected. We discuss what that says about the depth of the squad, Noah Nzuzi getting the nod ahead of Kevin Donkor, and the increasingly difficult selection decisions facing Steve Agutter.There's also Omar Mussa's stunning free kick, Temi Babalola's contribution without getting on the scoresheet, and something Sutton haven't always had enough of in recent years: pace. Sam Folarin and David Ogbonna give this side a genuine threat in transition, with Ogbonna's goal showing exactly what can happen when defenders are invited into a foot race.We also discuss Spike Brits' remarkably uneventful senior competitive debut, the Jake Taylor effect and whether the experienced heads added this summer are already making Sutton look like a more mature side.Finally, attention turns to Altrincham at home next Saturday. After such a good opening day, can Sutton finally improve a home record that simply hasn't been good enough?And then the dangerous question...Has one game changed our expectations for the season?Chapters0:00 Welcome back to Sutton United Talk Time2:45 Atmosphere and away support at Woking6:15 Were Sutton good, or were Woking bad?11:30 Discipline, physicality and avoiding silly mistakes15:45 Sutton's defensive shape and organisation21:20 Late injuries and squad depth26:10 Will Nightingale's leadership and goal31:40 Dan Urpens and the long throw37:15 Noah Nzuzi and competition for places42:50 Omar Mussa's free kick and midfield role48:20 Babalola, Folarin and Sutton's attacking options53:10 Spike Brits and the Jake Taylor effect57:30 Looking ahead to Altrincham and improving our home form1:00:00 Have our expectations changed?What did you make of Sutton's performance at Woking? Were we good, were they bad, or a bit of both? And has the opening day changed your expectations at all?Let us know what you think in the comments.💛 Subscribe to Sutton United Talk Time on Podcast for more Sutton United discussion throughout the 2026/27 season.#SuttonUnited #NationalLeague #NonLeague #FootballPodcast

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.Chapters00:00 Introduction and the shoebox trophy03:15 Early career at Reading Academy07:40 Developing through the loan system11:20 Footballing influences and Gianfranco Zola14:50 Mentoring the next generation18:15 Why Jake joined Sutton United22:30 Reflecting on a difficult first season26:45 Handling social media and pressure30:10 The role of the club captain34:25 Building squad unity38:10 Working with Agi41:50 Quickfire questions and dressing-room chat45:30 Surviving a brutal pre-season48:45 Promotion ambitions and a message to supportersWhat 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

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?Chapters00:00 Introduction02:45 Ryan's National League journey05:12 Becoming a Football Manager researcher08:30 Birmingham City and Jude Bellingham11:55 Turning football data into expertise15:20 How Ryan analyses managers19:40 Spotting players before everyone else23:15 The players he got wrong27:50 Why he stayed outside the professional game31:40 David Ajiboye and Sutton's title-winning side35:55 Looking back at Sutton's recent seasons40:10 Last season's predictions revisited43:45 Steve Morison and a brutal run of fixtures47:30 Sutton's summer recruitment51:15 Why the National League keeps getting harder55:00 Early season predictions58:20 Where to follow Ryan1:00:11 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

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.Chapters00:00 – Intro and the lost interview03:45 – How Tim Vine became a Sutton United supporter07:10 – First memories of Gander Green Lane in 198811:30 – Bruce Elliott and the Sutton United family15:20 – Being closer to the action than ever before19:10 – Pure oxygen and unusual birthday presents23:45 – Timvasion, mascots and Soccer AM28:15 – Why Tim dislikes the phrase "dad jokes"32:30 – Fundraisers, darts nights and club life37:00 – Commentary, punditry and football analysis41:15 – Wembley memories and the Wimbledon replay45:40 – The story behind *Rock Your Tambourine*49:50 – Legendary Sutton United raffle prizes53:10 – Looking ahead to the new National League season56:43 – 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

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.Chapters00:00 Introduction03:15 Sutton United in 1996 and becoming Chairman08:20 Volunteers, supporters and building the club15:45 The 2008 relegation and appointing Paul Doswell24:30 The revolving door of players and club legends33:15 Why Sutton installed the 3G pitch39:00 Winning promotion from National League South43:30 The unforgettable FA Cup run begins49:20 Beating Leeds United and making history54:30 Drawing Arsenal and preparing for the biggest game in the club's history59:30 Arsène Wenger, Arsenal and behind-the-scenes stories1:05:00 Piegate and the difficult decisions of leadership1:10:30 Matt Gray, COVID and National League glory1:20:00 Promotion to the Football League and life in the EFL1:27:00 Chris Agutter, the future and Sutton United today1:31:30 What Sutton United has given Bruce ElliottIf 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

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.Chapters00:00 Intro and welcome02:45 Steve King's history as a Sutton supporter05:30 How the disability section began08:15 Starting from scratch at Collingwood Rec11:45 The first matches15:10 Growing the programme18:30 The George Best Community Cup in Belfast22:50 Professional standards and England internationals25:20 Moving to Cheam Sports Club28:40 Why Sutton feels like family31:15 London Football Project of the Year34:30 The Cerebral Palsy team's success37:45 The future and the Friendship League39:40 Proud moments and unsung heroes41:00 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

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 yearIf you've ever wondered what goes into running a football club away from matchday, this is the episode for you.Chapters00:00 Introduction02:15 Summer improvements around Gander Green Lane07:20 The Pavilion Project explained13:15 Building towards EFL standards18:40 The financial reality of running Sutton United25:30 Learning from clubs like Bromley31:45 Creating a 365-day football club38:15 Matchdays through the eyes of the COO46:20 Sutton's five-year vision58:30 CEO vs COO explained1:05:15 Meet Vicky Garner1:10:45 From supporter to Retail & Events Manager1:17:30 New VX3 kits and merchandise1:24:00 Events, venue hire and the future1:30:00 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