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Sutton United Talk Time on Podcast - The Sutton Podcast
Pro Contracts over Trophies. Sutton United Academy with Glen Nichols
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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Thirty Years of Bruce Elliott: Leading Sutton United Through Its Greatest Era
01:29:05|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 Sutton United Became a Community Giant | Steve King Interview
41:14|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
Building for Now and the Future: A Sutton United Vision | Tim Allison & Vicky Garner
01:22:43|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
Progression was made: Sutton United Women with Lucy Clark
01:17:10|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 Introduction02:15 Reflecting on a season of progression07:45 Record points and beating the champions13:10 The FA Cup journey and Brentford heroics22:40 Learning from disappointment against Chatham29:30 Building belief within the squad35:20 Developing young players and the pathway43:45 Behind the scenes of the women's section51:30 The commitment of players at this level59:20 A full-time job without being full-time1:07:10 Recruitment, 180 trialists and raising standards1:15:40 Project Promotion and ambitions for the new season1:21:00 Final thoughtsIf 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
From Kit Man to CEO: Phil Tattersall’s Sutton United Journey
01:21:34|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 UnitedThe Merthyr Tydfil match Bruce still claims never happened!Following Chelsea home and away before Sutton took overBecoming the club's kit manThe incredible United We Stand campaignWhat really goes into running a football clubSeason ticket sales, finances and the challenges facing non-league footballWhy 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!
Rebuilding Sutton United with Chris Agutter
01:26:52|Welcome to the season finale of Sutton United Talk Time on Podcast as manager Chris Agutter sits down for an in-depth reflection on his first six months at the club. From the tactical shifts to the intense physical demands of the National League, Agi pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to lead the Us and his ambitious plans for the future.In this extensive interview, we dive into the challenges of inheriting a squad mid-season and the massive 130 percent increase in physical load required to compete. Agi discusses his recruitment philosophy, emphasising why character and experience are his top priorities for the summer window. We also tackle the big questions about discipline on the pitch, the philosophy of playing out from the back, and those unforgettable away days that defined the campaign.Whether you are interested in the tactical breakdown of our defensive improvements or want to hear about the long-term vision of reaching League One, this episode covers it all. Agi shares personal highlights from the season and explains why he is never satisfied with just a draw. It is a must-watch for every Sutton fan looking ahead to a massive preseason and a new era at the VBS Community Stadium.Chapters0:00 Intro and Season Wrap Up5:00 Reflecting on the First Six Months10:00 Understanding the Sutton United Identity15:00 The Challenge of Player Fitness and Load20:00 Shifting the Mentality from Accepting Defeat25:00 Squad Depth and Budget Realities30:00 Being Honest with Players and Building Culture35:00 Balancing Short Term Goals with the Big Picture40:00 The Importance of Preseason Intensity45:00 Taking Players to Dark Places in Training50:00 Recruitment Strategy for the New Season55:00 Why Experience is Non-Negotiable1:00:00 Addressing Discipline and Defensive Solidity1:05:00 The Philosophy of Playing Out from the Back1:10:00 Creating Overloads and Tactical Flexibility1:15:00 Personal Highlights: Gateshead and Scunthorpe1:20:00 Looking Ahead to the Next Three Years1:25:00 Final Thoughts and Wrap Up1:26:53 Video EndMake sure to join the conversation! Like this video, subscribe to the channel, and let us know your favourite moment of the season in the comments. Stay connected with us on all social media platforms @SuttonPodcast.#SuttonUnited #NationalLeague #FootballPodcast #ChrisAgutter #TheUs
Successful but not good with Andy & David
01:05:07|The season is done… but what was it? Success or disappointment?Join Mike, David and Andy as we look back on a rollercoaster year for Sutton United. From a nightmare start and the departure of Steve Morison, to Chris Agutter coming in and steadying the ship, there’s plenty to unpack.We get into the big question: does finishing 14th represent a solid achievement… or is it a sign of decline after a decade of progress?There’s a lot in this one:Why survival genuinely mattered this seasonThe strange “14th highest ever vs worst in 10 years” debateWhat actually changed under AgutterThe impact of key players like Kai Jennings and Jake TaylorWhy discipline and mentality held us backPlaying out from the back vs mixing it upAnd whether fans (all of us included) need to rethink how we reactWe also talk about expectations. Sutton United isn’t the same club it was 10 years ago, but it’s not one of the big boys in this league either. So where do we actually sit?And most importantly… what needs to change next season?Whether you’ve followed Sutton for decades or only joined during the League Two years, this is a proper reflection on where we are and where we’re going.Chapters0:00 Intro and initial reactions3:15 Was survival enough?7:30 14th place: success or decline?11:45 How the club has grown off the pitch15:20 Pre-season optimism vs reality20:10 Morison out, Agutter in25:35 First impressions of Aggie30:15 The run where it clicked35:40 Key players and turning points40:20 Mental fragility and inconsistency44:50 Discipline and penalties50:15 Style of play debate55:40 What next season should look like1:00:30 Fans, criticism and social media1:05:07 Final thoughtsWhat did you make of the season?Was survival enough, or did you expect more?Drop your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to like and subscribe for more Sutton United content.#SuttonUnited #NationalLeague #SuttonPodcast #FootballPodcast #NonLeagueFootball #SeasonReview
Sutton United: More Than Football with Karen & Charlie
43:36|Welcome to a special edition of the Sutton United Talk Time Podcast.In this episode, we step away from the action on the pitch to focus on something just as important, the people, stories and community that make Sutton United what it is.Mike is joined by two inspiring guests, each showing in their own way how football can change lives.First up is Karen, who shares her incredible journey since discovering Parkinson’s walking football through the Sutton United Foundation. What started as simply getting involved has led to a life-changing moment, a call-up to represent England. Karen talks about what that means to her, how football has helped her manage Parkinson’s, and her mission to raise funds for an upcoming international tournament in Canada, including a major fundraising night at Sutton United.Later, Mike speaks with Charlie from the Fantastic Freddie Foundation, the club’s Charity of the Year. Charlie tells the powerful story behind the foundation and how it is creating real opportunities for young adults with disabilities. From DJ academies and festival performances to skydiving and flying experiences, the foundation is all about breaking down barriers and giving young people the chance to live their lives to the fullest.Together, these conversations highlight the real impact of football beyond the ninety minutes. Whether it is representing your country or creating opportunities for others, this is what community truly looks like.🔗 Get InvolvedSupport Karen’s fundraiser: https://gofund.me/479ab9ce9Learn more about The Fantastic Freddie Foundation: https://thefantasticfreddiefoundation.com/our-story⏱️ Chapters0:00 Intro and Welcome2:15 Catching Up with Karen: Parkinson’s Walking Football5:30 Growing the Community and Recent Tournaments8:45 The Road to St George’s Park12:15 The England Trial Experience15:00 Getting the Call: Joining the National Squad18:30 Fundraising for Canada: Quiz and Auction Night22:15 Amazing Auction Prizes for Sutton Fans25:45 How Football Helps Manage Parkinson’s Symptoms28:30 Introducing Charlie and the Fantastic Freddie Foundation31:15 Freddy’s Legacy: Breaking Barriers for Disabilities34:00 DJ Academy and Summer Festival Trips37:15 High Octane Adventures: Flying and Skydiving40:00 How to Volunteer and Support the Foundation42:30 Charity of the Year Highlights and Future Goals43:37 Final Thoughts and Wrap UpIf you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe and share to help us reach more fans.Join the conversation on social media @SuttonPodcast