Post by backhome2016 on May 29, 2021 19:05:37 GMT
At this point in the SUFC story I thought I’d share my early memories of the club. As a disclaimer, I am no long term supporter...
I lived in Hertfordshire in 1970, and was an avid 11-year old Spurs supporter. My favourite aunt lived in Sutton, therefore my attention was drawn to Sutton United playing Leeds in the FA Cup.
The following year my family moved to Sutton and I transferred to Sutton Manor (Grammar) School. One of my teachers was a certain Ted Powell. I recognised him because, when watching Hitchin Town the season before, saw him sent off playing for Wycombe Wanderers. He was an inspirational teacher, and made me, of very ordinary football skills, feel special if I put in a good performance.
I didn’t visit Gander Green Lane until Sutton played Wimbledon in the FA Trophy (1975-76) but then became a regular for several seasons, rarely missing a home game. I hero worshipped Ricky Kidd, a great goal scorer who came from the Redhill area, where a friend of mine was adamant that Ricky had started out as a goalkeeper.
My partial allegiance was not renewed until Sutton were promoted into the Conference in 1986, and then I dipped in and out, visiting when a ‘big club’ visited or a cup run was happening. Yes, very fickle I know...
2016 saw the fruition of Dos’s project, and I came along to witness the winning of the National League South. With a disenchantment with big football - whatever that means - I became a season ticket holder at GGL. For the next three seasons I had some of the greatest moments of watching football that I have ever had - and this from my second’ club. Apart from Lucas Moura’s winning goal in the Champion’s League semi-final I have not celebrated a goal as much as I did Roarie Deacon’s winner against Cheltenham. Mind you, I reckon his best goal was the thunderbolt of a stoppage-time equaliser against Lincoln City.
AFC Wimbledon, Leeds, Arsenal - I was there and privileged to have been so. Even losing at home 0-6 to Dover on a bitterly cold night I wear as a perverse badge of honour.
That my Sutton time, such as it is, can make me feel invested into what has just happened, makes me appreciate what it means to so many of you die-hard supporters. I’m made up for you. I feel you joy, your pride and a so pleased that your loyalty and perseverance has been rewarded.
Next season? The glory hunter within me will, of course, buy a season ticket. After all, it isn’t often that your second team reach the Football League...
I lived in Hertfordshire in 1970, and was an avid 11-year old Spurs supporter. My favourite aunt lived in Sutton, therefore my attention was drawn to Sutton United playing Leeds in the FA Cup.
The following year my family moved to Sutton and I transferred to Sutton Manor (Grammar) School. One of my teachers was a certain Ted Powell. I recognised him because, when watching Hitchin Town the season before, saw him sent off playing for Wycombe Wanderers. He was an inspirational teacher, and made me, of very ordinary football skills, feel special if I put in a good performance.
I didn’t visit Gander Green Lane until Sutton played Wimbledon in the FA Trophy (1975-76) but then became a regular for several seasons, rarely missing a home game. I hero worshipped Ricky Kidd, a great goal scorer who came from the Redhill area, where a friend of mine was adamant that Ricky had started out as a goalkeeper.
My partial allegiance was not renewed until Sutton were promoted into the Conference in 1986, and then I dipped in and out, visiting when a ‘big club’ visited or a cup run was happening. Yes, very fickle I know...
2016 saw the fruition of Dos’s project, and I came along to witness the winning of the National League South. With a disenchantment with big football - whatever that means - I became a season ticket holder at GGL. For the next three seasons I had some of the greatest moments of watching football that I have ever had - and this from my second’ club. Apart from Lucas Moura’s winning goal in the Champion’s League semi-final I have not celebrated a goal as much as I did Roarie Deacon’s winner against Cheltenham. Mind you, I reckon his best goal was the thunderbolt of a stoppage-time equaliser against Lincoln City.
AFC Wimbledon, Leeds, Arsenal - I was there and privileged to have been so. Even losing at home 0-6 to Dover on a bitterly cold night I wear as a perverse badge of honour.
That my Sutton time, such as it is, can make me feel invested into what has just happened, makes me appreciate what it means to so many of you die-hard supporters. I’m made up for you. I feel you joy, your pride and a so pleased that your loyalty and perseverance has been rewarded.
Next season? The glory hunter within me will, of course, buy a season ticket. After all, it isn’t often that your second team reach the Football League...
