Hall of Fame

[Stewart]

I was looking through the list of men and women who have made a significant contribution to our club. There seems to be at least one outstanding person missing!

www.suttonunited.net/hall-of-fame/

Who would you add?

[os]

Apr 12, 2017 15:17:28 GMT Stewart said:

I was looking through the list of men and women who have made a significant contribution to our club. There seems to be at least one outstanding person missing!

www.suttonunited.net/hall-of-fame/

Who would you add?

ME

[Big Al]

Paul Rogers, inspirational driving force of our team for some six years before going on to a very successful top level career in the professional ranks

[timall]

Yes it's definitely "Curly" for me, best player at the club in the 40 odd years I have been a supporter, and went on to a very successful career at the highest domestic level. Always thought it odd he wasn't there from the outset, although I understand the need to build a "hall of fame" over time, and across the ages.

[Del]

I've got the hall of fame scroll ! lol

[jr]

Paul made 402 appearances for the club before going on and having a great career in the Premiership. Not quite sure why he hasn't been inducted yet. I can guarantee that no one will play that many games at a non league club and then step up to the highest level. Quite amazing. True legend

[Big Al]

Got me thinking this one because, as I said earlier in the thread, Curly is the obvious choice for the Hall of Fame, a true SUFC legend if ever there was one and just seems a bit odd he has not been inducted when both Micky Joyce and Micky Stepehens (both excellent and deserving players from the same sort of era) are already in.

However in terms of who is the 'best' player who has played for us I think there are other candidates who may have only been with us for a short while.  I am sure others will correct me but Efan Ekoku might be the former player who has played at the highest level as he played and scored in the UEFA cup as well as having a successful top flight career and playing for Nigeria.

In terms of those I have seen over the last 40 years I think Andy Barnes stands out for me as the one who, through desperately unfortunate injury, could have gone on to great things but couldn't fulfill the potential.

Of the recent past - the Doswell era - my vote as our 'best' player would be Harry Beautyman.

All subjective of course and doubtless there are others who will have seen top quality players before my time

[oohaah]

Keeping it on subject (It's not a 'best player' thread☺) the person who stands out as missing from this list IMO is our current Chairman. I was so amazed that I went through the list twice!

[Stewart]

This club is more than just great players, surely?

[I'm leaving at 5 nil]

For all his fantastic work for the club , I think a bronze statue of Dario gradi should be erected ......

[voiceofreason]

I agree with Stewart. This club has had many volunteers etc who have all put a long shift in. I for one would say Clive Baxter, who along with Gill, previously ran the tea bar and now holds nothing but respect from everyone connected with Sutton United as Number 1 kit man.

[markf]

The Hall of Fame is considered each year around Feb/March time and the small committee generally offer 3 to 5 names to the club for their consideration.

The debate above brings up good arguments for those named. The committee tries to balance from the past, the recent past and has been seen this season, the current. That is a lot of history, a lot of achievements and a lot of individuals. It also tries to consider all parts of the football club - player, management and administrators (for which you would include volunteers) - to recognise the wealth of talent and endeavour so many have offered the club over 119 years of existence.

I think the balance has been pretty good when you look at who has been inducted since its inception (the idea coming from long term fan, Steve Millington whose family has very long associations with SUFC).

As for the comment with regard to Dario, it should be noted that he was inducted in March 2016 but was only able to collect his award this season when he returned along with other members of the team that played Leeds in 1970. As well as a player from 64/5-71/2 and briefly manager, Dario was influential in setting up U's youth team which has produced some notable players for the club over the years (if not recently).

Paul Rogers, The Baxters and Bruce certainly deserve consideration and there are many other names I could mention from this club's illustrious past that I could add to those raised above. Long, Britchford, Evenden, Walker, Tarrant, Shepherd, Hayden, Reynolds, Pratt. and that is just off the top of my head and without going anywhere the 60's or 80's players.

Hopefully, all will feature one day.

And no, I am not back but I thought some explanation may help with regard this thread. Cheers

[oohaah]

We need you back!

[davethegrave]

I'm a bit confused by this Hall of Fame. Whilst I agree that all of the recent inductees have contributed brilliantly to the club, I wonder what the criteria is.

I feel that maybe it should be once a player has finished playing that they are considered.

[Amber Aleman]

Feb 27, 2022 20:05:35 GMT davethegrave said:

I'm a bit confused by this Hall of Fame. Whilst I agree that all of the recent inductees have contributed brilliantly to the club, I wonder what the criteria is.

I feel that maybe it should be once a player has finished playing that they are considered.

I don't think there are set criteria, nor do I think there should be. An individual's overall contribution to the club can take many forms, and its recognition shouldn't depend on any sort of 'box-ticking' exercise.