The Opposition: Sutton United (A)

The Opposition: Sutton United (A)
The lowdown on Sutton!

August 31st 2023FGR Media

It's our second trip to South London in the space of a week, as we visit Sutton United on Saturday at Gander Green Lane.

Rovers will be looking to continue their unbeaten start on the road following a win at Harrogate Town and a hard-fought point at AFC Wimbledon.

This is now Sutton's third consecutive season in League Two. Here is everything you need to know about this weekend's opponents.

IN THE DUGOUT

At nearly four and a half years, Matt Gray is the fourth longest serving manager in the Football League, only topped by Simon Weaver, John Coleman and Mark Robins at Harrogate Town, Accrington Stanley and Coventry City respectively.

Gray had big shoes to fill when he became Sutton boss in 2019, replacing Paul Doswell, who had won two promotions in an 11-year spell in charge. In his first full season in charge, Gray led Sutton to the National League title, becoming a Football League club for the first time in their history.

Gray, who sets Sutton up in an organised 4-4-2 system, led the South London side to eighth in their first full season in League Two, as well as reaching the EFL Trophy final, where they were defeated by Rotherham United.

ONE TO WATCH

Omari Patrick was the scorer for Carlisle United in last season's League Two play-off final against Stockport County. Last term, Patrick played 38 games in all competitions for the eventual play-off winners, and he bagged nine goals in 24 appearances for the Cumbrians the season before.

Patrick has been playing off the left for Matt Gray's side this season, scoring three goals in five games, but he is also capable of playing through the middle.

SUMMER BUSINESS

During the summer, Sutton saw some of the players that have played a key role in their success over the last few years move on.

Alistair Smith, Omar Bugiel and Will Randall were among those to depart, joining Lincoln City, AFC Wimbledon and Notts County respectively.

The Amber and Chocolates have been busy in the transfer market as they look to improve on last season's solid 14th-placed finish. Among those to arrive are former Cheltenham full-back Ryan Jackson, who was an impressive performer for the Robins in League One last term.

Patrick is arguably the most eye-catching arrival, but towering target man Harry Smith, Shrewsbury loanee Aidan O'Brien and experienced EFL frontman Scott Kashket have also joined to bolster Gray's attacking options.

Midfielder Craig Clay is a two-time League Two champion, Omar Sowumni has arrived at Gander Green Lane after two standout seasons in the National League with Bromley, while pacey wideman Josh Coley has signed on loan from Exeter City.