TT OPPOSITION Q&A
Mark Hamill discusses his team Sutton United
Hi Mark, can you summarise Sutton’s season so far for us in a couple of paragraphs?
The season has been unbelievable when you look at the resources we have compared to all the other clubs around us, ex-football league clubs who are full time professional outfits with budgets we at Sutton can only dream of. We train 2-3 times a week and only have a small squad, and have to stick to the budget we have got.
Matt and Jason have done an unreal job and if we manage to win this league it’s got to be one of the biggest achievements in football for years, but there is a long way to go yet with loads of twists and turns.
Draws have blighted your recent form, how have you been playing?
Draws have been okay considering we had 4 away games in succession, so we kept the unbeaten run going and still have games in hand. Fatigue looked about in the last couple of games but we have had a week off now, so hopefully fit to go again.
What’s been your top 3 highlights of the season so far?
The highlight so far has been the position we are in, but 3 games I would say – away wins at Chesterfield , Stockport and the home win against Bromley after being behind with 5 minutes go.
Who are your key players and why?
It’s been a team performance throughout with a solid defensive unit and the goals up top from Isaac, but if I had to pick a consistent player, Craig Eastmond would be the man.
PLAYER PROFILE – CRAIG EASTMOND
Position – Midfield
Date of Birth – 9th December 1990 – 30 years old
Height – 1.82m
Former Clubs – Arsenal, Millwall, Wycombe Wanderers, Colchester United, Yeovil Town
National League Stats 20-21: Played 30, Goals 5, Bookings 7
What tactics does the boss like to use?
It’s simple 4-4-2 with a constant press on opponents, but the pace we have on the break is crucial.
What have been the keys to your success?
The key is the work rate and fitness of the squad which in recent games have helped us with late goals.
What should we expect from the Sutton stream?
The steam is okay, I must say yours is one of the best in the league.
Do you think the club could cope with the step up to League 2?
We’re not thinking that far yet as there’s still a long way to go, but it will be a whole new experience for our part time club. Playing wise we should be ok with some additions, but the infrastructure of the ground and the working of the club is going to be a learning experience for everybody.
Which opposition teams and players have impressed you most?
I like Stockport but having all the good players, it is taking time to gel . Torquay are quick and direct, sometimes it is what team turns up on the day with most clubs. The play-offs are going to be interesting.
No escaping it, this is a massive game! What’s your prediction for Tuesday night?
This is a big game, probably more for yourselves than us. I think a win is a must for Torquay, so it will be interesting to see how you set up for it. Sutton will always go for the win, but a draw will do us. I’m gonna stick my head out and say a Sutton win.
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