Charlie Carter has spoken of his excitement after completing a move to Sutton United, describing the transfer as “coming home”.
The attacking midfielder arrives at Gander Green Lane following an impressive spell with Dorking Wanderers, where he established himself as one of the standout attacking players in non-league football.
“Obviously I’m excited to now get all sorted and signed,” he said.
“Speaking to the manager and everyone around the place, it’s a real positive time to be a Sutton United player.
“So yeah, I’m excited to get going. Looking forward to it.”
Although he has never previously represented Sutton, the move carries special significance for the attacker, who grew up locally in Worcester Park and attended school in nearby Cheam.
The new signing recalled spending much of his childhood around the borough and says his connection to the area made the move even more appealing.
“I spent a lot of time growing up around these areas – Sutton, Worcester Park. I went to school in Cheam.
“It does feel like coming home. That’s something that really drew me to the club as well.”
“There are so many memories,” he added.
“A lot of time in Cheam Park, Sainsbury’s in North Cheam sort of areas. I’ve got friends that live all around the area, so yeah, loads.”
Carter began his football journey in the academy system at Fulham before moving into non-league football after being released as a teenager, going on to join Woking, before gaining senior experience on loan at nearby Chipstead, with his form for the Cards eventually earning him a move into the EFL with Stevenage, via a stint at Chesterfield, where he enjoyed a productive spell despite injury setbacks.
“I was there [at Fulham] from about eight or nine until around 14 or 15. Obviously getting released then pushed me into the non-league game, and I think that really set me up to kick on in my career.”
“I think playing in the EFL was a big thing for me at the time. I really loved my time at Stevenage, I did have a few injuries and didn’t play as many games as I would have liked, but I think those years in the Football League really set me up for the next few years after that.”
During his time at Stevenage, Carter also briefly crossed paths with Sutton boss Chris Agutter, something he says played a major role in his decision to join the club.
“I had a few conversations with him and heard nothing but good things,” he explained.
“You want to be at a club that is looking to do big things and looking to kick on, with a manager that plays good football and has good relationships with the boys.
“That’s kind of what I want.”
Following a spell with Eastleigh, the attacker enjoyed three successful seasons at Dorking Wanderers and admits leaving the Surrey club was an emotional decision.
“I’ll be honest, it’s a really special club,” he said.
“What Marc [White] and everyone does behind the scenes there is quality, so I’ve got nothing but positive things to say about that club.
“That’s why it was such a tough decision for me to leave, but for me I wanted to kick on at this stage in my career and come somewhere where I think we can have some really special memories.”
Despite narrowly missing out on promotion during his time at Dorking, Carter believes Sutton have all the ingredients to challenge at the top end of the National League next season, outlining the qualities he hopes to bring to Sutton supporters next season.
“I think for me it was all about joining a club that is really looking to kick on and do some good things,” he said.
“All the conversations I’ve had with the manager here and everyone around the club — there’s a lot of things going on behind the scenes that seem really positive.
“I think we’ve got a real, real good chance to get promotion.”
“I’m a player that likes to get on the ball and make things happen, and hopefully bring some goals to the team.
“But ultimately what I want is promotion. I want Sutton to be pushing up the top end of the table, and I think everyone here wants the same.”
