Kwaku Donkor said he is raring to go ahead of his first appearance as Sutton player, with the wing-back making the switch to the VBS Community Stadium on the eve of the U’s clash with Brackley Town.
Donkor had received his first taste of Chris Agutter’s side just a week prior, having been an unused substitute as Davide Rodari’s late strike proved enough to take all the three points back to South London, and now finds himself within the ranks of Tamworth’s opponents after a swift deal was completed within a day.
The 21-year old got involved in his first training session before taking part in his media duties, and he then sat down with Sutton United FCtv to discuss his journey so far.
“It’s a pleasure to be here, and from the very first conversation, the move felt right.”
“For me, once I sat down with the gaffer and he explained the ambitions of the club and the goals they have, it was something I really wanted to be part of. When it came down to it, there was no hesitation – it was a simple decision for me.”
“It happened quite fast. I was contacted last week, the plans were explained to me, and after that I signed.”
His journey through the game began in the professional academy system and has been built step by step through senior football, having started out in the youth tanks at Blackpool where he got the opportunity to develop within a high level.
This did involve making the decision to leave London at a young age to move north, but was something he said he embraced rather than feared.
“I came through at Blackpool as a scholar, then signed a two-year professional deal with a year’s option. During my first year as a pro, I went out on loan, which was a good experience – getting men’s football early at 18.
“After that, I went to Welling when I was 19 and built on the experience I already had. I was then released from League Two and Tamworth picked me up. I showed what I could do there and now I’m just trying to push on.”
“It was more exciting than difficult, a new environment and new challenges really excited me, and I think I developed really well there. So no regrets.”
His time at Blackpool coincided with an unforgettable moment in the club’s recent history, with the Tangerines winning promotion to the Championship in his first season as a Blackpool player.
Developing in that environment also helped shape him both tactically and mentally, and led to his long-awaited first team debut against Barrow.
“That was when I first joined. I was actually watching the play-off final at home when they won. I was buzzing – really happy and couldn’t quite believe it. It was a great feeling.”
“I learned a lot, especially tactically. Learning how my position – right-back or right wing-back – should play, what’s expected of you, and learning from experienced players. The information they pass on is massive, so yeah, I took a lot from that.”
“The Barrow game was my first appearance for Blackpool. I was nervous at first, but once I stepped onto the pitch the nerves went away. I was given the chance to show what I could do and I gave everything.”
Working under a highly regarded coach in Neil Critchley also left a lasting impression, developing under someone who has experience working as part of the backroom teams at Liverpool and Aston Villa.
“He was always pushing intensity – all the time. Even with simple passes, it was about details: pressing, wanting to win the ball back, showing real intensity. Training and playing under him taught me a lot.”
Furthermore, success at youth level saw him lift two trophies during his time at Bloomfield Road, but Donkor said he it has only fueled his hunger for more.
“It was a great feeling and definitely something I want again. Hopefully during my time here — and in my career — I can win more trophies.”
Looking ahead, the wing-back touched on his first reflection of Agutter’s Sutton side, having faced the U’s only last week, while his first training session allowed him to quickly embed himself into the dressing room and gauge how he fits into the system.
“The first thing that stood out was the passing. Sutton looked like a team that wanted to play football, even in tight spaces, playing out from the back under pressure — and they did it well. They got the win over us, so credit to them.”
“Competition pushes you to be better. As footballers, we’re always facing it. Having someone pushing you — and you pushing them — improves everyone’s development.”
“I really enjoyed it. The passing, the patterns, the crossing and finishing – it was all good.”
“I’m definitely a player who likes to use my pace and strength going forward. I enjoy 1v1 situations, both attacking and defending. Hopefully I get the opportunity to show that.”
“My personal aim is to play as many games as I can and prove why I’m here and why I’ve been given this opportunity. For the club, it’s about playing my part in getting us as high up the league as possible and finishing the season strong.”
