Junior Eccleston has bid an emotional farewell to Sutton United after completing a move to League Two side Chesterfield, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable rise from academy prospect to first-team regular.
The defender leaves Gander Green Lane after six years with the club, having progressed through the academy ranks before enjoying a breakthrough campaign in senior football during the 2025/26 season.
“Yeah, it feels really good,” he said.
“It’s been a hectic couple of days for me and my family, but I’m delighted to get the deal done.”
“Now I’m just ready to get going.”
Photo Credit: Chesterfield Football Club
The move caps a remarkable 12 months for the teenager. Speaking after signing his first professional contract a year ago, Eccleston set himself the target of forcing his way into the first-team picture.
Looking back, he admits those ambitions were more than fulfilled.
“I felt like I had a really good off-season and a good pre-season.
“I think initially I was meant to go out on loan, but after one of the behind-closed-doors games, Steve Morison really liked what he saw.”
“He pulled me aside for a chat and asked if I’d be willing to stay and fight for my place.
“Of course I said yes, and it just kicked on from there.”
Among the many memories he takes away from Sutton, the U’s FA Cup clash with Shrewsbury Town stands above the rest according the 18-year old, but his senior league debut also remains a landmark moment, along with one of the standout moments of his breakthrough season coming when he scored his first goal for the club.
“I’d have to say the FA Cup game against Shrewsbury,” he said.
“It was on the BBC, there was a packed crowd and it’s exactly the sort of occasion you want to be involved in.”
“I thought we were brilliant that day. We probably deserved more from the game, but it showed the level we could play at.”
“On my league debut I remember getting a yellow card and coming off at half-time, but it was a really good day.”
“Steve Morison and Jon Meeney were brilliant with me before the game, giving me all the information I needed.
“The boys supported me as well. I’d only just turned 17, so it was nerve-racking, but once I got on the pitch I felt alright.”
“And my first goal – that was a great feeling,” he said.
“I remember the cross coming in, Brandon [Njoku] missed it and suddenly the ball was coming towards me and my eyes lit up.”
“It was an amazing moment and even better because we won the game.”
Celebrating in front of the supporters made the occasion even more special.
“The fans have been brilliant,” he said.
“It’s been a tough season for everyone, but from the first game to the last they’ve been right behind us.”
“When you see them travelling on a Tuesday night to somewhere like Hartlepool, it makes you realise how much they care.”
“I’ve also built relationships with supporters off the pitch as well. There are some really good people at this football club.”
Just two seasons on from playing regular men’s football for the first time down in the Southern League with Walton & Hersham, Eccleston now marks his rapid rise through the game with a jump up three divisions from the 2024/25 campaign, and he believes his progression comes down to a relentless desire to improve.
“Everyone who knows me knows how much work I put in,” he said.
“I’m obsessed with trying to be the best version of myself.”
“I always think about the ‘what ifs’ – what if I don’t do that extra gym session? What if I don’t do the extra work after training?”
“I don’t want any regrets when I look back on my career. I just want to know I gave myself the best possible chance.”
His parting message to the fans was one filled with thankfulness and pride, with Eccleston now set for the next chapter in his career.
“I just want to say thank you to the fans and everyone involved with the club for supporting me on my journey,” he said.
“It’s been six years now and I’m very proud to have played for Sutton United.”
“I wish everyone all the best for the future.”
