The Sutton United End of Season Awards’ Dinner took place last night, and we were honoured to welcome a number of U’s supporters alongside staff, players and Directors.
The centrepiece of the evening saw a host of awards handed out, with the winners of the Player of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season, Young Player of the Season, Goal of the Season and Clubman of the Season being revealed.
Player of the Season – Lewis Simper and Jack Sims
Presented by Steve Morison
A two-way tie for Player of the Season saw Lewis Simper and Jack Sims both acknowledged for their form throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
The former has impressed with his ball-carrying and passing ability in the centre of the park, and has been the architect of Sutton’s attacking play throughout the season. Simper has also contributed nine goals and six assists in all competitions from his 56 Sutton appearances so far, and has been able to produce an outstanding reel of goals scored from himself alone.
At the other end of the pitch, Jack Sims has kept his side in more games then he’d be able to count, and has quickly established himself as Steve Morison’s number one since signing from Braintree Town last summer. The 26-year old initially had to bide his time with Steve Arnold remaining as first choice following relegation last season, but Sims broke into the side against Chertsey Town in the FA Cup and hasn’t looked back, going on to appear 39 times in all competitions. This includes 13 clean sheets, along with a whole host of outrageous saves, as well as three penalty saves to go alongside his heroics in the shootout of the National League Cup Semi-Final.
Players’ Player of the Season – Finley Barbrook
Presented by Steve Morison
The on-loan Ipswich Town midfielder has been a key cog at the heart of Sutton’s midfield, racking up 43 appearances in all competitions, and has missed just three games due to suspension since making his debut back in August until injury brought his campaign to an early end.
Barbrook has shown composure on the ball and tenacity in the tackle, as well as contributing three goals – notably the winner at home to Maidenhead United and the equaliser against AFC Fylde, either side of a Goal of the Season nomination with his strike against Ebbsfleet United in the FA Trophy.
Young Player of the Season – Finley Barbrook
Presented by Terry Bullivant
Finley Barbrook exits the VBS Community Stadium with two awards to his name, after being named the Young Player of the Season as well.
Amongst a squad with one of the youngest average ages in the whole league, the recipient of the award was surely a difficult call, but one that highlights the 20-year old’s quality, having been a mainstay in the side throughout the campaign.
Barbrook’s form has subsequently seen him go home with two awards from last night’s celebrations, and we look forward to seeing what he achieves after returning to Ipswich this summer.
Goal of the Season – Lewis Simper vs Gateshead
Presented by Mike Dowling
A goal that will need no introduction! A breathtaking Lewis Simper strike wasn’t quite enough to secure a fantastic comeback win in the North-East, as late goals from Luke Hannant and Jack Roles turned the game on its head for a second time to restore Gateshead’s advantage. The plaudits will nonetheless be awarded to the Sutton midfielder, as a long ball from Jack Sims was cleared as far as Jack Wadham who knocked the ball down to Simper, who fired a ridiculous volley from 35-yards that swerved and looped towards the top corner, flying past Harrison Bond who had no chance.
With more than 50% of the vote, there was no doubt over who was going to win this award, with Eduino Vaz’s strike against Eastleigh coming in second with 30%.
Clubman of the Year – Chris Vagg
Presented by Tim Allison
Chris Vagg was recognised for his work over multiple years at Sutton, being named this year’s Clubman of the Season. Chris is a well known face on matchday and has been a volunteer at the club for multiple seasons. He also volunteered to play for the team – and unlike others his dream came true. Chris is an almost ever present on matchdays running the away turnstile, but is always a willing volunteer whatever the occasion. After many seasons missing multiple minutes and often goals, Chris has decided to leave his post as the friendly face welcoming away supporters at the end of the season.
The Supporters Club’ Player of the Season will be revealed ahead of the final game of the season against Woking. Tickets can be purchased here.
Photo Credit: Paul Loughlin
