''We were delighted to receive an enquiry from the BBC about streaming our FA Cup tie at Paulton Rovers on their website, but after careful consideration we didn't think that this was practical. To clarify, we were asked by the BBC late on Wednesday if we would agree to an early kick-off at 12.30pm for our FA Cup game next Saturday. This would have meant the team coach leaving Sutton United at 7am, with players getting up at 5.30am to travel from their homes to the ground. Preparing for a three o'clock kick off, we had already booked our coach and a pre-match meal at a hotel close to Bristol, as we want to prepare professionally for a difficult away fixture.
Also, and importantly, I felt our supporters who will travel in good numbers had already made travel arrangements including train and coach times being booked, and would struggle with the suggested kick-off time. We fully appreciate the request from the BBC and the fact that Paulton Rovers were happy to oblige, but for the above reasons we reluctantly had to say no.
In squad news, Dean Beckwith and Adam Coombes are making good progress and will play in an Academy U21 game at home on Friday, and we hope to have both available for the FA Cup game the following Saturday. Kwame Thomas has returned to Coventry City following his loan spell and we thank him for his time with us covering Ross Lafayette's and Adam Coombes' injuries. Ross Worner has had a successful operation on his knee, and is back at the club doing some light hydro therapy work.
Finally we are delighted to announce that Tommy Wright has signed a new two year contract, and we hope to see Tommy keep progressing and enjoying his football with Sutton United.''