I arrived back home on Sunday after a three hour delay at Dublin Airport, time which gave me time to reflect on what's happened in my eleven seasons here at Sutton United.
To see nearly 300 Sutton fans watching the team in Ireland was surreal, considering that was the same number as watched some midweek home games when I first arrived.
I would personally like to thank everyone who gave us such magnificent backing, and I know all the players were amazed at the number of supporters there. The togetherness of all at the club from the Board, players, staff, volunteers and supporters is what makes this such a very special club to be part of. We've also been told that over 100 fans watched the live stream of the game back into the bar courtesy of the brilliant SUFCtv team, and we can only admire what Clive King, James, Terry, and others within their fantastic team have achieved on an absolute shoestring.
Whilst we are not a wealthy club backed by the traditional multi millionaire, we are far richer in so many ways. The club has earned the right to compete in the National League which, believe me, is becoming harder and harder to do each season, and for that I think the team, many of whom have been together for the last three seasons, deserve enormous credit. We really are fighting against the odds here and in many ways it's what inspires us to compete.
The FA Cup game on Saturday is of huge importance for us and I would ask that as many fans as possible travel to Wealdstone wearing the famous amber colours to help us in a really difficult tie. I remember walking out at Hampton and seeing the support and colours that day, and then Dartford more recently. We won both of those games and the support gives us all a massive boost.
We are the true meaning of a Community football club that is all inclusive and headed by the superb community team which have inspired many girls and boys to see what the club has to offer ,while the amazing FA Cup run has allowed us to modernise the ground sufficiently to achieve a League two grading, and all of our teams benefit from the state of the art 3G pitch.
Whilst reflecting on the past we must not lose sight of the future, and I believe we are entering a crucial stage in the next chapter of Sutton United. We have a massive opportunity to enhance our status as a fans owned club which can compete in the highest league of so called Non-League football.
Come on the U's and thanks to everyone for their fantastic support
Dos