Sutton United Football Club are delighted to announce that Charlie Bell has signed his first professional contract with the club.
The 18-year old has put pen to paper on a long-term deal, with it being a much deserved reward for his performances within the first team over the last few months.
Bell originally joined Sutton at the age of 16 after being released from Charlton Athletic, and rose to prominence within the youth setup for his ability on the ball and eye for a pass, as well as his superb work ethic and application.
A positive couple of years playing under Jimmy Dack and Glen Nichols saw his reputation at Gander Green Lane soar, becoming a highly rated member of the Sutton Academy after putting in a string of impressive performances at the heart of the midfield during the 2024/25 campaign.
He also received increased recognition with a Goal of the Month nomination in January 2025 with a superb strike against Bromley’s Under-18 side in the EFL Youth Alliance. Ronny Ruiz intercepted a loose ball on the stroke of half time, with Bell taking over before unleashing a fierce strike from 30-yards out that flew into the goal, giving Sutton the lead in what ended up a 2-2 draw against the Ravens.
The midfielder subsequently got the call to train with the first team towards the start of the 2025/26 campaign, and after making his senior debut in a National League Cup defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, his displays led to his first team status being set in stone after making his league debut away at Woking back in September.
He marked his maiden league outing with a goal – a crucial equaliser with a little under half-an-hour to go after former U Chin Okoli had put the Cards ahead in the first half, and Bell followed this up with second goal in three games with what proved to be the final goal scored before the arrival of Chris Agutter, sending a thunderous, sweetly struck, first-time half-volley into the top corner to get Sutton back on level terms at home to Yeovil Town.
Despite it not being enough to secure a point though, it only helped his case of being a regular part of the first team squad, something which has blossomed since Agutter came in as Head Coach. In all, Bell has appeared 11 times since breaking through, and is set to be an increasingly important member of the squad as we reach the turn of the year.
We are incredibly proud to have played a key part in the young midfielder’s career, who follows Jack Taylor and Junior Eccleston as academy players who have successfully made the jump up to the first team.
Upon signing professional terms, Bell said:
“It feels good. It’s an honour to play for Sutton and sign my first contract as well.”
“Scoring on my debut was one of my best moments but, being around the squad, travelling to away games, playing – it’s all been good experience and I’m hoping for much more.”
Head Coach, Agutter, added:
“He’s been excellent for us. He’s improving day in, day out, over the last week he’s one player who’s really come out of it with real credit.
What you often see from young players is they’ll make a mistake and then hide, whereas he’s got real personality, real character, a great mentality, kept showing up for it, kept helping us produce some really good moments.
The best compliment I can give Charlie is when we’re missing players in that midfield department I feel really comfortable putting him in there.”
Congratulations, Charlie!
