Sutton United Football Club can confirm the departure of Junior Eccleston, who joins League Two side Chesterfield on a permanent transfer for an undisclosed fee.

The 18-year old becomes the latest success story of the U’s Academy after just a single season with the first team – a mark of his quality, potential and most importantly his attitude – completing his rapid rise from the youth setup to become one of the first names on the team sheet in 2025/26, and he now makes the switch to a Spireites side who finished sixth in the fourth tier last term, being denied a second promotion in as many years by eventual winners Notts County in the play-off semi-final.

Eccleston originally joined the Sutton Colts at Under-14 level, having previously turned out for Warlington Colts and Chipstead. He impressed from grassroots level onwards, appearing for the Under-14s and Under-15s before officially joining the Academy at Under-16 level, going on to sign a two-year scholarship ahead of his pro deal in 2025.

He initially featured for the first team in a handful of Surrey Senior Cup games during 2023/24 alongside his fellow Academy teammates, his official competitive first team debut coming in the First Round against Epsom & Ewell, before going to appear throughout the young U’s run to the semi-final against Horley Town, Corinthian Casuals and Farnham Town. However, Eccleston’s maiden call-up to the senior squad itself came ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, appearing in pre-season against Tonbridge Angels, before making his league debut for the club in September 2024 with 45 minutes from the start in a 3-2 victory over Ebbsfleet United in the Vanarama National League.

The versatile right back followed that up with five appearances in the run to the National League Cup Final against Leeds United – including one start – and he was also named on the bench on one other occasion, being an unused substitute in Sutton’s 1-0 win away at Braintree Town in October 2024. He also started in another Surrey Senior Cup clash taken by the Academy in the First Round against Sheerwater; otherwise spending the 2024/25 season on loan at Walton & Hersham where he was a virtual ever-present in the Swans’ team, playing 32 times in all competitions as Billy Rowley’s side reached the Southern League Premier Division South play-off semi-final alongside future Sutton teammate Kai Jennings, where they were eliminated on penalties against Gloucester City.

While he got the chance to gain some crucial experience in men’s football for the first time in his career whilst out on loan, Eccleston continued to train with the Sutton first team alongside his stint at the Elmbridge Xcel Sports Hub and allowed him to really kick on, soon being rewarded for his outstanding progress in the Academy following a successful year for the defender.

Indeed, he signed his first professional deal ahead of the 2025/26 campaign and became a regular part of the team, racking up 45 appearances in all competitions after primarily featuring as cover for club captain Aaron Jones, with the arrival of Chris Agutter seeing Eccleston flourish.

The young defender made his first appearance of the 2025/26 season against Fulham in the National League Cup and later captained the side for the first time in the U’s second group game against Brighton & Hove Albion, before notably notching his first senior goal for the club with the opener in a 2-0 win over FC Halifax Town in November, tapping home David Ogbonna’s cross to break the deadlock ahead of a 2-0 win over the Shaymen – only the second league win under Agutter. He has also established his ability to turn provider, consistently bombing forward and contributing in the final third, notching assists against West Ham United and Southampton – again in the National League Cup – along with crucial contributions to goals against the likes of Gateshead and Forest Green Rovers.

His performances saw him end the campaign by being named the club’s Young Player of the Season, with the youngster becoming a firm fans’ favourite with his aggressiveness and commitment to the cause. This was perfectly highlighted with his game-changing challenge on Tyrese Sinclair on the stroke of half time away at Hartlepool United, with Eccleston running the length of the Sutton half to chase the Pools’ forward who was through on goal before perfectly timing a magnificent tackle to clear the danger – and surely set the U’s on their way to a 2-0 win after second half goals from Osman Foyo and Jennings.

The defender’s talent and ceiling is clear for all to see, with other highlights including a similar last-ditch challenge to deny Sak Hassan away at Wealdstone along with a goal line clearance away at Carlisle United to prevent Josh Williams from giving the Cumbrians the lead, displaying a knack for getting in the right place at the right time to ruin an attacker’s day, along with showing absolutely no hesitation to put his body on the line.

Eccleston is a player who wears his heart on his sleeve; his showreel exceptional considering how early into his career he is, while also being a brilliant person off the pitch, and we are incredibly proud to have played a part in his journey so far.

Director of Football, Terry Bullivant, said:

“I’m really pleased for Junior – he deserves a move to the league. His determination dedication and willingness to learn are as good as any young pro i have come across.

We all wish him well and i’m sure he will succeed at the higher level.”

Eccleston upon his exit added:

“I just want to say thank you: Sutton fans; everyone involved with Sutton for supporting me in my journey.

It’s been I think six years now and I’m very proud to play for this club, and I wish you all the best for the future. I’ll definitely be looking at my phone after Saturday’s results to check the Sutton score.

I wish you all the best, and thank you.”

The youngster departs Gander Green Lane with our sincere thanks for his efforts along with our best wishes in the Football League, and beyond.

Farewell and good luck, Junior!