Sutton United Football Club is delighted to confirm that Junior Eccleston has signed his first professional contract, signing a two-year deal until 2027.
The 18-year-old defender has been rewarded for his outstanding progress in the Sutton Academy, which has already earned him minutes with Steve Morison’s first team last season.
Eccleston made his full debut for the club back in September, playing 45 minutes from the start in a 3-2 victory over Ebbsfleet United in the Vanarama National League, and followed it up with five appearances in the National League Cup which included one start.
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 back in October, and started in the Surrey Senior Cup First Round draw with Sheerwater, but otherwise spend the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Walton & Hersham.
The youngster 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-offs, and gained some crucial experience in men’s football for the first time in his career.
Alongside his loan spell though, Eccleston continued to train with the Sutton first team throughout the campaign and has allowed him to really kick on, with his first pro deal being a deserved reward following a successful year for the defender.
“It feels good” Eccleston said upon signing his contract. “I’ve put myself in a position where I’ve worked hard every day, I’ve committed myself every day and I think the players and coaches have seen that so it feels nice to be rewarded for that”.
Congratulations, Junior!
