New Sutton United signing Manny Osadebe says he has “unfinished business” in non-league football as he looks to help fire the U’s back towards promotion.

The experienced midfielder arrives at Gander Green Lane with more than 200 EFL appearances to his name, having enjoyed spells with clubs including Gillingham, Walsall and Forest Green Rovers.

“Delighted to get this done” he said, “I’m happy”.

“I’ve played a lot of games for different teams and had different experiences, and now I’m here to start another venture.”

Born in Nigeria and raised in Ireland, Osadebe began his footballing journey with Dundalk before earning a move to Tottenham Hotspur’s academy setup.

Although his time in North London was brief, he says it was an important learning experience, and among those he played alongside were several youngsters who would go on to establish themselves in the professional game with Spurs.

“I was only there for a short time before I moved on,” he said.

“I probably had more of an academy experience in Ireland with Dundalk than I did here, but it was good being around those types of players and being in that environment. You learn a lot.”

“Most of the boys went on to play for the first team; Harry Winks, Marcus Edwards and players like that.”

The midfielder went on to enjoy productive spells throughout the EFL, but his time at Walsall stands out as one of the most consistent periods of his career.

“That would probably be my most consistent spell,” he said.

“I enjoyed my time there, but I also enjoyed my time at Forest Green as well.

“I’ve been fortunate and grateful enough to play for these teams. We did well and I did well personally, so it was a good period.”

Having spent the 2024/25 campaign with Forest Green Rovers, the 29-year old admits the lure of returning to the National League was driven by a desire to finish what he started.

“I feel like I had unfinished business, if that makes sense,” he explained.

“We got to the play-off semi-finals and just missed out.”

“I think it was about four minutes away from getting to Wembley and getting promoted.

“I feel like this is the right place to get it done.”

His ability to carry the ball through midfield has become a hallmark of his game, something he hopes to showcase again this season, and he said that he believes his game brings a mixture of physicality, technical quality and energy to the Sutton midfield.

“Engine, skill and enjoyment,” he said when asked to describe his style of play.

“A lot of dominance, force, power and quality.

“I bring a lot to the midfield, especially. I just want to make sure my mind is right, my body is right and get going.”

“That’s my game. When I’m confident and playing my football, I can impose myself on games.

“That’s what I’m hoping to do again this year.”

Osadebe has also demonstrated his versatility throughout his career, regularly filling in at wing-back when required.

“Whoever the manager wants me to play, I’m ready to deliver,” he said.

“Obviously I prefer being in midfield, creating and scoring goals, but if the manager asks me to play somewhere else, I’ll do that as well.”