Junior Eccleston

Junior Eccleston joined the Sutton academy at a young age, and has risen through the club’s academy at an impressive rate.

Eccleston initially broke into the team during pre-season with an appearance against Tonbridge Angels ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, before making his full competitive debut for the club back in September. The youngster played 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 spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Walton & Hersham.

The versatile defender 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, and was rewarded for his outstanding progress in the Sutton Academy following a successful year for the defender.