Jack Sims reflected on a productive afternoon after Sutton’s 4–1 win over Southampton, a performance that provided much-needed minutes for several players and further strengthened the growing momentum within the squad.
The goalkeeper returned from a back injury to make his first appearance under Chris Agutter, as well as his first since September, playing his role in a third successive victory, to which he emphasised the professionalism that ran through Sutton’s display.
“It was a good game, a good run out for the boys. A lot of us needed minutes; it’s been a while.”
“There’s a few of us that really needed today and I think you could see, by the way that we approached it, that we were very professional about it and didn’t sack it off, basically.”
The win served not only as a confidence boost but also as a clear indication of a squad determined to maintain standards, regardless of the opposition or circumstances, while returning to action was also a significant personal milestone for Sims, who has been waiting since the end of September to play again.
“It was a bit longer than I thought it would be and I’ve been training for the last two weeks now. I’ve just been wanting to get going. The more games, the better.”
His eagerness highlighted the frustration of his layoff, but also the renewed energy he brings back into the group following his successful return to training. A key talking point this season has been the reshaped goalkeeper union, one Sims said he values highly.
“It’s always good having goalies out to train, especially because I’m a big goalie fan, it’s always just the GK Union’s always good.”
“You push each other, it makes the sessions a lot easier when you’ve got a good group around you because you bounce off of each other so it’s been nice having Tommy [Reid] here, he’s done really well, and Dave [Aziaya] keeps trying, so it’s been good.”
Sims also discussed the recent managerial transition, praising the clarity and positivity brought in by Agutter since his arrival, with that shift being evident across the club as improved performances have helped to build belief and restore confidence in the squad’s direction.
“It’s different, he asks us to do something slightly different. I’m sure you can probably see that from watching the games so it’s quite nice to get a feel for it because I’ve only been watching it for the last few months”
“The biggest thing is the atmosphere, everyone seems to be a lot more positive and that comes from winning games, doesn’t it?”
Having endured a tough start to the season, as well as suffering injury just as Agutter took charge, Sims said he firmly understands the journey the players have been on.
“It took a while because obviously a lot of heads were down the way we started, so it was a difficult thing to do.”
“But I think after performance, after performance everyone started to believe in it a little bit. And then once people start buying in, results start happening, it’s a lot easier to be happy.”
“It definitely makes it more enjoyable coming in for them.”
Photo Credit: Paul Loughlin
