Callum Tripp has spoken of his excitement after completing his move to Sutton United, admitting he was desperate to get the deal over the line as soon as the opportunity arose.
The defender has joined the U’s on loan until the end of the season from League One side MK Dons, and cited the opportunity to play regular football as opposed to being restricted to the bench as a key reason for his decision to make the move to South London.
After taking part in his first training session ahead of Sutton’s visit of Forest Green Rovers, Tripp sat down with Sutton United FCtv discuss his journey to Gander Green Lane.
“I’m buzzing to be honest,” he said.
“Finally got it done, I had interest about a month ago and since then my focus has just been trying to get it sorted. I’ve met the boys, met the Gaffer and all the staff today, and I’m really excited to get going.”
Having completed his first training session with the squad, Tripp was quick to praise the group and the environment he’s walked into.
“The boys are great, the first session was good, I really enjoyed it.
“The Gaffer’s brilliant, all the staff are brilliant, so I’m feeling really positive. I can’t wait to get going, especially with the game on Saturday.”
The 19-year old arrives with experience from being around a first-team environment for several years now despite his young age, and reflected on his career so far, coming through at MK Dons and gaining valuable experience through loan spells, particularly in non-league football. However, he is now keen to turn that into consistent game time.
“All you want to do as a player is play games, especially when you’re young,” he explained. “Hopefully I can come in, get a good run of games going and help the team as much as I can. We want to start picking up wins and climbing the table.”
“I’ve been at Dons the whole way through. I had a couple of loans, Gateshead being the main one. It’s good to come out until the end of the season now and hopefully get a good run going, help this club and help the boys.”
Tripp went on to describe the difference in loan spells between youth football at Stadium MK and senior football in both the sixth tier and the fifth tier, having spent time on loan at St. Albans City and Bedford Town either side of a brief stint last term at Gateshead.
“It’s different, but not that different to be honest,” he said. “The standards are similar and the gap isn’t as big as people think.”
“You see teams coming up and flying, so I’ll take what I’ve learned and bring it here.”
Versatility is another strength he believes he can offer, having played in several defensive positions across the pitch, and he said he is confident that he can fit into the manager’s style of play.
“I’ll play anywhere,” he said. “Midfield, centre-back, wing-back – those are probably my main ones.”
“As a young player it’s good to be versatile, injuries happen and if you can be relied on in different positions, it’s a good trait to have.”
“The gaffer wants possession-based football, keeping the ball, and that’s my game,” he explained.
“I like having the ball at my feet, driving with it, passing it, moving it. As soon as I heard that, I was straight on board.”
With his first home match on the horizon against Forest Green Rovers, Tripp is relishing the chance to play in front of the Sutton United supporters.
“I’m buzzing,” he said. “I can’t wait to play in front of the fans, play at the stadium and play with my teammates. It should be a great game.”
