(main photo L to R: Tony Rains, Gavin Fraser, Keith Waldon, Paul Jablonski, Micky Joyce,

Bobby Southam, Paul McKinnon, Larry Pritchard, Micky Stephens)

We were pleased to induct three new members into our Hall of Fame before yesterday’s game against Havant.

Keith Blunt – Keith made 112 career appearances, scoring 18 goals and winning an Isthmian League title medal in 1967. He returned in 1977 as manager, winning the Anglo Italian Cup before taking over as boss of top Swedish side Malmo. Keith returned to the club in 1989 for two more seasons as manager and was later Head Coach at the FA School of Excellence

Derek Gamblin – Considered to be one of amateur football’s finest full-backs, Derek made 226 appearances for the U’s, scoring twice, between 1963 and 1968, and also won an Isthmian League championship medal in 1967. He was also capped for both the England and Great Britain amateur teams. 

Paul Rogers – Paul originally broke into the first team as a centre-forward, before  moving to central midfield. Paul quickly established himself as one of the best players in non-League football and excelled in the two games against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup of 1987/88 and in the famous cup win over Coventry. He made 412 Sutton appearances, scoring 39 goals, before a successful professional career including lengthy spells with Sheffield United and Brighton.

In the evening we welcomed back even more former players, including players from 4 special seasons in the club’s history:-

1968/69 – Amateur Cup Final                      1978/79 – Anglo Italian Cup win

1988/89 – FA Cup 4th Round                      1998/99 – Isthmian League Champions

In addition to many familiar faces we also welcomed back some less frequent visitors, including Jim Strong, Les Peck, Bobby Southam, Ken Grose, Glyn Garfield and Paul Jablonksi. Gavin Fraser (Jersey) and Arjan Van Sliedregt (Holland) even flew across specially for the evening.

Club director Brian Williams presents the Hall of Fame certificates, with Keith Blunt represented by his wife Pauline.