Introduction
Hello, Sutton United fans, and welcome back to another season of the Sutton United Talk Time on Podcast! I'm your host, Mike, and I am delighted to kick off this new season with a special guest, Gary Otto. Of course, a big shoutout to our sponsor, Lucky Star Gin. Today, we'll pull back the Amber curtain to chat with Gary Otto about his journey, his role at Sutton United, and his hopes for the upcoming season and beyond.
Key Discussion Points
Introduction to Gary Otto and his role at Sutton United.
Gary's personal and professional background.
The challenges and rewards of being involved with Sutton United.
Insights into the club's operations and structure.
The transition from National League to EFL and the associated changes.
Reflections on relegation and steps moving forward.
The club’s long-term vision and strategies for success.
Getting to Know Gary Otto
Gary Otto, a name you might have heard around Sutton United, joins us to share his story. For those not familiar with him, Gary plays a pivotal behind-the-scenes role at the club. He jokes about not having one specific responsibility, instead having his hand in a bit of everything, from daily operations to strategic discussions with the club's leadership.
Gary's journey started in South Africa, where he developed a passion for football at a young age. His love for the sport was fostered by discovering football magazines like Scorcher and Score. Despite the lack of TV coverage in South Africa during the 60s, Gary kept his football spirit alive through these magazines, even if they arrived weeks after their publication.
From South Africa to Sutton United
Growing up as a passionate Leeds United fan inspired Gary's desire to stay connected with English football. His journey eventually took him to the USA, where he continued to nurture his football dreams. Though he lost touch with English football for a while, the resurgence of coverage in the mid-90s reignited his passion.
Through serendipitous connections and persistent effort, Gary and his friend Gary Hopkins explored various investment opportunities in football clubs, including an intriguing dinner with representatives from Sutton United. Initially sceptical due to its size, Gary soon realised that Sutton United checked all the boxes: good people, manageable financial commitments, and the potential for enjoyment.
The Transition to EFL
Gary's investment in December 2020 came at a crucial time, just before Sutton United's historic promotion to the EFL. As Garry describes, this transition required significant changes, including upgrading facilities and increasing the club’s professionalism to match the level of competition in the EFL.
"The first year was amazing...beating League One teams in quarter and semi-finals seemed part of the course, but thinking back, it was a huge deal."
The club's volunteer-run model had to evolve, leading to the hiring of full-time employees and a more structured approach to operations.
Relegation and Moving Forward
Relegation is always a tough blow. Despite the team's best efforts, Sutton United faced relegation, bringing major challenges. However, Gary views this as an opportunity to regroup, refine strategies, and solidify the club's structure.
Implementing a New Philosophy
A significant change in Sutton United's approach is the establishment of a consistent playing style, adopted across all levels, from the academy to the first team. This strategy aims to ensure continuity regardless of managerial changes. Recruitment is now heavily data-driven, incorporating a comprehensive system to evaluate potential players' fit for the club.
“Setting a style, getting the club set up to handle changes, and instilling strong values are bigger goals than just aiming for promotion.”
Upcoming Sutton United Focus
Gary is optimistic about the upcoming season, highlighting the recruitment of young, energetic players who align with the club's new philosophy. The focus remains on developing a strong community presence and engaging more deeply with fans and local initiatives.
Exciting Announcements Ahead
While Gary couldn’t divulge all the details, he teased several exciting announcements coming soon. These include advancements in the training facilities and potential new partnerships poised to elevate the club's standing.
Community Engagement and Interaction
Gary and the team at Sutton United always encourage community involvement. Whether it's through attending matches, participating in local events, or engaging with the club on social media, every bit of support goes a long way.
Calls to Action
Subscribe and Follow: Stay updated with the latest news and episodes by subscribing to the Sutton United Talk Time on Podcast.
Engage: Join the conversation on social media, share your thoughts, and recommend the podcast to fellow fans.
Support the Team: Attend matches, get involved in community initiatives, and be part of the Sutton United journey.
Conclusion
This episode of the Sutton United Talk Time on Podcast offers a deep dive into the club’s operations, challenges, and ambitions. With passionate people like Gary Otto at the helm, the future looks bright. Tune in to hear more, engage with the community, and support Sutton United as we embark on this exciting new season.
Thank you for joining me on this journey through the Amber Curtain. Stay tuned for more episodes and insights into your beloved Sutton United. Until next time, take care and keep the spirit alive!
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