EX-ARSENAL star Craig Eastmond will leave Sutton United after the best part of a decade, it has been announced.
Eastmond, 33, has been at the club since 2015.
Craig Eastmond has been released by SuttonRex
GettyThe 33-year-old has made nearly 400 appearances for the League Two outfit[/caption]
Getty – ContributorEastmond made ten first-team appearances for Arsenal[/caption]
In that time, the midfielder has made almost 400 appearances for the Yellows, scoring 29 goals.
He was appointed club captain halfway through the 2019/20 season and has been voted the Player of the Year three times.
Eastwood’s exploits even saw him inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame in 2022.
However, his time at Gander Green Lane will come to an end after nearly nine years of service.
Sutton, who have been relegated to the National League after finishing 23rd in League Two this season, announced Eastmond’s departure earlier today ahead of next season.
They said: “As preparations start for the 2024-25 season, Sutton United FC are announcing the departure of club captain Craig Eastmond alongside several major contributors to the club’s recent success in Craig Dundas, Harry Beautyman, Rob Milsom, and Jon Barden.
“Craig Eastmond has been central to the club’s success since signing early in the 2015-16 season, playing a significant role in that season’s National League South championship win, and then facing his former club, Arsenal, in the 2016-17 FA Cup fifth round.
“He was appointed captain midway through the 2019-20 season and led the side to the National League title the following campaign and to a Wembley final and 8th place in League Two a year later, scoring and being named Man of the Match in the Papa John’s Trophy final.”
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
Eastmond made his senior Arsenal debut in December 2009 in a 4-1 win over Portsmouth in the Premier League.
He was also was part of the Gunners youth team which won the FA Youth Cup in 2009 alongside the likes of Jack Wilshere.
He would only go on to make ten first-team appearances overall, including four in the Premier League and one in the Champions League.
After loan transfers to Millwall, Wycombe and Colchester, Eastmond left the Gunners on a free transfer to Colchester in 2013.
He remained with Colchester until February 2015 when he briefly became a free agent before being picked up by Yeovil.
Eastmond found himself without a club again in July 2015.
But he was back playing football with Sutton by September, where he has remained until now.
Speaking before he played for then non-league Sutton against Arsenal in the FA Cup in 2017, Eastmond said: “I never thought I would play against Arsenal in my career after I left there.
“There is going to be so much adrenalin going through me on Monday night. I support Arsenal, joined the club when I was 11 and then came through the ranks.
AFP and licensorsEastmond played against Arsenal for Sutton in a 2017 FA Cup game[/caption]
Getty – ContributorEastmond, front bottom, won the FA Youth Cup with Arsenal in 2009[/caption]
“Pulling on the shirt at Emirates Stadium was my dream come true.
“Seeing old faces like Steve Bould and Arsene Wenger is going to be good, but we have to show we not just here to look around and be amazed by Arsenal.
“Hopefully, we can show how good we are and there will be an upset.”
In the end goals from Lucas Perez and Theo Walcott either side of halftime saw Arsenal run out 2-0 winners.
Sutton added: “Also leaving the club will be Lee Angol, Tope Fadahunsi, Brad House, Scott Kashket, Ollie Khinda, Deon Moore, Christian N’Guessan and Tobi Ogundega, while Nino Adom-Malaki, Dean Bouzanis, Stephen Duke-McKenna, Charlie Lakin and Olly Sanderson all return to their parent clubs at the end of their loan spells.
“Once again we thank them all for their efforts for the club during their time with us.
“Steve Arnold, Sam Hart and Matt Kerbey have been offered new deals, while the remainder of the squad is already under contract for next season.”
Tactics Exposed: Why Kai Havertz is Arsenal’s most important player
By Dean Scoggins
KAI HAVERTZ endured a difficult start to life at the Emirates after his big-money move from Chelsea.
But has now well and truly found his feet.
The German, 24, has found his scoring boots in recent weeks, including his double against his old club.
But Havertz has been providing much more than goals in recent months.
In fact he has become Mikel Arteta’s most important player as Arsenal go for the title.
That’s after the Spanish boss made a genius tactical switch.
Click here to read all about it.
Or to watch the brilliant video in full on YouTube.