Monday will be the biggest day in Sutton United’s history as they host Arsenal in The Emirates FA Cup fifth round, but for Craig Eastmond the occasion has extra significance – as he takes on the club where his career began.
The midfielder joined Arsenal as an 11-year-old and was tipped for great things after winning an FA Youth Cup and Premier League Academy double in 2008-09 – alongside current Gunners star Francis Coquelin.
He made his first-team debut against Liverpool in the League Cup a year later, but after leaving the club frustrating spells at Football League clubs followed and he joined Sutton in 2015.
The 26-year-old has found a home under Paul Doswell, helping the club win the National League South last year, and is now plotting one of the biggest shocks in FA Cup history after being cleared to play after a three-match ban.
Regardless of Monday’s outcome, Arsenal will always hold a special place in Eastmond’s heart and he wants to ensure he has a special memento from the day.
“I have spoken to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain because I want to make sure I get his shirt ahead of the others,” explained Eastmond.
“It is a big occasion, especially as I played for them for a long period of time. I played in the first-team after coming through the ranks as a young boy.
“I support Arsenal, my brothers support Arsenal so after the draw, I was like ‘Oh my God, it is Arsenal’. I was overwhelmed.
“We were due a Premier League team as well. We had a League One team, then a Championship side and luckily enough now we have one of the big-hitters.
“It is massive. We have achieved so much already, especially against Leeds, and now it is the fifth round against Arsenal, on TV - you can’t ask for any more than that.
“My time at Arsenal was amazing – you learn a lot of things. It will be good to see Arsene Wenger, I started with him and he believed in me and gave me the chance to play in front of so many people. It is going to be special.”
Emirates FA Cup history
This is the furthest Sutton have ever gone in The FA Cup, beating their previous best of the fourth round – which they reached in 1969-70 and 1988-89.
History is certainly against them on Monday, with Arsenal lifting the trophy 12 times.
Did you know?
Sutton manager Paul Doswell may be managing at the highest level of non-League football but he works for free. Doswell even sponsors the club and loaned them £500,000 for their 3G pitch.
One to watch?
All eyes may be on Eastmond, but Sutton have other weapons who could hurt the Gunners. Like Eastmond, Nicky Bailey knows what it takes to play at a high level having enjoyed spells at Charlton, Middlesbrough and Millwall. The 32-year-old has an eye for a pass and a fierce long-range strike, while his experience and confidence will be crucial to Sutton’s cause.
The Prize
The winners will book a place in the last eight and guarantee themselves at least £180,000.
