Sutton United announced on Friday the acquisition of striker Matt Rush, whose contract with National League South side Maidstone United ended.
The 23-year-old becomes Steve Morison’s seventh acquisition of the summer, as the former Welsh international begins the rebuilding of the South London club following their relegation from League Two.
Who is Matt Rush?
Matt Rush began his career as a young player at Southend United before loaning out to non-league clubs Great Wakering Rovers, Tonbridge Angels, Chelmsford City, and Harlow Town.
He was released prior to the 2022-23 season after appearing in 23 games for his parent club Southend and scoring one goal.
Rush has subsequently worked in the National League South, beginning with a stint with Braintree Town, where he helped the team reach the end-of-season playoffs before joining Aveley for the 2023-24 season.
Rush began to demonstrate his talent with the Millers, when he scored six goals and assisted ten times in 19 games.
The 23-year-old joined divisional opponents Maidstone United in November and has 15 goals in 35 appearances, including one in the playoff eliminator against his former club Aveley.
Rush becomes Sutton’s first striker signing as the club looks to replace last season’s top scorer Harry Smith. The U’s manager is certain that his latest addition will be one to watch this season.
“He’s had a fantastic season at both Aveley and Maidstone, and since leaving Southend he’s really grown as a player and I really think he can continue his form with us at the next level. The fans are going to love watching him, his work rate is second to none and he scores such good goals in the penalty box.”
A new and youthful Sutton side
In a recent open letter to supporters, the board admitted the mistakes made last season and claimed that the monetary spend last season was the club’s largest salary bill in history, but it was not matched by the calibre of play and outcomes on the pitch.
There is a distinct shift in strategy emerging from Sutton. All of the additions made this summer were 25 or younger, and the board underlined this change.
“The introduction of data analysis and a focus on youth under Steve has allowed us to define and improve our style of play and improve our recruitment policies, and with a steadfast commitment to these philosophies, we will continue to move forward under Steve’s guidance”.
Given the high churn of players, Sutton will require more of the same types of signings to construct a squad capable of competing for promotion. With Morison at the lead and a shift in the board’s thinking, there will almost certainly be more additions before the season begins.
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