Stones sign Sutton United captain Craig Eastmond
Wealdstone Football Club is thrilled to announce the signing of Craig Eastmond, the highly experienced captain of Sutton United, in a move that bolsters the squad's leadership and midfield ahead of the new season.
Eastmond, 33, who has signed a 1 year deal with an option for a further year, brings a wealth of experience and a winning mentality to the Stones. A product of the Arsenal youth academy, he made his senior debut for the Gunners in 2009, featuring in Premier League and Champions League fixtures. Despite a bright start at Arsenal, he eventually moved on to secure more regular first-team football, joining Colchester United and later Sutton United.
At Sutton United, Eastmond’s impact was immediate and profound. He was appointed captain midway through the 2019-20 season and led the side to the National League title the following campaign, securing Sutton’s promotion to the Football League for the first time in their 123-year history.
In the 2021-2022 season, Eastmond captained Sutton to a memorable appearance at Wembley Stadium for the Papa John's Trophy final, where he scored and was named Man of the Match despite losing 4-2 to Rotherham United after extra time. That same season, Sutton achieved an impressive 8th place finish in League Two.
Eastmond's honours with Sutton United also include winning the National League South title in the 2015-2016 season, a pivotal achievement that laid the foundation for the club's subsequent rise into the EFL. His outstanding performances during that season earned him a spot in the National League South Team of the Season, further solidifying his reputation as one of the league's top players. He was also named in the National League Team of the Season for the 2017-2018 campaign.
Eastmond’s individual accolades are a testament to his quality and consistency. He has been voted Sutton United’s Player of the Season on three occasions, most recently for the 2022/23 season and was inducted into the club's Hall of Fame. He leaves Sutton United seven games short of 400 appearances, having scored 29 goals.
Wealdstone Manager, Matt Taylor, expressed his excitement at the new signing: "We are absolutely delighted to sign Craig, he is a natural leader both on the pitch with his performances and off of it with his behaviours. He is fully immersed into the football club and will bring undoubted quality to the squad with his experience and technical ability.”
Eastmond himself is eager to begin this new chapter with Wealdstone: “I am delighted to join Wealdstone and take on this new challenge. The club has a clear vision and ambition, and I am excited to be a part of it. I look forward to working with my new teammates and contributing to the club’s success.”
Craig will wear squad number 8.