Sutton United are reportedly lining up a double defensive swoop, as their preparations ahead of the 2026/27 National League campaign continue.
Chris Agutter’s side managed to successfully navigate themselves away from potential relegation last season, ending the campaign in 19th, just five points above the bottom four.
With their retained list confirmed earlier this month and one player already being linked with a move to the club, it appears that the staff are continuing to get Sutton’s squad into shape ahead of a bounce-back next season.
Sutton eye defensive duo as transfer plans continue
Last season saw Sutton United concede 79 goals across their 46 National League matches, ranking as the fifth-highest in the division, likely explaining why they finished as close to the relegation one as they did.
Therefore, it is no surprise that the club are being linked with experienced central defenders for Chris Agutter’s side to try and strengthen their defensive structure ahead of the new campaign.
As reported by journalist Pete O’Rourke, Sutton United are lining up a double swoop for departing Forest Green Rovers duo Ryan Inniss and Jordan Moore-Taylor.
Inniss was let go by Robbie Savage’s side as part of the club’s official retained/release list, whilst Moore-Taylor was let go after they decided not to offer him a new deal.
Beginning with Inniss, he was limited to just 19 league appearances last season, of which just 13 of them were starts – though he did score during a 2-1 victory against Altrincham.
Meanwhile, Moore-Taylor featured 23 times in the National League, also scoring once, though his goal came during a 4-0 victory against Sutton.
Can Sutton get their EFL aspirations back on track?
Sutton United are now preparing for their third season back in the National League, following their relegation in May 2024.
In their two prior campaigns, they’ve finished 12th and 19th, failing to show signs of progression and failing to threaten a return to the EFL.
Last summer saw Sutton transform in terms of player personnel, with several experienced players leaving whilst the recruitment team focused their efforts on individuals from the National League South that they hoped would add a new lease of life.
With the club almost going down, there is a fair suggestion that their shift in recruitment style didn’t necessarily go to plan – and now it’s time for the club to go back to the board once again.
Both Inniss and Moore-Taylor are experienced centre-backs at both EFL and National League level – significantly adding depth, quality and leadership to Sutton’s defensive line.
Building from the back and reducing the number of goals Sutton concede will make them more likely to pick up points and be competitive in their fixtures next season, thus giving themselves a significantly better chance of improving.
Whilst their EFL aspirations may seem far away to some, tightening up at the back, replacing Lewis Simper and adding a goalscorer will almost certainly improve their fortunes next season.
