Eastbourne Borough Football Club are excited to announce the appointment of Matt Gray as the new First Team Manager.
Gray, 43, arrives at The ReachTV Stadium having most recently enjoyed a successful period in charge at Sutton United, where he spent over four years.
In only his second full season, he led the Surrey side to the National League title and with that, promotion to the EFL for the first time in their history.
He then exceeded all expectations as Sutton finished 8th in their first season in League Two – whilst also reaching Wembley in the EFL Trophy Final, where they lost against Rotherham United after extra time.
Borough Chairman Simon Leslie said of the appointment: “I’m absolutely buzzing to welcome Matt as our new First Team Manager.
He’s full of energy, fire, and that relentless belief that anything is possible. What he achieved at Sutton proves it: give him a challenge, and he’ll find a way to win.
We sparked a movement last season. We brought belief back to this club and gave our fans something to dream about. Now with Matt’s energy driving us forward, we’re not just dreaming – we’re daring.
The next chapter is about to played out, and I can’t wait to write it with him.
Last season, we lit the fire. We changed perceptions, rewrote the narrative, and brought pride back to Eastbourne Borough. Now, with Matt’s vision, we’re ready to take the leap from dreamers to doers.”
As a player, Gray had his career cut short at just 25 due to injury whilst captain of Havant & Waterlooville, having also played for Hayes and Barnet.
Having retired, the former Tottenham Hotspur youth product began coaching, and was assistant manager of Eastleigh before stepping up into the EFL as assistant at Aldershot Town and Crawley Town. He joined Sutton’s coaching staff in 2018.
The new First Team boss will be joined by Jason Goodliffe, who has been named the new Assistant Manager. The duo worked together at Sutton United, whilst Goodliffe also has experience as assistant at Woking and Boreham Wood.
Welcome to The Sports, Matt and Jason!
