Rogers returns as guest of honour

By David Watters

FA Cup Third Qualifying Round

One of Sutton United's FA Cup heroes from their famous 1989 win over Coventry will be the guest of honour at Lewes on Saturday when the Ryman Premier's Rooks host the Conference South outfit in this year's cup competition.

Paul Rogers, an influential part of the famous Sutton side who beat then top level Coventry City 2-1 in the Third Round, pictured far right and front, will be at Dripping Pan for the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round clash.

Midfielder Rogers, now the Head of Commercial Services at Brighton's Amex Community Stadium, was one of Sutton heroes along with goal-scoring skipper Tony Rains and match-winner Matty Hanlan as the Non-League club pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Cup history in front of 8,000 plus fans crammed into Gander Green Lane.

Rogers, now 48, is a close friend of Rooks assistant manager Danny Bloor. He went on to play professionally at the highest levels of the game with Sheffield United, Wigan Athletic and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Following his retirement from the professional game in 2003, he moved into Non-League as a player and coach with Ryman clubs Worthing and Burgess Hill Town. As well as continuing to play vets football for Sutton United, he has also coached the Sussex Senior Representative side.

Lewes are expecting their biggest gate of the season at the weekend and say they are 'delighted' that Rogers has accepted their invitation. Saturday's winners will be one game away from the First Round Proper and £7,500 better off in FA prize money.

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