Sutton United have completed the signing of Omari Patrick following his departure from Carlisle according to the club’s official website.
Patrick would be Carlisle’s hero in the play-off final with his equaliser against Stockport forcing the game to extra time. The winger would come on as a second half substitute with his goal swaying the momentum in the Cumbrians favour before prevailing on penalties.
Although offered a new contract at Brunton Park, Patrick made the decision to turn the offer down due to both wanting to play as an out-and-out winger as well as moving closer to his home in London.
The 27-year-old is Sutton’s second attacking signing in as many days following on from the signing of Scott Kashket, who was in the squad which lost 2-0 to Woking in a pre-season friendly yesterday. Patrick was actually at the game yesterday before the announcement this morning and will be expected to be in Sutton’s squad for their match against Aldershot this Saturday.
Who is Omari Patrick?
Born in Slough, Patrick would begin his career with non-league side Beaconsfield Town before signing his first professional deal with Kidderminster Harriers. After impressing, the winger secured a move to Barnsley but would stay with the Tykes for just one year without making a single competitive appearance. A three-year spell with Bradford which was impacted by injury led to the 27-year-old falling out of favour and he would end up spending time on loan with both Wrexham and Yeovil before signing a permanent deal with Carlisle in 2020. At the time, Patrick enjoyed the most consistent playing time of his career and his exploits earned him a move to League One side Burton Albion. He would however return to Brunton Park just six months later, saving the club from relegation before playing an integral part in the Cumbrians promotion to League One.
Best utilised as a winger, Patrick has pace to burn and loves to take the opposition on. He can be both creative and clinical, and if used correctly, should be hugely successful for Sutton.
What’s been said?
Speaking on the arrival of the winger, manager Matt Gray said:
‘I’m delighted to have Omari on board. He’s a player I’ve admired for a number of seasons, and after scoring at Wembley and getting promoted with Carlisle things haven’t worked out for him there. He lives very close to our training ground, so to move him back home and have him in our squad is a good move for us and him, as I think he’s a player that will suit us and we’ll suit him, and I look forward to working with him.”
Writer’s view
This is an excellent piece of business by Sutton as, if used correctly, Patrick possesses the ability to destroy defences. For the majority of last season he was playing out of position as a striker, a move which although wasn’t his favourite did allow him to improve his versatility. With Sutton, it looks highly likely that he will be deployed in his favourite winger position and it would come as no surprise to me if he racks up 15+ goal contributions this year.
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