York City defender Ben Brookes has joined Sutton United on a short-term loan. The left-back will spend the next few months with the League Two club, where he will wear the number 27 shirt.
Brookes was a part of the York squad that secured promotion to the EFL last season, making 35 appearances and contributing two goals and eight assists. His move comes as York sit third in the table with 11 points from six games, fresh from a 4-0 win over Swindon Town.
Brookes' career path
Ben Brookes began his career in the academies of West Ham United and Chelsea before stepping into senior football. He made over 25 appearances for Tower Hamlets in his first season and later played for Basildon United. A memorable free-kick goal for Great Wakering Rovers against Hashtag United preceded a move to that same club, where he registered four assists in his first seven games.
After two seasons with Hashtag United, he moved to Chelmsford City in January 2023. There, he suffered play-off heartbreak in his first campaign before making 50 appearances the following year, only to fall at the semi-final stage. A switch to Maidstone United saw him deployed in a more advanced left-flank role, and he scored a brace in a play-off victory over Worthing before the team ultimately lost the final.
His transfer to York City in the summer of 2025 proved successful, as he played a role in their National League title win. This season, his only competitive action for York was a 57-minute appearance in the EFL Cup defeat to Crawley Town.
Looking ahead at Sutton
The loan provides Brookes with a chance for regular minutes. "It’s been a long wait," Brookes said. "I can’t wait to get back out there and playing again. It’s finally time to get stuck in."
Sutton United also confirmed that young goalkeeper Adam Reeves has joined Whitehawk on loan, following a previous spell at Hampton & Richmond Borough. For York, the squad depth at left-back will be tested during Brookes' absence. Fans can review the full roster on the club's squad page.
York's strong start to the League Two season, which includes 13 goals scored, continues with the visit to 12th-placed Chesterfield on September 19.
