{{short description|English footballer (born 1990)}} {{Use British English|date=October 2020}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}} {{Infobox football biography | name = Craig Eastmond | image = Craig Eastmond SUTTON UNITED v Harrogate Town by AndyFitzsimons 300124.jpg | caption = Eastmond playing for Sutton United in 2024 | fullname = Craig Leon Eastmond<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.thefa.com/~/media/Files/TheFAPortal/governance-docs/registrations/july-2013.ashx | title=List of Players under Written Contract Registered Between 01/07/2013 and 31/07/2013 | page=10 | publisher=The Football Association | format=PDF | date=31 July 2013 | accessdate=16 August 2014 | archive-date=24 October 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024234116/http://www.thefa.com/~/media/files/thefaportal/governance-docs/registrations/july-2013.ashx | url-status=dead }}</ref> |birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=y|1990|12|09}}<ref name="SB">{{soccerbase|52372}}{{dead link|date=December 2021}}</ref> | birth_place = Battersea, England | height = 1.83 m<ref name="SB"/> | position = Midfielder, Right-back | currentclub = Eastbourne Borough | clubnumber = 15 | youthyears1 = 2000–2002 |youthclubs1 = Millwall | youthyears2 = 2002–2009 |youthclubs2 = Arsenal | years1 = 2009–2013 |clubs1 = Arsenal |caps1 = 4 |goals1 = 0 | years2 = 2011 |clubs2 = → Millwall (loan) |caps2 = 6 |goals2 = 0 | years3 = 2012 |clubs3 = → Wycombe Wanderers (loan) |caps3 = 14 |goals3 = 0 | years4 = 2012 |clubs4 = → Colchester United (loan) |caps4 = 12 |goals4 = 2 | years5 = 2013–2015 |clubs5 = Colchester United |caps5 = 49 |goals5 = 5 | years6 = 2015 |clubs6 = Yeovil Town |caps6 = 1 |goals6 = 0 | years7 = 2015–2024 |clubs7 = Sutton United |caps7 = 297|goals7 = 26 | years8 = 2024–2025 |clubs8 = Wealdstone |caps8 = 12 |goals8 = 0 | years9 = 2025– |clubs9 = Eastbourne Borough |caps9 = 37 |goals9 = 0 | club-update = 22:52, 25 April 2026 (UTC) }} '''Craig Leon Eastmond''' (born 9 December 1990) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for {{English football updater|EastbouB}} club Eastbourne Borough. He is also capable of playing at right-back.<ref name="YG">{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/reserves-news/young-guns-defender-craig-eastmond |title=Young Guns: Defender Craig Eastmond |first1=Lambros |last1=Lambrou |publisher=Arsenal FC |date=24 October 2007 |accessdate=30 October 2009 |archive-date=13 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013232435/http://www.arsenal.com/news/reserves-news/young-guns-defender-craig-eastmond |url-status=dead }}</ref> A product of the Arsenal Academy who came to prominence during the 2008–09 FA Youth Cup, Eastmond made ten first team appearances between 2009 and 2013 for Arsenal in the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Champions League.
Eastmond had three loan spells away from the Gunners. He joined Millwall on loan in 2011, with whom he spent some of his early youth career. He was loaned to Wycombe Wanderers and Colchester United in 2012, and signed for Colchester on a permanent basis in 2013 following the expiry of his contract with Arsenal. He made over 50 appearances for Colchester before his release in February 2015.
As a player at Sutton United, in 2016-17 Eastmond was part of only the 9th non-League side to reach the 5th round of the FA Cup since 1945, and in 2020–21 was captain as the club won the National League and promotion to the English Football League for the first time in its 123-year history.<ref name=Sutt3Pools0>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57125216|title=Sutton United 3–0 Hartlepool United - U's win National League title|date=23 May 2021|first=Owen|last=Phillips|access-date=23 May 2021|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref>
==Club career== ===Arsenal=== Eastmond started his career at Millwall at the age of eight, but joined Arsenal when he was 11 years old. Although previously a right-back, when playing for the Arsenal Reserves, he was played in a central midfield position.<ref name="YG"/> He was a member of the team that won the 2008–09 FA Youth Cup<ref name="Arsenal">{{Cite web|url=http://www.arsenal.com/reserves-youth/players/craig-eastmond |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116021550/http://www.arsenal.com/reserves-youth/players/craig-eastmond |archivedate=16 January 2013 |title=Player profile: Craig Eastmond|publisher= Arsenal FC |date= |accessdate=30 October 2009 }}</ref> and the 2008–09 Premier Academy League.<ref name=PAL>{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/0809/post/youth/academy-final-tottenham-0-1-arsenal-report?tab=report|title=Academy Final: Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal - Report|first=Declan|last=Taylor|publisher=Arsenal FC|date=17 May 2009|accessdate=1 March 2014}}</ref> On 30 June 2009, it was announced that Eastmond along with three other members of the double-winning youth squad had signed professional terms with the club.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/reserves-news/four-youngsters-sign-professional-terms |title=Four youngsters sign professional terms |publisher=Arsenal FC |date=30 June 2009 |accessdate=8 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120921012648/http://www.arsenal.com/news/reserves-news/four-youngsters-sign-professional-terms |archive-date=21 September 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Eastmond made his first-team debut on 28 October 2009 in the League Cup against Liverpool, helping set up Arsenal's first goal in a 2–1 victory.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/8323097.stm | title=Arsenal 2–1 Liverpool |first1=Mandeep |last1=Sanghera |publisher=BBC Sport |date=28 October 2009 |access-date=29 October 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/0910/post/first-team/carling-cup-arsenal-2-1-liverpool-report | title=Carling Cup: Arsenal 2–1 Liverpool |first1=Richard |last1=Clarke |publisher=Arsenal FC |date=28 October 2009 |accessdate=30 October 2009 }}</ref> He made his Premier League debut against Portsmouth, coming on as an 85th-minute substitute for Samir Nasri in a 4–1 win at Fratton Park on 30 December 2009.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8429047.stm | title=Portsmouth 1–4 Arsenal |first1=Jonathan |last1=Stevenson |publisher=BBC Sport |date=30 December 2009 |access-date=23 May 2013 }}</ref>
After signing a new long-term contract extension with the club on 13 January 2010,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/craig-eastmond-signs-new-long-term-contract |title=Craig Eastmond signs new long-term contract |publisher=Arsenal FC |date=13 January 2010 |accessdate=13 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918052829/http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/craig-eastmond-signs-new-long-term-contract |archive-date=18 September 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Eastmond was handed his first Premier League start away to Bolton Wanderers on 17 January, starting alongside Cesc Fàbregas and Abou Diaby as the Gunners ran out 2–0 winners, before being replaced by Fran Mérida after 62 minutes.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8454216.stm | title=Bolton 0–2 Arsenal |first1=Paul |last1=Fletcher |publisher=BBC Sport |date=17 January 2010 |access-date=23 May 2013 }}</ref> He made his FA Cup debut one week later in a 3–1 defeat to Stoke City, playing some of the game at right-back following Francis Coquelin's substitution.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/8468706.stm | title=Stoke 3–1 Arsenal |first1=Ian|last1=Hughes |publisher=BBC Sport |date=24 January 2010 |access-date=23 May 2013 }}</ref> Eastmond ended his first season as a professional with seven first-team appearances to his name, including two League Cup games, four Premier League matches and an FA Cup appearance.<ref name="Games played by Craig Eastmond in 2009/2010" />
During the 2010–11 season, he was handed his European debut away to Shakhtar Donetsk on 3 November, scoring an own goal in the first half and being replaced by Carlos Vela after 59 minutes in the 2–1 defeat.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/1011/post/first-team/shakhtar-donetsk-2-1-arsenal-match-report | title=Shakhtar Donetsk 2–1 Arsenal |first1=Richard|last1=Clarke |publisher=Arsenal FC |date=3 November 2010 |accessdate=23 May 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/9148885.stm | title=Shakhtar Donetsk 2–1 Arsenal |first1=Mandeep|last1=Sanghera |publisher=BBC Sport |date=3 November 2010 |access-date=23 May 2013 }}</ref> His appearance against Wigan Athletic in the League Cup on 30 November 2010 would prove to be his last for Arsenal when he came on as a second-half substitute for Robin van Persie.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/9233742.stm | title=Arsenal 2–0 Wigan |first1=Paul|last1=Fletcher |publisher=BBC Sport |date=30 November 2010 |access-date=18 August 2014 }}</ref>
====Millwall loan==== Eastmond made a return to his first club Millwall on 25 January 2011, almost ten years after he left the club as a youth. Having failed to establish himself in the Arsenal first-team, he joined the Championship side on loan until the end of the 2010–11 season.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/millwall/9373615.stm | title=Millwall sign Arsenal youngster Craig Eastmond |publisher=BBC Sport |date=25 January 2011 |access-date=18 August 2014 }}</ref> He made his debut in a 2–0 home victory against Barnsley on 28 January, playing 70 minutes before being substituted.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/9376641.stm | title=Millwall 2–0 Barnsley|publisher=BBC Sport |date=28 January 2011 |access-date=18 August 2014 }}</ref>
Eastmond struggled to break into Kenny Jackett's promotion-chasing side, making just four starts and two substitute appearances from January to April.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/reserves-news/loan-review-craig-eastmond-millwall |title=Loan Review: Craig Eastmond – Millwall |publisher=Arsenal FC |date=25 May 2011 |accessdate=18 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140908015556/http://www.arsenal.com/news/reserves-news/loan-review-craig-eastmond-millwall |archive-date=8 September 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, his season ended prematurely after he broke his ankle during a Millwall training session, as he returned to his parent club for treatment.{{citation needed|date=October 2020}}
====Wycombe Wanderers loan==== Following his injury lay-off, Eastmond returned to first-team action with a loan spell at League One club Wycombe Wanderers on 21 February 2012, signing on loan until the end of the season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wycombewanderers.co.uk/news/article/eastmond-arrives-from-arsenal-152959.aspx |title=EASTMOND ARRIVES FROM ARSENAL |publisher=Wycombe Wanderers FC |date=21 February 2012 |accessdate=21 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301234446/http://www.wycombewanderers.co.uk/news/article/eastmond-arrives-from-arsenal-152959.aspx |archive-date=1 March 2014 |url-status=usurped }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17115081 | title=Wycombe Wanderers sign Craig Eastmond and Chris Hackett on loan |publisher=BBC Sport |date=21 February 2012 |access-date=18 August 2014 }}</ref> He made his debut on 25 February in a 5–0 win against Hartlepool United at Adams Park.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17083052 | title=Wycombe 5–0 Hartlepool |publisher=BBC Sport |date=25 February 2012 |access-date=23 May 2013 }}</ref> Despite Wycombe being relegated from League One at the end of the 2011–12 season, Eastmond was ever-present for Gary Waddock's team following his arrival, playing 14 games.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/reserves-news/2011/12-player-review-craig-eastmond |title=2011/12 Player Review: Craig Eastmond|publisher=Arsenal FC |date=25 June 2012 |accessdate=18 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140907234424/http://www.arsenal.com/news/reserves-news/2011/12-player-review-craig-eastmond |archive-date=7 September 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
====Colchester United loan==== After being linked with a loan move to Colchester United,<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.gazette-news.co.uk/sport/9949316.U_s_linked_with_Arsenal_ace/ | title=U's linked with Arsenal ace |publisher=Newsquest Media Group|work=Daily Gazette |last=Waldron |first=Jonathan |date=26 September 2012 |accessdate=7 September 2014 }}</ref> on 27 September 2012, Eastmond was signed on a three-month loan deal by Joe Dunne on the day he was appointed Colchester manager, joining alongside fellow Arsenal player Sanchez Watt and MK Dons striker Jabo Ibehre.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19749447 | title=Colchester United sign Eastmond, Watt & Ibehre on loan |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 September 2012 |access-date=10 November 2012 }}</ref> Eastmond's debut against Hartlepool on 29 September got off to a bad start when his mistake allowed Craig Lynch to score the Hartlepool's opener after just six minutes. However, his side recovered to record a 3–1 victory.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19684369 | title=Colchester 3–1 Hartlepool |publisher=BBC Sport |date=29 September 2012 |access-date=7 September 2014 }}</ref>
Eastmond scored two goals during his loan period with Colchester, the first a close range one-two with Sanchez Watt in a 2–0 victory over Carlisle United on 20 October,<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19939592 | title=Colchester 2–0 Carlisle |publisher=BBC Sport |date=20 October 2012 |access-date=7 September 2014 }}</ref> and his second one-week later when the U's relinquished a two-goal cushion in a 2–2 away draw with Shrewsbury Town.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20014183 | title=Shrewsbury 2–2 Colchester|publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 October 2012 |access-date=7 September 2014 }}</ref> After featuring 13 times for the club, Eastmond fractured his fifth metatarsal in training in December 2012, forcing him to return to his parent club and look set to keep him out of action for two months.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.gazette-news.co.uk/sport/10100830.Eastmond___I_ll_come_back_stronger/ | title=Eastmond – I'll come back stronger |publisher=Newsquest Media Group|work=Daily Gazette |last=Waldron |first=Jonathan |date=11 December 2012 |accessdate=7 September 2014 }}</ref>
===Colchester United=== With his contract set to expire in the summer of 2013, Arsenal announced on 20 May 2013 that Eastmond would sign for Colchester United, the club where he was loaned during the 2012–13 season,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/eastmond-to-join-colchester-united | title=Eastmond to join Colchester United |publisher=Arsenal FC |date=20 May 2013 |accessdate=20 May 2013 }}</ref> penning a two-year deal with the U's.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.gazette-news.co.uk/sport/colchesterunited/10431244._/? | title=U's snap up Eastmond from Arsenal |publisher=Newsquest Media Group|work=Daily Gazette |last=Waldron |first=Jonathan |date=20 May 2013 |accessdate=20 May 2013 }}</ref> However, before he could play a competitive game for Colchester, he was injured in his first game of pre-season on 10 July. He was substituted after just 36 minutes of play during a friendly match at Heybridge Swifts following a strong challenge from Ryan Doyle.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.gazette-news.co.uk/sport/colchesterunited/10540756._/? | title=Eastmond to undergo X-ray after horror tackle |publisher=Newsquest Media Group|work=Daily Gazette |last=Waldron |first=Jonathan |date=11 July 2013 |accessdate=11 July 2013 }}</ref> Despite his injury, he had returned to action in late July, featuring for 30 minutes in a friendly against Ipswich Town, and 45 minutes in a 1–0 win over non-league Histon.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.gazette-news.co.uk/sport/10572509.U_s_midfielder_Eastmond_winning_his_fitness_battle/ | title=U's midfielder Eastmond winning his fitness battle |publisher=Newsquest Media Group|work=Daily Gazette |last=Waldron |first=Jonathan |date=26 July 2013 |accessdate=7 September 2014 }}</ref>
He made his full debut for the club on 3 August 2013 in Colchester's 1–0 opening day win against Gillingham.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/23474920 | title=Gillingham 0–1 Colchester |publisher=BBC Sport |date=3 August 2013 |access-date=3 August 2013 }}</ref> He scored his first goal of the campaign during a 3–1 home victory over Milton Keynes Dons on 26 November with an effort that went in off the post.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/24996456 | title=Colchester 3–1 MK Dons|publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 November 2013 |access-date=27 November 2013 }}</ref> Eastmond helped Colchester to their biggest win under Joe Dunne's stewardship with a 4–0 victory over Stevenage on 26 December, registering two goals for himself in the process.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/25441805 | title=Colchester 4–0 Stevenage |publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 December 2013 |access-date=27 December 2013 }}</ref> Eastmond was one of the more regular appearance-makers in the Colchester United first-team during the 2013–14 season,<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.gazette-news.co.uk/sport/11026265.Eastmond_enjoying_life_as_a_U_s_regular/ | title=Eastmond enjoying life as a U's regular |publisher=Newsquest Media Group|work=Daily Gazette |last=Waldron |first=Jonathan |date=21 February 2014 |accessdate=7 September 2014 }}</ref> in a season where he eventually made 42 appearances.<ref name="Games played by Craig Eastmond in 2013/2014" /> He scored his fourth goal in the final game of the season in a 1–0 win against Walsall with a freak goal. Saddlers defender James Chambers' attempted clearance struck Eastmond and flew into the net to earn the U's the win.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/27167808 | title=Walsall 0–1 Colchester|publisher=BBC Sport |date=3 May 2014 |access-date=3 May 2014 }}</ref>
Eastmond started for Colchester in their opening day fixture with Oldham Athletic at the Colchester Community Stadium on 9 August,<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/28646626 | title=Colchester 2–2 Oldham |publisher=BBC Sport |date=9 August 2014 |access-date=7 September 2014 }}</ref> but limped off after just 32 minutes with an ankle injury, ruling him out of a League Cup clash with Charlton Athletic three days later.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.gazette-news.co.uk/sport/11399981.Eastmond_suffers_injury_blow/ | title=Eastmond suffers injury blow |publisher=Newsquest Media Group|work=Daily Gazette |last=Waldron |first=Jonathan |date=10 August 2014 |accessdate=7 September 2014 }}</ref> He returned as a late substitute in the U's 2–1 reverse at the hands of Notts County on 19 August,<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/28750073 | title=Notts County 2–1 Colchester |publisher=BBC Sport |date=19 August 2014 |access-date=7 September 2014 }}</ref> and also appeared as a substitute in the 1–0 loss to Doncaster Rovers on 23 August.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/28815481 | title=Colchester 0–1 Doncaster|publisher=BBC Sport |date=23 August 2014 |access-date=7 September 2014 }}</ref> He was then left out of Colchester's game with Peterborough United by manager Joe Dunne, with Dunne stating that he had given the player time off.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.gazette-news.co.uk/sport/11443641.Eastmond_given_time_off_from_U_s/ | title=Eastmond given time off from U's |publisher=Newsquest Media Group|work=Daily Gazette |last=Waldron |first=Jonathan |date=1 September 2014 |accessdate=7 September 2014 }}</ref> However, on 1 September, Joe Dunne was replaced as Colchester manager by Tony Humes, with Humes announcing that Eastmond had "taken part in every [training] session with us this week" and that he looked "quite sharp".<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.gazette-news.co.uk/sport/11454261.Humes_wants_U_s_players_to_enjoy_their_football/ | title=Humes wants U's players to enjoy their football |work=Daily Gazette |last=Waldron |first=Jonathan |date=5 September 2014 |accessdate=7 September 2014|publisher=Newsquest Media Group}}</ref> In Humes' first match in charge, Eastmond was amongst the matchday squad, but was an unused substitute in the U's 0–0 stalemate with Walsall on 6 September.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/28993020 | title=Walsall 0–0 Colchester|publisher=BBC Sport |date=6 September 2014 |access-date=7 September 2014 }}</ref> He appeared as a substitute for Sanchez Watt and played for 15 minutes in the next match, a 2–0 away victory against Leyton Orient on 13 September.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/29090256 | title=Leyton Orient 0–2 Colchester |publisher=BBC Sport |date=13 September 2014 |access-date=13 September 2014 }}</ref> Eastmond started only his second match of the season on 20 September when the U's held Bradford City to a 0–0 home draw.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/29187079 | title=Colchester 0–0 Bradford|publisher=BBC Sport |date=20 September 2014 |access-date=21 September 2014 }}</ref> He scored his first and only goal of the campaign on 20 December with the only goal in an away victory over Yeovil Town, slotting home after an assist by George Moncur.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30459586 |title=Yeovil 0–1 Colchester |last= |first= |date=20 December 2014 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=27 December 2014 }}</ref>
After finding his chances limited under Tony Humes, Eastmond was released from the club by mutual consent on 2 February 2015.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Plummer |first1=Matt |date=2 February 2015 |title=U's part company with Eastmond |url=http://www.gazette-news.co.uk/sport/headlines/11765394._/? |work=Daily Gazette|accessdate=2 February 2015 }}</ref> He made 13 appearances in the 2014–15 season and 55 appearances in total excluding his time on loan with the U's.<ref name="Games played by Craig Eastmond in 2014/2015">{{Soccerbase season|52372|2014|name=Craig Eastmond|accessdate=31 July 2014}}{{dead link|date=December 2021}}</ref>
===Yeovil Town=== On 17 February 2015, Eastmond joined League One side Yeovil Town until the end of the season<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/31508821 |title=Josh Sheehan and Craig Eastmond sign for Yeovil Town |publisher=BBC Sport |date=17 February 2015 |access-date=17 February 2015 }}</ref> Eastmond was released at the end of his contract having made just one appearance for Yeovil.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/32662260 |title=Yeovil Town: Paul Sturrock releases 11 players |publisher=BBC Sport |date=8 May 2015 |access-date=8 May 2015 }}</ref>
===Sutton United=== On 9 September 2015, following his release from Yeovil Town, Eastmond signed for National League South side Sutton United. He made his debut in a 1–0 home victory against Gosport Borough on 12 September and scored his first goal for his new club in a 3–1 away victory over Bath City on 17 October.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.suttonunited.net/matchreport.html?id=1235|title=Match report — Bath City 1–3 — Vanarama National League South|date=17 October 2015|publisher=Sutton United FC|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313201409/http://www.suttonunited.net/matchreport.html?id=1235|archivedate=13 March 2016|url-status=dead|accessdate=25 April 2017}}</ref> He went on to make 31 league appearances for the season and scored three goals, helping the team win the National League South title and promotion to the National League. He won the Club Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year awards and was included in the National League South team of the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.suttonunited.net/firstteam_squad.html#296|title=First Team Player Profiles — Craig Eastmond|publisher=Sutton United FC|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308040713/http://suttonunited.net/firstteam_squad.html#296|archivedate=8 March 2016|url-status=dead|accessdate=25 April 2017}}</ref>
Following a series of impressive performances in the National League and FA Cup, Sutton supporters voted Eastmond player of the month for November 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.suttonunited.net/news.php#3791 |title=November 2016 Player of the Month |publisher=Sutton United FC |accessdate=6 December 2016 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512064011/http://www.suttonunited.net/news.php#3791 |archivedate=12 May 2016}}</ref> Eastmond appeared in every round of Sutton's historic run to the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time ever, including appearances in a 3–1 victory against local rivals AFC Wimbledon of League One on 17 January 2017,<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38565631 |title=AFC Wimbledon 1–3 Sutton United |date=17 January 2017 |accessdate=7 March 2017 |publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> a 1–0 victory over Championship side Leeds United on 29 January<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38709037 |title=Sutton United 1–0 Leeds United |date=29 January 2017|first=Patrick|last=Jennings |accessdate=7 March 2017 |publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> and a 0–2 defeat to his former club Arsenal on 20 February.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38952752 |title=Sutton United 0–2 Arsenal |date=20 February 2017|first=Phil|last=McNulty |accessdate=7 March 2017 |publisher=BBC SPort}}</ref>
In his third season at the club, Eastmond was named in the 2017-18 National League Team of the Season for his "impressive consistency", having helped Sutton to achieve a best ever league finish of third in England's fifth tier.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thenationalleague.org.uk/vanarama-national-league-team-of-the-season-50542 |title=Vanarama National League Team Of The Season |publisher=National League |accessdate=25 August 2018|first=Sam|last=Elliott|date=11 May 2018}}</ref>
With Sutton sitting at the top of the National League and by now club captain, Eastmond won the league's Player of the Month award for February 2021. In March he made his 250th appearance for Sutton United. In the penultimate match of the season, Eastmond led Sutton as they beat Hartlepool United 3–0 to move five points clear of Torquay United and secure the title, winning promotion to the Football League for the first time in their history.<ref name=Sutt3Pools0/> He won the Club Player of the Year award for a second time.{{citation needed|date=December 2021}}
In February 2022, Eastmond was inducted into the Sutton United Hall of Fame.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.suttonunited.net/news/2022/february/hall-of-fame-inductees-2021-and-2022/|title=Hall of Fame inductees 2021 and 2022|website=www.suttonunited.net|date=27 February 2022|accessdate=29 April 2024}}</ref>
At the end of the 2023–24 season, the club announced that following relegation, Eastmond would depart the club upon the expiration of his contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.suttonunited.net/news/2024/april/sutton-united-announce-players-who-will-leave-the-club-at-the-end-of-the-season/|title=Sutton United announce players who will leave the club at the end of the season|website=www.suttonunited.net|date=29 April 2024|accessdate=29 April 2024}}</ref>
===Wealdstone=== On 2 July 2024, Eastmond joined National League side Wealdstone on a one-year deal with the option for a further season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wealdstone-fc.com/post/stones-sign-sutton-united-captain-craig-eastmond|title=Stones sign Sutton United captain Craig Eastmond|website=www.wealdstone-fc.com|date=2 July 2024|accessdate=4 July 2024}}</ref>
===Eastbourne Borough=== On 16 June 2025, Eastmond joined National League South side Eastbourne Borough, and was announced as the new club captain.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ebfc.co.uk/2025/06/eastmond-signs-for-the-sports/|title=Eastmond Signs For The Sports|website=www.ebfc.co.uk|date=16 June 2025|accessdate=16 June 2025}}</ref>
==Personal life== Born in Battersea, London,<ref name="SB"/> Eastmond is of Bajan descent.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/j/j95313.html|title=Eastmond, Craig Leon Eastmond - Footballer|work=BDFutbol}}</ref> He has five older brothers, two of whom were professional footballers. His oldest brother, Darren, was signed to Wimbledon and another brother, Gavin, was also signed to Millwall.<ref name="YG"/> His cousin Kyle Eastmond is a professional rugby union and former professional rugby league footballer who has represented England at full international level.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://news.o2.co.uk/2014/06/06/englands-new-boys-2/ | title=England's new boys |publisher=O2 |date=6 June 2014 |accessdate=18 August 2014 }}</ref>
==Career statistics== {{updated|29 April 2026}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition |- !rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|FA Cup !colspan="2"|League Cup !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total |- !Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals |- |rowspan="5"|Arsenal |2009–10<ref name="Games played by Craig Eastmond in 2009/2010">{{Soccerbase season|52372|2009|name=Craig Eastmond|accessdate=19 January 2014}}{{dead link|date=December 2021}}</ref> |Premier League |4||0||1||0||2||0||0||0||7||0 |- |2010–11<ref name="Games played by Craig Eastmond in 2010/2011">{{Soccerbase season|52372|2010|name=Craig Eastmond|accessdate=19 January 2014}}{{dead link|date=December 2021}}</ref> |Premier League |0||0||0||0||2||0||1<ref group=lower-alpha name=UCL>Appearance(s) in UEFA Champions League</ref>||0||3||0 |- |2011–12<ref name="Games played by Craig Eastmond in 2011/2012">{{Soccerbase season|52372|2011|name=Craig Eastmond|accessdate=19 January 2014}}{{dead link|date=December 2021}}</ref> |Premier League |0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0 |- |2012–13<ref name="Games played by Craig Eastmond in 2012/2013">{{Soccerbase season|52372|2012|name=Craig Eastmond|accessdate=19 January 2014}}{{dead link|date=December 2021}}</ref> |Premier League |0||0||colspan=2|—||0||0||0||0||0||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !4!!0!!1!!0!!4!!0!!1!!0!!10!!0 |- |Millwall (loan) |2010–11<ref name="Games played by Craig Eastmond in 2010/2011"/> |Championship |6||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||6||0 |- |Wycombe Wanderers (loan) |2011–12<ref name="Games played by Craig Eastmond in 2011/2012"/> |League One |14||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||14||0 |- |Colchester United (loan) |2012–13<ref name="Games played by Craig Eastmond in 2012/2013"/> |League One |12||2||1||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||13||2 |- |rowspan="3"|Colchester United |2013–14<ref name="Games played by Craig Eastmond in 2013/2014">{{Soccerbase season|52372|2013|name=Craig Eastmond|accessdate=19 January 2014}}{{dead link|date=December 2021}}</ref> |League One |39||4||1||0||1||0||1<ref group=lower-alpha name=FLT>Appearance(s) in Football League Trophy</ref>||0||42||4 |- |2014–15<ref name="Games played by Craig Eastmond in 2014/2015"/> |League One |10||1||2||0||0||0||1<ref group=lower-alpha name=FLT/>||0||13||1 |- !colspan="2"|Total !61!!7!!4!!0!!1!!0!!2!!0!!68!!7 |- |Yeovil Town |2014–15<ref name="Games played by Craig Eastmond in 2014/2015"/> |League One |1||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||1||0 |- |rowspan="10"|Sutton United |2015–16<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.suttonunited.net/firstteam_stats_1516.html|title=First Team — Appearances & Goalscorers|publisher=Sutton United FC|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161017073922/http://www.suttonunited.net/firstteam_stats_1516.html|archivedate=17 October 2016|url-status=dead|accessdate=25 April 2017}}</ref> |National League South |31||3||4||0||colspan=2|—||5{{efn|name=FAT|Appearance(s) in FA Trophy}}||0||40||3 |- |2016–17<ref name="suttonunited.net">{{cite web|url=http://www.suttonunited.net/firstteam_stats.html|title=First Team Stats — Appearances & Goalscorers|publisher=Sutton United FC|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203045334/http://suttonunited.net/firstteam_stats.html|archivedate=3 February 2017|url-status=dead|accessdate=25 April 2017}}</ref> |National League |37||0||7||0||colspan=2|—||3{{efn|name=FAT}}||0||47||0 |- |2017–18<ref name="SW">{{cite web |title=C. Eastmond: Summary |url=https://uk.soccerway.com/players/craig-eastmond/103498/ |website=Soccerway |publisher=Perform Group |accessdate=14 March 2021}}</ref> |National League |36||5||1||0||colspan=2|—||3{{efn|Two appearances in FA Trophy, one appearance in National League play-offs}}||0||40||5 |- |2018–19<ref name="SW"/> |National League |39||7||3||0||colspan=2|—||4{{efn|Two appearances in FA Trophy, two appearances in Scottish Challenge Cup}}||0||46||7 |- |2019–20<ref name="SW"/> |National League |24||1||2||0||colspan=2|—||0||0||26||1 |- |2020–21<ref name="SW"/> |National League |41||5||0||0||colspan=2|—||3{{efn|name=FAT}}||0||44||5 |- |2021–22<ref name="SW"/> |League Two |31||1||1||0||1||0||6<ref group=lower-alpha name=EFLT>Appearance(s) in EFL Trophy</ref>||2||39||3 |- |2022–23<ref name="SW"/> |League Two |35||2||1||0||1||0||4{{efn|name=FAT}}||0||41||2 |- |2023–24<ref name="SW"/> |League Two |23||2||1||0||2||0||0||0||26||2 |- !colspan="2"|Total !297!!26!!20!!0!!4!!0!!28!!2!!349!!28 |- |Wealdstone |2024–25 |National League |12||0||1||0||colspan=2|—||1<ref group=lower-alpha name=NLC>Appearance(s) in National League Cup</ref>||0||14||0 |- |Eastbourne Borough |2025–26 |National League South |37||0||1||0||colspan=2|—||2<ref group=lower-alpha>Appearance(s) in Sussex Senior Cup</ref>||0||40||0 |- !colspan="3"|Career total !432!!33!!27!!0!!9!!0!!34!!2!!502!!35 |}
{{Reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
==Honours== '''Arsenal'''<ref name="Arsenal" /><ref name=PAL/> *Premier Academy League: 2009 *FA Youth Cup: 2009
'''Sutton United'''<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fa-league-cups/sutton-united-vs-afc-wimbledon-arsenal-craig-eastmond-interview-fa-cup-third-round-a7513321.html%3famp|title=Arsenal old boy Craig Eastmond hoping good showing will help him move back up|work=The Independent|date=20 February 2017|first=Jack|last=Pitt-Brooke|publisher=ESI Media|accessdate=14 December 2021}}</ref> *National League: 2020–21 *National League South: 2015–16 *EFL Trophy runner-up: 2021–22<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/60973705 |title=Rotherham beat Sutton after extra time to win EFL Trophy |author=Chris Peddy |publisher=BBC Sport |date=3 April 2022 |access-date=6 February 2023}}</ref>
'''Individual''' *Sutton United Player of the Year: 2015–16<ref name=SUFC>{{cite web|url=https://www.suttonunited.net/player/craig-eastmond/|title=Craig Eastmond|publisher=Sutton United FC|access-date=22 April 2018|archive-date=23 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180423040353/https://www.suttonunited.net/player/craig-eastmond/|url-status=dead}}</ref> *Sutton United Players Player of the Year: 2015–16<ref name=SUFC /> *National League South Team of the Year: 2015–16<ref name=SUFC /> *National League Team of the Year: 2017–18<ref name=SUFC /> *National League Player of the Month: February 2021<ref name="Feb POTM">{{cite web|url=https://www.thenationalleague.org.uk/national-leagues-february-monthly-award-winners-re-65249|title=National League's February Monthly Award Winners Revealed!|publisher=Vanarama National League|date=8 March 2021|first=Sam|last=Elliott|accessdate=14 December 2021}}</ref> *Sutton United: Player of the Season: 2022–23<ref>{{Cite web |title=Player of the Season awards 2022-23 |url=https://www.suttonunited.net/news/2023/may/player-of-the-season-awards-2022-23/ |access-date=9 May 2023 |website=www.suttonunited.net}}</ref>
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== *{{Soccerbase}}{{dead link|date=December 2021}} *{{soccerway|craig-eastmond/103498|Craig Eastmond}}
{{Eastbourne Borough F.C. squad}} {{Navboxes | title = Awards | bg = Gold | list1 = {{2015–16 National League South Team of the Year}} {{2017–18 National League Team of the Year}} }}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Eastmond, Craig}} Category:1990 births Category:Living people Category:Footballers from the London Borough of Wandsworth Category:People from Battersea Category:Black British sportsmen Category:21st-century Black British people Category:English men's footballers Category:English people of Jamaican descent Category:Sportspeople of Jamaican descent Category:Men's association football midfielders Category:Arsenal F.C. players Category:Millwall F.C. players Category:Wycombe Wanderers F.C. players Category:Colchester United F.C. players Category:Yeovil Town F.C. players Category:Sutton United F.C. players Category:Wealdstone F.C. players Category:Eastbourne Borough F.C. players Category:Premier League players Category:English Football League players Category:National League (English football) players Category:21st-century English sportsmen