Sutton United manager Paul Doswell has issued a rallying cry to the club’s supporters in a bid to help the U’s break into the Football League (EFL).

Doswell’s team is second in the Vanarama National League with eight games left and has a real chance of promotion to the EFL for the first time in the club’s 120-year history.

However, as has been widely publicised, Sutton’s 3G pitch is currently not permitted in the EFL and any rule change on the issue will come too late for the U’s who are assessing their options with the season’s climax rapidly approaching.

Doswell posted a series of messages on Twitter this week giving an update on the situation while encouraging fans to do their bit in helping make the club’s dream a reality.

“Last few months have been investigating all our options and making sure whatever we do was right for the club, the supporters and most cost effective as every pound is massive still to us,” said the Sutton boss.

“We were clearly hoping that we could retain the 3G. However with no vote planned, option B is in place.

“Our biggest dilemma is losing our community model which we all fiercely believe in.

“The solution is; Having been advised by industry experts if we get promoted, we will install a hybrid grass pitch in the main stadium. This will allow 25/30 hours of use per week.

“We are also looking to install the same pitch in Collingwood Rec which combined would give us circa 55 hours use per week the same as we currently have from the 3G.”

With Sutton flying high in the National League, speculation has been mounting as to what might happen should they earn the historic promotion.

The artificial surface has transformed the fortunes of the club with hundreds of people of all ages using the facility every week, making United a real hub of the community.

Club officials have understandably remained tight-lipped while they consider the best course of action.

Options so far have included groundsharing at another club or replacing the cherished 3G pitch with grass, but now it seems a clear plan has been hatched.

Doswell went on to say: “No groundshare, community model retained. We have also had extensive meetings regards required ground improvements and everything is achievable if we mobilise the Sutton FC family.

“We are a fans owned club and we look to the recent example of Stevenage fans raising £600,000 in 6 weeks for a new stand for their club.

“We require a similar amount for our project. Can we do it? I believe we can and initiatives are currently being thought through.

“If League 2 happens we will be ready for the biggest and most important meeting in the club’s recent history when we will outline how all of us can contribute.”

Sutton’s promotion hopes were dealt a blow last Saturday when they lost 1-0 at Maidstone United in what Doswell described as “our worst performance of the season.”

Stuart Lewis scored in the 75th minute to end United’s 10-game unbeaten league run.

Sutton had chances but Byron Harrison, Tommy Wright and Louis John couldn’t find the target.

Leaders Macclesfield also lost at the weekend and drew only managed a draw from their visit to Maidstone last night (Wednesday), meaning the U's are just three points.

Sutton host relegation-threatened Chester at the Knights Community Stadium this Saturday (March 24), 3pm.

With it being an international weekend, the club is giving all season ticket holders of Premier League and Football League sides entry to the match for just £10.

For more details of this and the club’s early bird season ticket offer visit suttonunited.net