An emotional Paul Doswell admitted winning the National League South title with Sutton United is his best achievement in football.

United were confirmed champions on Saturday after a comfortable 2-0 win over Chelmsford City at Gander Green Lane.

Goals from Dan Fitchett, his 21st of the season, and Ross Stearn had United well in control by half-time, and while the second half was a quiet affair, the party started in earnest on the final whistle.

Skipper Jamie Collins lifted the trophy in front of more than 1,500 fans to cap a memorable home campaign – the season finishes this weekend at Oxford City.

Doswell said: “It is very emotional, I had a couple of tears coming off the pitch which is not like me.

“I am elated for everyone at the club, particularly proud for the players, and proud for myself and my family – it’s been a long and exciting journey over eight years and to come back from last year’s disappointments is even better.

“Ninety per cent of football is not great, the travelling and losing, the wet and cold weather.

“The 10 per cent is the drug that keeps you going and we’re addicts, we live for the 10 per cent.”

He added: “I got Eastleigh from the Wessex League to the Conference South, and that was amazing even for me.

“But to get this club into the Conference South was a very good achievement, because the club was in danger of going another league down if we were not careful.

“It was a question of two years stabilising the club and getting it on a sound footing so, in terms of my personal achievement, winning this league is the best.”

United will now take their place in the National League alongside the likes of Tranmere Rovers, Lincoln City and York City.

Doswell said: “I remember, as a Saints supporter, being 3-0 up at half-time at Tranmere Rovers, and losing 4-3 and that long journey home.

“I am a supporter of the Saints and of Sutton United, and to think we’ll be playing them is unbelievable.”

He added: “This is a very famous non-League club that over the years has had some amazing days - Leeds Utd, Coventry City and winning the Ryman Premier, and now we have the National League South title.

“The club is a special club, it has hundreds of volunteers – people who care passionately about the club – it’s like a big family here and you get hooked in.

“They deserve all the praise – Bruce’s team off the pitch is as good as my team on it.

“The fans have been amazing – we get 150 for away games, and they came last season even when we were not doing well, so this a reward for their loyalty.”