Paul Doswell there is more than pride at stake when his Sutton United side take on former club Eastleigh in the FA Trophy on Saturday.

Doswell oversaw the Spitfire’s spectacular rise to the Blue Square South and played an influential role in the development of the club’s 3,000 capacity Silverlake Stadium during his spell in charge.

He remains on good terms with the club where he started his playing career but it is the promise of a five-figure cash reward that his attention for the time being.

“I did a lot more than just manage Eastleigh and it took its toll, but there is no bad feeling there - only good memories,” he said.

“They’ll be desperate to stuff us and we are desperate to win, but more than that it is a great opportunity to win £5,000 and a share of the gate receipts.

“If we win there is a chance of a similar windfall so this is worth around £10,000 to us.

“We are underdogs and it is a no lose situation for us.”

Doswell will wait until Friday to decide on whether to risk former Spitfire Karl Murray (hip) and midfielder Fola Orilonishe (hamstring) for the trip to Hampshire.

Paul Doswell’s Eastleigh Years.

2002-03 - Won the Wessex League Premier Division championship with a points total in excess of 100 points.

2003-04 - Finished fourth in the Southern League to be one of five times promoted to the Ryman League Premier Division.

2004-05 - Won the Ryman Premier League play-offs to reach the Blue Square South.

2005-06 - Won the BBC South Sports award after leading the Spitfires to an eighth place finish in the Blue Square South.

November 2006 - Stepped down as boss to take a break from management before taking over at Sutton United in 2008.

Sutton’s next three games: Dec 11 Eastleigh (FA Trophy, a), 14 Molesey (Surrey Senior Cup, a), 18 AFC Hornchurch (h).