Sutton Utd chairman praises FA Cup effort (From Your Local Guardian)

Sutton Utd chairman praises FA Cup effort against Notts County

12:33pm Thursday 8th December 2011 in Sutton United By James Pepper

Despite having their FA Cup dreams shattered by Notts County at the weekend, the whole borough can take pride in its team according to the club's chairman.

Sutton United chairman Bruce Elliot has praised the work of players, supporters and groundsman alike and believes Sunday's season-best 3,700 attendance will ease the financial pressure on the club.

The club is expected to make £150,000 from the weekend's game, and Mr Elliot said he had everyone at the club to thank.

He said: "Everyone worked incredibly hard for three weeks leading up to the game to make it such a memorable occasion. We had so many people volunteering, with people selling tickets on the high street, people painting toilets and parts of the ground, its been a real Sutton effort."

Although the team dominated large parts of the game, Notts County's class shone through but the chairman doesn't believe his team were outplayed.

He said: "I've had players come up to me and say 'sorry about the football', but I'm so proud of them. They were up against one of the top six sides in the draw, but for most of the game you couldn't tell we were leagues below them." Manager Paul Doswell has said the chairman wants to spend the money on a new boiler, but he wants a new striker.

Mr Elliot said: "Paul has used that joke a lot this week, he's told anyone who will listen. The money will help with ground improvements and taking the team forwards."

Broadcasters ESPN and ITV were at the ground on the day, with the game being shown live on ESPN and ITV hosting their FA Cup highlights show from Gander Green Lane.