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Post by simon on Apr 22, 2019 18:45:35 GMT
Where do you start... the club was in a dark place, when he took over, just been relegated, 3 managers in a season and just been relegated, but he rebuilt slowly. We made our way back up the pyramid, a couple of forays into the main rounds of the fa cup including the televised game against Notts county (how is it possible we might be playing them in the league next year!) The run to get us to the national south championship was something else, at that time I thought nothing would surpass that, how wrong I was. The fa cup run... need I say more, the win away to afc, the buzz in that away end, still get goosebumps thinking about it, getting to the conference playoffs last year. There have been many ups and some downs. Dos has never been afraid to change the team mid season if it wasn't working. The achievements off the field don't go unnoticed either. Look at the pitch we play on, we wouldn't have it if it wasn't for him. I think legend is banded around too much these days especially when a player hasn't done much, but Dos is. Gutted he's going, but he's left this club in a far better place than when he inherited it. All the best Dos.
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jr
1st team skipper
Posts: 2,166
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Post by jr on Apr 22, 2019 18:59:32 GMT
Paul,
Thank you so much for the last 11 seasons.
My mum had supported Sutton for over 40 years and her dream was that we would play Arsenal in the FA Cup. Sadly it happened 4 years after she passed away but I’m sure she was looking down with enormous pride. My sister flew over from Canada for the game having supported Sutton (and Arsenal) since she was a little girl. You made that happen. But it’s more that that. From the depths of despair we rose and finished 3rd in the National League last season. Third! Really! Unbelievable. You have built a wonderful club and are the greatest manager we’ve ever had. I can’t thank you enough from the bottom of my heart.
Please don’t be a stranger.
I wish you and your family well and hopefully we will see you at some stage soon.
Thank you
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Post by timbo on Apr 22, 2019 19:23:33 GMT
All the very best Dos and thank you very much for all you have done for our club
I hope you will remain involved in an advisory capacity, informally or formally
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Post by skillspaybills on Apr 22, 2019 19:24:07 GMT
He's taken the club to new heights, heights I never imagined were possible for us in such a time span.
Dos thank you for all your investment, enthusiasm and also for the night you messaged me on here offering a ticket to the AFC Wimbledon away cup replay, even calling me at 11pm to get it sorted out for the next day. He also offered me a seat on the coach to the game and making me feel welcome along with Bairdy and Micky.
Some of the Football we've played and the gems you've unearthed have been every bit as enjoyable as the titles.
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Post by amberchoc on Apr 22, 2019 19:59:43 GMT
Gutted. A bit shocked too, but definitely very saddened. Thanks for everything you've done for the club and for taking us on such a memorable journey, Dos. It’s been emotional. The Hall of Fame beckons.
All the best for the future, Paul.
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Post by jencor on Apr 22, 2019 20:10:17 GMT
Feels like a bereavement, but am so proud and grateful for everything Dos has done for Sutton United. A club legend. So glad to have had a last hug from Dos this afternoon (although didn't know it was the last one at the time!). All the best to him and his family and parents. A great final interview with Tony by SUFCTV. thanks guys.
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Post by banjo on Apr 22, 2019 20:20:41 GMT
Could we rename the players bare the Paul Doswell or the Dos bare in memory of what a great manager we have had, what do other supporters think ?
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Post by Del on Apr 22, 2019 20:23:01 GMT
Still in a state of shock. I knew this day would happen sometime but i wasn't expecting it quite so suddenly. Fully understand the effect of travelling up and down the M3 4 days a week. Sutton's best ever manager i fully hoped he could guide us into the Football League but it wasn't to be. Would love for him to be involved with the club in some capacity in the future.
Thank you very much Paul for all the good times you brought to our club. My son & his friends have seen nothing but success and you will be such a hard act to follow. We have really enjoyed many long distance away games and meeting you along the way. Best wishes for you and your family.
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Post by Amber Aleman on Apr 22, 2019 20:41:57 GMT
Sutton United FC has had some great managers in its history (some before my time as a supporter), but none has taken it to the heights that Paul Doswell has. There has been the success on the field of play: two championships, a run to the fifth round of the FA Cup, and the club's highest ever finish in the non-League pyramid. But it's been so much more than that: the installation of the 3G pitch, the fund-raising initiatives, and the rise in attendances so that we're now the seventh-best supported club in the fifth tier of English football. Paul was the driving force behind all of that. It's no overstatement to say that he's transformed the club. He'll be a very hard act to follow.
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Post by cheshire on Apr 22, 2019 21:55:35 GMT
For me, Dos has been to Sutton United what Sir Alex was to Manchester United...bringing about unprecedented and hitherto unthinkable levels of success. He spearheaded so much progress at the club on both the playing side and to the infrastructure.
Its so sad (though totally understandable) to hear that he's stepping down. Whilst we are all of course gutted to hear the news, we shouldn't lament the news that this day has arrived; rather we should all be grateful for the tremendous 11 year ride we have all enjoyed!
Thank you Paul Doswell!!
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Post by exilednorthwestu on Apr 22, 2019 22:11:36 GMT
Thanks for everything Paul, a true Sutton legend, bringing so much success to both the footballing side, and just as importantly, leaving the club in such a great position, and a legacy for years to come. So many great memories to look back at, but remember being one of the 13 hardy fans who went to Barrow away on a very cold Tuesday night, and after the game Paul leading his players over to us, and shaking our hands, and thanking every single one of us for coming, that shows the class of the man. All the very best for the future, and look forward to seeing you back at the club at some point in the future.
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Post by SuttonUnitedFCtv on Apr 22, 2019 22:57:13 GMT
For us there are no words, its been a privilege and a pleasure to serve.
What a night this was :
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Post by guildrover on Apr 22, 2019 23:03:41 GMT
Here's to you Paul Doswell, Sutton love's you more than you will know.
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Post by pearcebuff on Apr 23, 2019 3:19:48 GMT
My best times and memories in football are thanks to Paul Doswell - following Chelsea I became disenchanted and went down to Gander Green Lane - I was welcomed by the fans and those behind the scenes - volunteers who put so much into the club. knowing nothing about non league football I was on a learning curve. How lucky was I to be involved in the FA cup run , Wimbledon away and the after party at Sutton ! Away games where Dos would acknowledge the fans. I have only been there for the latter part of his reign but what a man , will be sadly missed by the fans and club. He has left a legacy though and we move forward with maybe slight trepidation but also positively. Thank you for such good memories Dos. All the best for the future.
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Post by smiffydownunder on Apr 23, 2019 3:41:59 GMT
All the very best to Paul - the best Manager I believe we have ever had. During his tenure he has taken Sutton to the next level both on and off the pitch. The fact that we are playing in the National League and more than holding our own is fantastic. Whilst the footballing success' over the last 10 years is already firmly entrenched in the clubs history I think the transition that he has created to become a club that has engaged the community is just as significant. We now have a wide variety of teams all part of the Sutton family. Additionally the other income streams the pitch provides is also a model that ( as has been said before ) a lot of other clubs at all levels could learn from. Well done Dos - what a wonderful legacy!
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