Paul Doswell has spent eight years trying to get Sutton United into the National League, and now it has happened he has precious little time to bask in the glory.

Speaking in the kitchen of his rented home in Winchester – a new permanent Doswell residence is being built some miles away – the 50-year-old proudly shows off his award after being named National League South manager of the year.

The annual awards ceremony had been held in Wales the Saturday before we met, and it is clear the celebrations were long, loud and deserved as five United players feature in the team of the year.

But at the same time, planning for next season is already will under way and Doswell is feeling an excitement not felt for some seasons.

“I am looking forward to it, I am looking forward to the better grounds and the bigger crowds, you all want to be part of that, but it is also the excitement of something different,” he said.

SUTTON UNITED: One more piece in the puzzle and the National League picture is complete for Doswell

“I have got to know the National League South so well, I know all the players because they are recycled and pop up at different clubs, whereas this is different.

“My knowledge of the northern clubs is not great, so I’ve spent the past few weeks talking to a lot managers about teams, players and styles of play.

“We have 11 northern trips and we’re going to go Virgin first class – that’s based on what Bromley and Boreham Wood do.”

Surrey Comet:

The house that Dos (and a load of contractors) built: The Sutton United manager outside his new home being built outside Winchester

He added: “The biggest challenge we face is not knowing the league – but then that can be a positive because anyone who knows me, Ian [Baird] and Micky [Stephens], know that we’re not going to worry about going to Tranmere or Wrexham, we’re going to enjoy the challenge.

“And no one will convince me otherwise that Nicky Bailey, Craig Eastmond, Ryan Burge and Bedsente Gomis cannot compete against anyone at the next level up or higher.

“But you are up against better players and there might be days when we get spanked 4-0 on an away trip, and we have to make sure we don’t panic.”

Having spent so long trying to get to the top flight of non-League football, Doswell could be forgiven for acting like a kid in a candy store.

By his own admission, previous promotions have preceded an overhaul in personnel, but not this time.

“Being a National League manager is a weird feeling, because it does not feel any different to being a manager of a National League South side,” he said.

“But one of the things I was keen to do was reward the players who got us there.

“In previous years, when we have been promoted, we’ve had the reputation of the revolving door, this is the best squad I have ever had, it’s the best committed squad, and we felt every single one of them could perform at the next level up.

“They have all signed new and improved deals, we’re not the best paying club, although not the worst.

“We felt we’d rather reward the players who got us up with better deals than sign a load of new players where you did not know necessarily what you’re going to get.”