The Football Association's head of competitions has praised Sutton United for the "diligent way" they have invested their FA Cup money from last year.

After their unprecedented journey to the fifth round - the club received £710,000 in revenue from prize money, TV broadcast and commercial fees.

Home and away dressing rooms at the Knights Community Stadium have been refurbished and a new score board, LED floodlights, turnstiles and a new club shop have been installed.

A new TV gantry is also planned for the future.

David Newton, The FA's head of competitions, said: "The Emirates FA Cup inspires fans, players and clubs to believe that anything is possible – as demonstrated by Sutton United’s incredible feat in last year’s competition.

"Success and the sizeable financial benefits the competition brings can help safeguard the future of a club like Sutton United. The club must be congratulated for the diligent way they have invested the money, which should mean the cup’s legacy will live on for the club, its fans and the local community for many years to come.”

The U's have reduced its long term loan of their 3G pitch from ten years down to five.

3G pitches are currently banned from the Football League with Sutton currently two points off top in the Vanarama National League (one league below the Football League).

Sutton United Chairman, Bruce Elliot, added: "Last season proved a great experience for the club, and the money gained allowed us to make the improvements to the ground that we always wanted to make.

"It would be wonderful to be able to repeat it again this season, although at the moment we are not looking further than a very tough Fourth Round Qualifying tie on Saturday at Paulton Rovers.''

Sutton will travel to Paulton Rovers on Saturday, October 14, in the Emirates FA Cup fourth round qualifying round, with the winner receiving £12,500 in prize money.

The draw for the first round of the famous competition will be Monday, October 16.

Arsenal knocked Sutton out of the FA Cup in the fifth round with a 2-0 victory at the Knights Community Stadium, February 20.

This was after United's historical wins over AFC Wimbledon and Leeds Untied in the third and fourth round respectively.