The Emirates FA Cup made an appearance at the Knights Community Stadium on Tuesday ahead of this weekend's 4th qualifying round as members of the national media were at the ground to find out about the positive impact that last year's historic run to the fifth round had on the club and the town. Manager Paul Doswell and chairman Bruce Elliott were on hand to explain how the money raised by the success had helped the club carry out the redevelopment of the changing rooms and make other improvements around the ground, and both took the chance to be photographed with the famous trophy.
Among the organisations represented were ITV London News, whose feature will go out on Thursday, and Sky Sports News, while Bruce was also interviewed by Talksport's Ray Stubbs for an interview that was aired at 2.30 on Tuesday afternoon.
Bruce commented afterwards: ''Seeing the Emirates FA Cup at the club brought back the memories of our cup run last season and whets the appetite even more for this season's competition. 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 this season, although at the moment we are not looking further than a very tough Fourth Qualifying Round tie on Saturday at Paulton Rovers.''
David Newton, the FA's Head of Competitions, who is pictured with Bruce, 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 season'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.''