Sutton United manager Paul Doswell has hit back at the internet trolls who have left his family feeling “hurt” and “upset”.

Doswell, who has invested almost £1m of his own money into the club since his arrival in 2008, also slammed claims on the club’s fans’ forum that his side is full of “expensive has-beens”.

Moreover, the 48-year-old pointed the finger at those making up stories – including the future of club stalwart Craig Dundas.

Much of the anger directed at Doswell boiled over when United were knocked out of the Surrey Senior Cup by lower league Merstham while he was on a family holiday in the Maldives.

He said: “I have the right to a private life. I went away when we did not have a league game and I didn’t like a club official going online to tell every burglar that I was away – that is what really upset my family. 

“We have a very busy life, we have seven children and my wife needed to get away. 

“Most of my time is spent with United, and when I am not there, I am working - I am not with my family enough. 

“One of the things that keeps my wife and I strong is the ability to go away for five days. Sometimes family is more important that anything.”

Wimbledon Times:

Signing on: Craig Dundas will be at Sutton United next season, contrary to rumours spread on the club forum                 Picture: Paul Loughlin

Doswell added: “Some of the things written on the forum have been completely wrong – I’ve heard that Craig [Dundas] is not signing next year, but he is.

“People have said that the refurbishment at the ground was paid for out of the FA Cup money, but I funded that. 

“I don’t think people realise how hand-to-mouth this football club is run.

“And the team is certainly not a bunch of expensive has-beens - that’s a word that has upset us. 

“It’s one of those words in football that is not great, especially from your own fans.”

Doswell’s personal investment in the club is set to continue, with a three-pronged plan to boost the club’s standing set to be announced before the end of the season.

He said: “One fan said ‘Dos not care about this club’.

I apoplectic, because I do care. We’re working on some really exciting things here.

“I may have put almost £1m into the club, and it’s not a loan, but I know I am not immune to criticism.

“But I will speak my mind, and I will defend my players.”

Many outside Gander Green Lane will wonder why Doswell, feeling as he has over the past week, does not walk away.

However, he reckons the reason for staying, and his heavy investment, is very simple.

He said: "I did the same at Eastleigh [put £1m in], and I’ve put a million in here, because football is my absolute passion, it’s my hobby.

"I got sucked into Eastleigh because I played for them, and I’ve been sucked into United – it is a brilliant club, and 99.9 per cent of the people involved are superb.

Wimbledon Times:

Goal: Bedsente Gomis opens the scoring against Ebbsfleet United on Saturday          Picture: Paul Loughlin

"This is not about self-praise, for seven years I’ve kept the money secret and under the radar.

"I see myself at United for the next 10 years, and it gives me a lot of enjoyment and I want to see the club prosper.

"More importantly, I want it to prosper without needing an outside investor. None of my money is a loan – most football clubs have massive debts under directors’ loan, we have none of those at United."

He added: "It’s all done for the love of the club, and that’s where I come from.

"It might sound weird, when people ask why do you do it, I do it because I love the football."

Despite the negativity that greeted Doswell on his return to Gander Green Lane, he is looking ahead by focussing on the positives – starting with the win over Ebbsfleet.

It featured a debut for Dan Fitchett, signed from Aldershot, and the return of Damian Scannell from Bromley.

Wimbledon Times:

Back in Sutton United colours: Damian Scannell

Doswell said: “We were excellent against Ebbsfleet – and I said to Ian [Baird] on the way home, ‘Welcome to the real Sutton United’.

“Ricky [Wellard] was outstanding and he’s showing the form I knew he had. Damo [Scannell] made a huge difference and Bedsente Gomis was also outstanding.

“We know we’re creating plenty of chances but not putting them away, so I am excited that Jamie White is training again and excited about his partnership with Dan.

“There is plenty to be excited by, so let’s not dwell on the issues that led to the situation after the Merstham game.”