Sutton United boss Paul Doswell has thrown in the towel on hopes of promotion out of the Conference South this season, but he is not down-hearted.

League leaders Bromley visit the Lane this weekend, but the biggest action will be post-match when Doswell and chairman Bruce Elliott reveal a three-pronged plan for success next season.

Doswell has presided over his “toughest season in 15 years of management” as a series of injuries, back-room changes and loss of form have left United wallowing in the bottom half of the table.

A traditional post-New Year run of results appeared on the cards after a five-match unbeaten streak temporarily lifted United to within striking distance of the play-offs.

However, back-to-back defeats to Weston-super-Mare and Gosport Borough have forced Doswell to admit the inevitable.

He said: “It’s been a rollercoaster season, my toughest in 15 years of management, with some highs, but mostly lows.

“We’ve got enough points to avoid relegation, but we’re not going to get into the play-offs – so now everything is geared to next season.”

He added: “We want to build a model for success next season, and that is what Saturday’s announcement will be all about.

“We believe we have a plan in place that will take this club into the Conference Premier.

“That is my ultimate ambition, and I believe it will be achieved in my time here.”

Wimbledon Times:

Close but no cigar: United players trudge off after missing out on promotion to Dover Athletic last season

United came close last season, losing in the play-off semi-finals to the eventually promoted Dover Athletic.

Doswell said: “In reality, the infrastructure was not there to survive in the Conference Premier.

“Had we gone up, I would have done what I could to keep us up, but it would have been tough.”

He added: “But by focusing on next season now, I believe we’ll be in a much better position to achieve the dream.”

The fans’ forum after the Bromley game will take place in the vice-president’s lounge from 5.15pm.

Doswell, pictured, is without Louis John (knee), Jamie White (hamstring) and Callum Hart (shoulder) for the Bromley clash, while Glen Southam is serving the third of a six-game ban.