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Sutton's relegation dilemma

With attendances that dipped below 1,500, Sutton United did not expect to become a EFL club.  Promotion meant new floodlights, seats in the away end, new turnstiles and WiFi.   Players demanded full-time contracts.   (As an indication, Salford City paid £750 a week for two-thirds contracts in non-league and £1,250 a week in the EFL).

They also had to rip up an artificial pitch that was fundamental to the way they operated and was hired out to the public when not in use for the academy etc.   It cost £500,000 to replace the synthetic turf and £200,000 in revenue was lost as well as a link to the local community.

If Sutton get relegated, as looks increasingly likely, it will cost £300,000 to restore the artificial pitch.  Should they then go back to three quarter time contracts?

Revenue per season will fall back from £1.2m to £200,000 and even further after two years of parachute payments.   No wonder teams often struggle after going down to the National League with some experiencing a further relegation.

Was promotion worth it?

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