United manager Russ Wilcox was glad his side were able to avoid going into a ‘crazy’ final day needing something against York City to secure automatic promotion.
The Iron had confirmed their place in the top three the weekend before, despite a 2-0 defeat at Exeter City, meaning their meeting with the Minstermen at Glanford Park had a party atmosphere throughout.While United still had an outside chance of the title depending on other results if they won, the primary objective had already been achieved, and Wilcox told The Iron Player: “The last day is always crazy, but we knew where we were.
“I wouldn’t have liked to have been needing a point today, as that would have been nervy, without a doubt.”
The final day provided plenty of drama across the country, with Bristol Rovers dropping out of the Football League, and a late twist in the Championship seeing Birmingham City survive in the final minute of the season at the expense of Doncaster Rovers.
Those examples were living proof of how football can work according to Wilcox, who added: “It shows anything can happen in the last game.
“You look at the Championship; where the Birmingham score saw Doncaster getting relegated on goal difference. We were a bit more relaxed as we knew we were going to finish top three, and we’ve moved up a spot.
“It’s exciting times for the football club.”
Having endured two relegations in the space of three years, United’s promotion back to the third tier sees the club heading in the right direction once again.
It was a feat made possible by the hard work of many behind the scenes according to Wilcox, who added: “It’s a magnificent achievement for everyone at the football club, because it’s always a team effort.
“I’d like to thank my staff, who have been outstanding all season. I’m a big believer that attitude reflects leadership, and as a staff we’ve shown the players a good work ethic to cajole them.
“They’ve taken that on board, and absolutely worked their socks off in every single game. That’s the pleasing thing; sometimes the performances haven’t been great, but they always put in an unbelievable shift for this football club.
“I’m very proud of the players, and very proud of the staff.”
See much more from Russ Wilcox on The Iron Player.