Triumphant Huddersfield boss Simon Grayson took the time to give credit to Lee Clark after the club's dramatic play-off success.
Huddersfield in the Championship after shoot-out drama at Wembley
Triumphant Huddersfield boss Simon Grayson took the time to give credit to Lee Clark after the club's dramatic play-off success.
Clark was replaced by Grayson as Terriers manager in February but the season ended in glory as the club secured promotion to the Championship at Wembley.
All 22 players had to try their luck from the spot as Sheffield United were beaten 8-7 on penalties after a 0-0 stalemate.
Blades keeper Steve Simonsen blazed his effort over the bar after his opposite number Alex Smithies had converted his own kick.
Incredibly, Huddersfield missed their first three efforts but scored their next eight to seal Championship football and Grayson was understandably proud of his players.
"It was just an unbelievable day wasn't it," he told
Sky Sports.
"The game was so tight. We had a few opportunities and they did.
"To go down to the penalties and as far as it did... It's a great occasion for us but I feel sorry for Sheffield United and Danny (Wilson), a few of their players were in my team at Leeds and other clubs.
Delight
"Unfortunately there can only be one team who wins and they've given a great account of themselves.
"We're just obviously delighted that we've won and are going to the Championship."
Grayson was appointed Huddersfield manager after chairman Dean Hoyle controversially dispensed with the services of Clark.
The Terriers were already fourth in the league , where they finished, when Clark was dismissed and Grayson had the good grace to spare a word for his predecessor.
"Lee Clark deserves a lot of credit because he's had this team up from the start of the season as well," he added.
"I've got a chairman who went out of his way to attract me to this football club. The ambition of it all.
"We're just going forward and it's a great occasion for the club."
Pride
But Grayson's main emotion was one of pride after all 11 of his players had to step up and take a penalty.
"You've got to have the nerve to take it," he said. "You've got to be brave and have responsibility. My goalkeeper has been unbelievable and they're a Championship team now - it's great."
The man who scored what turned out to be the winning kick was young keeper Smithies, who was drafted in after Ian Bennett had to withdraw through injury.
And he was still in shock when interviewed by
Sky Sports.
"I didn't know I was playing on Thursday," said Smithies. "It's a dream come true.
"Born and raised in Huddersfield, it's an absolute dream come true. I can't believe it. I've not got the words.
"They asked me if I'd take a penalty and I said 'yeah I'll take the 11th'. So I just went up and whacked it."
