'I have dreamt this moment 400 million times' – Ireland's Will ...
Southampton's Adam Armstrong celebrates scoring their first goal with William Smallbone and David Brooks
Ireland international Will Smallbone says he’s in dreamland ahead of his Premier League return after he helped the Saints get back into the top flight.
Smallbone claimed an assist for the only goal of the game as Russell Martin's side edged out Leeds United in the Championship promotion play-off final. Gavin Bazunu missed out due to a long-term injury but Smallbone and sub Ryan Manning played a role as they can now prepare for Premier League football next term, after just one season in the Championship.
"Unbelievable, I have dreamt this moment 400 million times so to be living it is unbelievable,” the Ireland cap told the Southampton Daily Echo.
"I can’t put into words how much it means to me and we have all deserved it. We wanted to go back to the Premier League. To do it at the first time of asking, we couldn’t ask for much more. I thought before the playoffs would be the best way and I can confirm that. To get a day at Wembley and have all my loved ones, friends and family here - it has helped me through the day.”
A local lad who joined the club as an 11-year-old, Smallbone says the success means more due to his love for the club.
"I have been here [Wembley] a few times but the last time I saw us win here was the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final in 2010. I must have been 10 and if you told me I would be back here and would win as a Southampton player, I wouldn’t have believed you,” he added.
"I 100 per cent would have been in the stands if I wasn’t playing and that is what makes it even more special I understand exactly what it means coming through the academy and having been in the fan’s shoes. To get this club back where it belongs is unbelievable."
Smallbone will now take a short break but is expected to report for international duty ahead of the June double header, games at home to Hungary and away to Portugal.
