Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone expressed his delight after his team secured promotion. The lifelong Saints fan put on an impressive performance in the playoff final victory against Leeds. Speaking to the Daily Echo, Smallbone couldn’t contain his excitement, saying, “Unbelievable, I have dreamt this moment 400 million times so to be living it is unbelievable.”
Smallbone emphasized the significance of the achievement, stating, “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.”
The midfielder also acknowledged the support he received from his loved ones, friends, and family on this special day at Wembley. “They deserve it as much as me, the fans and all the players. I can’t put into words how I am feeling right now.”
Reflecting on his journey, Smallbone shared, “I have been here 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. I 100 per cent would have been in the stands today if I wasn’t playing, and that is what makes it even more special.”
Smallbone’s understanding of the club’s history and his experience as a fan made the achievement even more meaningful for him. He concluded, “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.”
