Bradford City boss Phil Parkinson was a delighted man after guiding his side to an easy 3-0 win over the Cobblers at Wembley on Saturday.
Not since a final-day win at Wolves in 1999 under Paul Jewell had the Bantams won a promotion, but a powerful first-half display which saw goals from James Hanson, Rory McArdle and Nahki Wells blew Northampton away and left Parkinson beaming.
The Bradford boss said: “To score three goals was a dream start and in the second half we were very professional.
“Northampton are a good side, but I thought we were excellent and deservedly won the game.”
Asked whether the success compensated for the 5-0 Capital One Cup final defeat against Swansea, Parkinson said: “It’s more important because it obviously determines the future of the club.
“It was great to get to the League Cup final because of the revenue it brought in but this is what’s all about – this is the bread and butter.
“To get this club up is a dream for us all and we can now enjoy the summer and prepare for next year.
“It was our 64th game of the season and to put in a performance like that is enormous credit to the lads.
“They’ve been outstanding and if ever a group of supporters deserved some success it’s the Bradford fans.”