Monday 28 May 2018 18:49, UK
Mark Robins praised the quality and unity of his Coventry side after the secured their first promotion in 51 years against Exeter at Wembley.
Coventry thrashed Exeter 3-1 in the Sky Bet League Two play-off final.
Second-half goals from Jordan Willis, Jordan Shipley and Jack Grimmer were enough to condemn Exeter, who grabbed a late consolation goal through Kyle Edwards, to a second-straight final defeat, after they were also beaten exactly a year ago by Blackpool at the same stage.
"It's such a great achievement it's been a really difficult season in a really tough league and I'm just thankful we managed to get through," Robins said.
"I always said if we got to the final I fancied us strongly, I could see we were building confidence and we handled them really well.
"The people who scored the goals were incredible, it typifies you put your mind to something and you strive for that and you're positive and anything can happen.
"Its a brilliant day for Coventry City and everyone connected with the club.
"I couldn't be prouder."
Coventry were relegated to the fourth tier of English football last season - which meant this was the first time they'd started a campaign in the bottom tier since 1959.
Prior to that, they nearly fell into administration in 2013 and have endured severe unrest between the owners and the fans.
Robins, who took over in March 2017, admitted one of the key components of his job was uniting the club.
"It's not about me its about the players and staff and uniting a club that was desperately in need of galvanising," he said.
"That bit continues, anyone is firefighting at times but there are degrees of it. I'm delighted for everybody connected with the club, it finishes on a real major positive for everybody and that's where we can run with it and that's where the momentum comes from. I think the supporters will be really happy."
