Coyle 'immensely' proud of his troops

25 May 2009 17:24
The Clarets beat Sheffield United 1-0 in the Championship play-off final at Wembley to make sure of top-flight football for the first time since 1976. And Coyle said: "We've got a great adventure to look forward to. "I think you've seen the effort the players gave today, it was great game, end-to-end - and we had chances to put the game to bed. "We don't have quantity but I believe we have quality - I'm obviously delighted with what we've achieved. "I'm immensely proud and delighted for everyone in the town - but my heart goes out to Sheffield United." Goalscorer Wade Elliott, who won the game with a stunning 20-yard strike, said: "I think it will take a little while for it to sink in - but I'm delighted for all the lads. Asked whether his goal was the best of his career, the midfielder added on Sky Sports 1: "In terms of importance - no contest. "It's far and away the best goal I'll ever score, probably. "It fell nicely, I couldn't really strike it because it was turning a bit and it seemed to take a long time to go in. "When it did I thought about running up to my mum and dad but they were in the opposite corner and it was so hot!" Man of the match Clarke Carlisle added 1: "I'm privileged to be a member of this magnificent team. "What a season, words can't describe how brilliant and awesome an achievement this is. I thank God so much, I'm blessed to be a part of this team. "It's just unbelievable, what an awesome day." Burnley's Robbie Blake, promoted with Bradford in 1999, added: "To get where we are is a fantastic achievement, probably the best in my career. "Owen Coyle deserves tremendous credit, he is so enthusiastic, he believes in us so much as individuals and as a team. "We've played 61 games, had a cup run and now we've gone up at Wembley - it can't get any better. "We had a couple of chances to finish it off - it would have been good to get a second goal but one was enough. We thoroughly deserve the victory. "We had belief all week long we'd do it. We had confidence in our ability and we had the players to score goals at any moment - we've had it all season and come up with the goods again." Captain Graham Alexander said: "I was promoted with Preston nine years ago but I'm buzzing to achieve something with a team like this. "They're a great bunch of boys. Everyone deserves it who's part of the club and I think overall we deserved it. "We had some great chances - especially in the second half - but Sheffield United are a great team - they kept coming back at us. "I've been there twice (beaten in the play-offs) and it's horrible but they'll come back stronger. I'm going to celebrate and enjoy it for as long as possible." Blades boss Kevin Blackwell said: "You've got to take it on the chin and move forward. I congratulated Adrian Boothroyd and Watford last time (with Leeds in 2006) and I congratulate Owen Coyle and Burnley today - it's their day, not ours. "I can't complain. Our young lads came through and made a contest of it but wasn't to be our day." United had penalty appeals turned down by referee Mike Dean after Brian Howard and Kyle Naughton went to ground in the Clarets box. Blackwell added: "I haven't got to live with it have I? Someone else has. I'm disappointed. They are the breaks you need in games and we didn't get them. "Now we've got to start all over again, this is not a place to come and lose." Reminded he had said before kick-off that the Blades must not lose, he added: "I'll have a think. I know the ramifications. I'm listening to my own advice."

Source: Team_Talk