Long-serving Danny Whitaker described it as “unbelievable” as Macclesfield Town won back the English Football League status they lost in 2012.
The Silkmen have since endured turbulent times financially which makes their achievements even more remarkable as they overhauled teams like Tranmere Rovers who had far bigger resources.
Macc were crowned champions after yesterday’s 2-0 victory at Eastleigh.
“It has been quite a story,” explained the 37-year-old Whitaker who has had two five years spells at Macc. In-between he starred for Port Vale, Oldham Athletic and Chesterfield.
“It has been unbelievable, an incredible season, especially on our budget. Nobody expected us to for the play offs, never mind automatic promotion and we weren’t given any hope.
“We have one of the lowest budgets in our league and pre-season only had four players who had remained from last season.
“It needed complete rebuild by the gaffer, but he signed some very good players, though we had a small squad, only 18/19 strong.”
Whitaker, who is hoping to be kept on and have another crack at the EFL, adding his fitness is really good and he feels confident he can hold down a place.
He added he always believed Macc would won back their EFL status.
Whitaker, who is approaching 750 career appearances, said: “I always knew we would get promotion at some stage with the gaffer in charge.
“It was just a case of if it would happen when I was still playing, and it has worked out nicely.”
Whitaker has begun taking his coaching badges as he would like to remain in the game when he finally hangs up his boots, though he intends to continue playing for a couple more years.
“I love playing as much as ever and will continue until my legs tell me otherwise then I will have to reassess what to do,” he said.