James Constable said he was a proud man to lift the play-of final trophy at Wembley yesterday, and paid tribute to the fans and his manager afterwards.

Constable struck the second goal, for his 29th of the season, in the 3-1 win.

“The fans were just unbelievable,” he said.

“I'm so pleased we were able to do this for them.”

And the former Kidderminster striker, who has never before had as prolific a season as this, saluted the work of boss Chris Wilder.

“He’s turned my whole career around really and changed the whole place.

“It was a tough game and a bruising game.

The team consoled goalkeeper Ryan Clarke after his error error gifted York their goal.

Constable added: “We said to Ryan at half-time ‘don’t worry about it’. He hardly ever makes mistakes.

“Matt Green's goal was fantastic technique, on the half-volley, a great swivel.”

But his final word was for the fans.

“Going out there and seeing that support . . . that really drives you on, they were fantastic.

“And then to score that third goal in the 89th minute was magical.

“They were fantastic.”