By his own admission, Craig Mackail-Smith needed to work on his finishing. Despite hitting double figures in the Npower Championship in 2009/10, it was a long summer for the former St Albans forward. His extra efforts ahead of pre-season have reaped major rewards during an incredible campaign this term.
All those long hours came to fruition in the play-off final, although two first half chances went begging for the Scottish international. In the past, it could have affected the striker for the rest of the match, but Mackail-Smith is a different striker now.
An improved self-belief alongside an unbelievable work ethic meant that a goal was never really in-doubt, and the second in a 3-0 victory over Huddersfield was crucial.
"I was disappointed in myself. The first effort was blocked by a fantastic tackle but I should have done better with the second chance," he exclusively told Givemefootball.
"I always knew I'd get in a position to have another chance and I took it, with the help of a little deflection! I've got belief in my ability, and my shots to goals ratio has come down to where it needed to be. It's been good this season."
A huge understatement from the modest striker, whose valuation from club owner Darragh MacAnthony and director of football Barry Fry is believed to be around £3 million.
The figure has not put off suitors though, with Rangers, Celtic, West Ham United and Birmingham just some of the 'other' clubs believed to be considering a move.
With such wide-ranging interest, it would seem only right that the player gets a say in his future destination, and Mackail-Smith was open enough to discuss the whole transfer process with the PFA.
"It comes down to a few things. The club set a price, and then they come to me with any team or teams who have matched the valuation," he said.
"I would then get to sit down with those clubs and managers with my agent, and we can decide where would be best for me to continue developing as a footballer."
It's a decision that seems to be dependent on footballing reasons for Mackail-Smith, and whilst nobody would begrudge the player a chance to make his millions after working his way up from non-league football, money doesn't appear to be an incentive for the player.
The attitude is in keeping with his old-school style, and his sense of realism with regards to opportunities at a Premier League club suggests the forward hasn't got carried away with all the hype surrounding him. Then again, you wouldn't expect anything else from the classy individual.
"I can't deny that I'm excited by the opportunity to play football at the highest level. But, I know that when you move up the divisions, competition for places becomes even harder than it is now and it will be down to me to get in the frame for first team chances."
