Luton became the first team to be promoted from League One last night - and they didn't have to kick a ball in anger to realise their Championship dream, as Brentford beat third-placed Tranmere. Goalkeeper Marlon Beresford is not surprised by Luton's success this season though. In fact, he he told givemefootball before the start of the season that the Hatters would be a good bet for promotion this time around. Givemefootball's Lawrie Madden caught up with him to find out how being right feels.
Q:
WHAT WERE YOU DOING WHEN YOU DISCOVERED YOU HAD BEEN PROMOTED?
A:
I was sitting watching the Bayern-Chelsea game in the Champions League and flicking over to see the results coming throughon Sky. Then, at about 9.30pm, the phone started ringing and we knew that we had done it.
Q:
HOW DID IT FEEL TO WIN PROMOTION WITHOUT KICKING A BALL?
A:
It's always nice to get promoted whichever way it comes. It's especially good for me as I'm coming towards the the latter end of my career because I have not achieved too much. So this is right up there in terms of achievements.
Q:
WHAT MADE YOU SO CONFIDENT YOU WOULD GET PROMOTED?
A:
I came on loan last season and I realised the potential of the club and the players that were here. I said at the start of the season that if we were not in the top six then we were under-achieving.
Q:
WAS THERE ADDITIONAL PRESSURE ON YOU BECAUSE LUTON HAVE BEEN TOP, OR THEREABOUTS, ALL SEASON?
A:
I think what makes the promotion so special is the fact we have won so many games. We have been very good at bouncing back. One week we lost three games in a row but then went on a great run that took us to the top again and we haven't been out of the top two all season.
Q:
WHAT'S THE SEASON BEEN LIKE FOR YOU?
A:
I was going to sign for Barnsley but the specialist told me and the club that with my back I wouldn't be able to play many games. Well, I have proved them wrong and also proved to them that my back is okay and that I can deal with it. I have played over 40 games this season and proved a few people wrong. I still feel there is a number of years left in me. I am only 35 and am reasonably fit so why not play until I am 40?
Q:
HAVING WON PROMOTION, I GUESS THE TARGET NOW IS TO WIN THE TITLE?
A:
Yes. We rate winning this very highly. The manager has told us how disappointing it was to lose the title on the last day when he was manager of Hartlepool. We want to go on to clinch it and it would be a crying shame if we didn't. If we win our last four games then we can get to a 100 points as well.
Q:
ANY EARLY THOUGHTS ABOUT NEXT SEASON?
A:
I think the benchmark are teams like Plymouth and QPR who went up last season. I don't think we need to do anything differently and if we keep going with our work ethic and togetherness people might be surprised how far we can go.
