Flitcroft celebrates promotion

David Flitcroft was delighted hard work paid off in the end as Bury sealed promotion back to League One with a 1-0 win over Tranmere.

Tom Soares' second-half goal proved the difference against an already-relegated Rovers side that fought hard at Prenton Park for no reward. And with Southend losing at Morecambe it meant the Shakers secured the third automatic promotion spot and parked wild scenes amongst the fans and to the obvious delight of their manager. "It's a massive achievement for the football club," said Flitcroft. "Persistence, graft, a willingness, an insatiable appetite to keep going. When at times this season we've looked dead and buried we've driven them through. The lads are just a credit to themselves a credit to the fans and a credit to the club. "Sixteen months ago we were 23rd in the league and that rise has been pretty impressive but the chairman's backed it and the players have backed it and we're a club as one. "I'm really proud of the players, proud of my staff and proud of the fans and everyone connected with the club because we're trying to go in the right direction and stabilise a football club that was all over the show 16 months ago. Absolutely delighted." On a day of contrasting emotions, Bury secured a 13th win in their last 16 league games to return to League One at the second time of asking. Conversely, Tranmere's one win in 15 - and 12 defeats - sees them slide out of the Football League for the first time in their history and caretaker manager Alan Rogers admitted it was a bitter pill to swallow. "I thought we had a go. It's the least they could do for the fans," he said. "We came in at half-time, we were pleased with the boys and we set the team up to stop them playing, because they like to play. "I thought we nullified their threat, even when they were in possession they were passing sideways and weren't really hurting us, but it's another defeat. It's tough to take. "The points tally doesn't lie does it? At the end of the day no matter how we try to sugar coat things, we've not been good enough for a couple of years. I hope whoever comes in can get it right because it's a great club with great fans and great people behind it. "I just hope that the fortunes can change under a new regime and it will. "The fans have been different class. Other clubs would have lost the fans but they're still cheering and singing and pushing the boys. They deserve better."