Wolves fans’ player of the year Kevin Foley revealed his highlight of the day – seeing George Elokobi make a shock comeback.

Elokobi was named as a surprise substitute and came on with five minutes left to a thunderous reception from a jubilant, sell-out Molineux yesterday.

“To see George come on was the highlight of the day for me,” said Foley. “You know from the way the fans responded to him when he came on, he’s going to give us a massive boost next season.”

And the 24-year-old revealed the players were awestruck by the appearance of the famous old trophy.

“When the lady first brought it through the tunnel, everyone was touching it. You talk about it all season, but it’s something else when you actually see it,” said Foley, who also collected the traditional silver boot after being named as the fans’ choice.

“The most important thing was to pick up the League winner’s medal and promotion and to get this award is just a bonus for me.”

Foley admits there was a party build-up before the game.

“I’m not going to lie and say it was like a normal game because it wasn’t,” he said.

“It was a party atmosphere beforehand, but we knew once the whistle went, we had to be professional and I think we were.”

Foley said winning the Championship title was the high point of his career so far.

“It’s fantastic. When we won the league at Luton, it was similar to this, but not as good because this is a league above and this means we’re going to the Promised Land,” he added. “It’s the biggest prize of all.”

Michael Kightly praised the crowd for their support.

“I didn’t think I’d feel as much with not playing, but to go onto that pitch to lift that trophy was a great feeling,” said the injured winger. “The crowd have been different class to me all season and ever since I came here. When I came out yesterday, they gave me a great round of applause. Their response gave me a great feeling and I thank them very much for that. I just hope I’ve done enough to please them.

“It’s a moment I’ll always remember and I hope I get plenty more memories like this.

“It’s the best achievement in my life.”

Chris Iwelumo admitted the euphoria of winning the title hadn’t sunk in yet.

“It’s still not sunk in, even though we’ve known for a couple of weeks that we’re promoted,” he said. “I wouldn’t say I’m elated just yet, but through the summer, maybe as we start our training programmes, it will sink in. It was a fantastic occasion to have the lap of honour and say thank you to the fans. They’ve been so important for us this season.”

Captain Jody Craddock said lifting the title matched winning his latest contract as his proudest moment in football. “It was fantastic, for both myself and Karl Henry. Lifting the trophy just put the icing on the cake,” he said.

“That and getting this contract is my proudest moment in football. To get another deal is a dream come true.”

Winger Matt Jarvis revealed he wanted to savour the moment as much as possible.

“It felt surreal,” he said. “There was an unbelievable atmosphere and once the final whistle went, the celebrations could start again. It was fantastic. We want to remember that for the rest of our lives because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing. Just jumping up and down, I was trying to keep hold of my medal in case it fell off!

“It was great – I was trying to get in as many photos as I could and getting shirts signed to keep the memories.”

Defender Christophe Berra paid tribute to the man whose place he’d taken – goalscorer Richard Stearman.

“Competition is always there but it was nice to see ‘Stears’ score the goal – he’s had a fantastic season.”