Experienced defender Stuart Whitehead has hailed AFC Telford United’s promotion glory as his greatest day in football.

Whitehead, 34, was part of the Telford United side that went out of business back in 2004.

And that fact meant that Sunday’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Guiseley that took the club back to the top tier of non-League football after a seven-year hiatus had added poignancy for him.

“There are a lot of new players at the club now and not all of them know the history,” said Whitehead, who played more than 200 games at League level with Carlisle, Darlington, and Shrewsbury and had spells at Conference level with Kidderminster and the old Telford United.

“But being there when the old club went bump, I know what it means to everyone to get back to the Conference now.

“I remember being stood on the terraces at Farborough after the last game back in 2004 clapping the fans,” he added.

“No-one knew what was going to happen to the club then, though we were already fearing the worst.

“There were tears because the club was going under.

“But now it’s gone full circle and there were people with tears again on Sunday — but this time tears of joy.

“Everything else I’ve achieved in football pales into insignificance next to this.

“The way we did it, being 2-1 down and scoring in the last minute to win it — it’s just like the script was written.”

Whitehead believes the Bucks deserve their crack at the next level too, praising his team-mates and insisting they were worthy winners.

“If any group deserves promotion then it’s us,” he said. “Although we’ve played well, we’ve not actually really dominated teams like Alfreton have — and that’s why they won the league.

“But I’ve never been in a dressing room as good as what we have got here,” he added.

“Everyone is genuine and honest and wants the best for the club. I truly believe in karma and I knew it was going to happen for us.”