Dundee United defender Mark Connolly saluted his family and the club’s supporters following their Championship title triumph.
Connolly – a key player for Robbie Neilson’s Tangerines in their league-winning campaign – praised owner Mark Ogren, sporting director Tony Asghar and managing director Mal Brannigan for their backing.
In a lengthy Twitter post, the 28-year-old also told of his excitement at playing in Scotland’s top flight next season.
He wrote: “We did it, all of us, players, staff and fans!
“Certainly not the way we wanted it to finish but nonetheless, the least we deserved.
“It’s been a tough few years for this football club.
“When I had the opportunity to come back to Scotland with the job of helping get this fantastic club back to where it belongs, I jumped at it.
“The football club needed to change a lot of things but with the owner [Mark Ogren], Tony [Asghar], Mal [Brannigan] and everyone behind the scenes, we’ve achieved the first goal that was set out for all of us!
“I want to thank everyone at the club for the welcome myself and my family got from day one.
“There’s been ups and downs but Dundee is a place we can call home!”
The Irishman also raved about the contribution of his team-mates in a campaign that finished when United were 14 points clear of second-placed Inverness Caley Thistle, who had a game in hand.
He said: “This group of players is without a doubt the best I’ve come across – hardworking, determined and honest.
“The staff have given each and every one of us a platform to perform to the best we can be, whether that be an extra session or just a chat.
“Through all the bad and good times, we’ve stuck together and that’s something as a football club I think is vital for all of us moving forward.
“There will be highs and lows but togetherness will get us through all of it.”
He added: “I’ve got a beautiful wife and two amazing kids that follow me everywhere.
“They have to deal with the highs and lows. They’ve supported not only me but everyone at this football club from the day I walked through the door.
“They to me are the definition of a team!
“It’s not the way we as players imagined finishing the league but I know how much work and effort was put in.
“I can promise one thing, when all of this is over, we will celebrate together, enjoy the moment, and look forward to being back in the Premiership.”
