SAINTS owner Dragan Solak labelled the club's victory over West Brom "super special" as they reached the Championship playoff final.

Solak, lead investor of Sport Republic, was in attendance at St Mary's as manager Russell Martin's side swept aside the Baggies 3-1.

It means Saints, who have received over £200million investment from their new ownership group in testing financial circumstances, are one game away from returning to the Premier League.

Solak credited hard work behind the scenes to create the perfect atmosphere for the team before and during Friday's match.

Solak exclusively told the Daily Echo: "It's super special and it's special because we see the happy faces.

Daily Echo: Saints fans celebrated on the pitch at full-time on Friday nightSaints fans celebrated on the pitch at full-time on Friday night (Image: Stuart Martin)

"You know, for the Southampton fans and for me, it's an unbelievable feeling.

"We did discuss that we went to the game at West Brom and their fans were unbelievable and we said we need to match that.

"We needed to give the same energy to our lads and I think that Phil Parsons and the rest of the management - they put a huge effort.

"They put a huge effort through you guys as well and you know the fans came back and they said 'Yeah, let's do it', so it was unbelievable."

Thousands of Saints fans packed the streets adoring the club's colours and clutching pyro to welcome the team bus. 

Saints will take on third-place finishers Leeds United at Wembley for a place in the Premier League on Sunday, May 26.

Solak issued a simple message to the players and supporters ahead of the match worth well over £150million.

He said: "Well, I can only hope they do what they did tonight.

"That is put their best effort there and leave their hearts out. We'll be there for them and you know, let's hope for the best."