SAINTS midfielder Will Smallbone labelled it "unbelievable" to go from being a fan in the stands to winning at Wembley Stadium.
Smallbone was amongst the rest of the club's supporters in the capital as a child when Saints beat Carlisle 4-1 in 2010.
The 24 year old has now set up Adam Armstrong's winner in a 1-0 victory over Leeds United in the Championship playoff final to secure promotion.
Speaking to the Daily Echo, Smallbone said: "Unbelievable, I have dreamt this moment 400 million times so to be living it is unbelievable.
"I can’t put into words how much it means to me and we have all deserved it. We wanted to go back to the Premier League.
"To do it at the first time of asking, we couldn’t ask for much more. I thought before the playoffs would be the best way and I can confirm that.
"To get a day at Wembley and have all my loved ones, friends and family here - it has helped me through the day.
"They deserve it as much as me, the fans and all the players. I can’t put into words how I am feeling right now."
He added: "I have been here a few times but the last time I saw us win here was the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final in 2010.
"I must have been 10 and if you told me I would be back here and would win as a Southampton player, I wouldn’t have believed you.
"I 100 per cent would have been in the stands today if I wasn’t playing and that is what makes it even more special.
"I understand exactly what it means coming through the academy and having been in the fan’s shoes. To get this club back where it belongs is unbelievable."
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