Southampton secured promotion to the Premier League at the first attempt yesterday, defeating Leeds United 1-0 in the Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium.
It was a very tight game, one which went right down to the wire. Leeds had most of the possession and scoring opportunities, but they failed to make it count.
In the end, Adam Armstrong's first half strike proved to be the difference between the sides. Ireland midfielder Will Smallbone was the man to provide the assist for the goal, playing his teammate in behind with a wonderfully placed pass.
"Southampton announce their Wembley arrival!" 🚨
Clinical from Adam Armstrong! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/OZNRw7Nzft— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 26, 2024
That goal was enough to get Southampton back to the Premier League, having only been relegated from the English top flight 12 months ago.
Smallbone is one of three Ireland players in the Saints squad, with Galway's Ryan Manning also playing a part in the win having come off the bench in the 83rd minute of the game. Gavin Bazunu was not available due to injury.
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Ireland star gave wholesome interview after Southampton promotion
While this would have been a momentous occasion for everyone associated with Southampton, it would have been particularly sweet for Will Smallbone. He is a boyhood fan of the club, having also been part of their academy since the age of eight.
He also had to overcome a number of obstacles to reach this point in his career.
The midfielder was a promising young player when he initially broke into the Southampton first team back in 2020, only for a serious knee injury to keep him out of action for ten months back in 2021. It was during this period that he also started to suffer from alopecia.
Smallbone would struggle to break into the Southampton side after regaining his fitness, ultimately going out on loan at Stoke City last season.
However, he has now gone on to play a huge part in their promotion campaign. He would make 50 appearances for the club in all competitions, registering seven goals and four assists along the way.
Speaking to Sky Sports after yesterday's win, it was clear to see how much the result meant to him.
"What's the plan tonight?"
"A quiet night in" 😉
Will Smallbone after securing promotion to the Premier League with his boyhood club 🔴 pic.twitter.com/DMZHbzY4LL— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 26, 2024
It's unbelievable. As I said the other day, from minute one in pre-season this was our aim. To go up in the play-offs is unbelievable...
It's meant the world, honestly. I couldn't envisage this season going the way it has, but I've enjoyed every minute of it and none more so than today.
Seeing the fans out there today, my loved ones in the crowd, my friends, family, and everyone to come and have a great day is unbelievable...
It's going to be a quiet night! No, I think we will have a good night. We will enjoy it, we deserved it through the full season.
Will Smallbone will no doubt play a significant part for Southampton in the Premier League next season, while he also looks likely to become an increasingly important part of the Ireland squad moving forward.
The 24-year old has earned seven caps at senior level since making his debut in 2023 and is set to be a key contributor during the UEFA Nations League campaign later this year.
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