Rickie Lambert said he was ‘overwhelmed’ by Saints’ promotion to the Premier League.

The striker crowned another marvellous campaign by being named the Daily Echo Player of the Season and snatching automatic promotion to the top flight.

It’s a remarkable turnaround for Lambert who looked like he wouldn’t ever play above League One level until Alan Pardew paid £1m to bring him to Saints where he has been phenomenal.

“I can’t believe it. I can’t describe this – it’s overwhelming,” said Lambert after Saints sealed promotion with a 4-0 win over Coventry.

“It’s been a long road for me personally.

“To get here means everything.”