ALEX SMITHIES is determined to play a full part in future success for Town.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper covered himself in glory at Wembley with what proved to be the decisive penalty shoot-out kick against Sheffield United.

It marked a wonderful end to a season in which Smithies recovered from spending almost a year on the sidelines with knee problems – including one failed comeback bid – and then found his way to the team barred by the form of Ian Bennett.

Smithies played at Wembley only because of the hand injury suffered by 40-year-old Bennett in the play-off semi-final second leg against MK Dons, meaning Nick Colgan had to be called onto the bench at the national stadium by manager Simon Grayson.

“It’s all been a dream come true, really, especially for someone like me who was born in Golcar, has been raised in Huddersfield and supported the club all my life,” said Smithies, who was in the crowd for Town’s last play-off final success against Mansfield at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium (which was also decided by penalties).

“I had so many of my friends and family down at Wembley and they were all there again for the parade to the Civic Reception at the Town Hall, and I’m just glad I’ve been able to make them feel so proud.

“The whole club deserves to be on the up though, and especially our brilliant supporters, who we can’t thank enough for their backing.

“No-one deserves it more than the chairman, though, who should take enormous credit for what has been achieved.

“He was exactly what the club needed when he took over, to help Town get to the next level and, now it’s been achieved, I’m sure he is just as proud as the rest of us.

“What we want to do now is take it a little bit further, but let’s move forward one step at a time and see where it takes us.”

Smithies found out two days before the final that he would be playing and paid tribute to Bennett for making that decision so early, even though the England Under 21 cap had been preparing for the possibility since the previous Monday.

Because of the injuries, Wembley was only Smithies’ 15th appearance of the season and he made a somewhat shaky start with a couple of missed punches when under pressure as Stephen Quinn and Lee Williamson proved the best of United’s raiders.

He quickly recovered from those mishaps, though, and helped by some outstanding defending from centre-backs Peter Clarke and Sean Morrison, he had only one real save to make, just before half-time in extra time when he denied the jinking Quinn.

That all added to his confidence for the penalty shoot-out which Town - who easily had the better chances during the previous 120 minutes – eventually won 8-7 after missing their first three.

Smithies brilliantly saved two of United’s first three kicks (from Williamson and Matt Lowton) to keep Town in it and, when Andy Taylor hit a post, Town found themselves level.

It was all successful kicks after that, including Smithies himself, until opposite number Steve Simonsen fired over the top to leave the Blades blunted and Town on a high.

“The scenes were unbelievable and it was fantastic, something I’ll never forget,” he said.

“Penalties are a lottery and you just have to do your best. You might know the way a player usually shoots, but they can always change their mind, so you just have to back yourself to go the right way and make a stop when you can.

“I had a list on the bottom of my drinks bottle of who their takers were and where they shoot, but it only went to six or seven and I had to face 11!

“Fortunately it was us who came through and, while it was hard on Steve Simonsen, this club deserves to be in the Championship and now we are.”

Smithies says he is delighted for the supporters, who have waited 11 years for their club to get back in the second tier of English football.

“I can tell everyone that the players are so grateful for all the support we have had, not only at Wembley and for the homecoming, but throughout the season,” said Smithies, who kept his winners’ medal around his neck until Tuesday following the final.

“We are really thankful that we’ve been able to reach the Championship, that we can look forward to a great season and that we’ve been able to give them what the deserve. We really appreciate everything the fans do for us.”