FORMER favourite Keith Hanvey believes resurgent Town can challenge for promotion again next season - with a couple of key signings this summer.

The 52-year-old former centre-back from South Crosland was at Cardiff to see Peter Jackson's side go up in a play-off final penalty shoot-out against Mansfield at the Millennium Stadium.

He was also a guest of the club at the civic reception to celebrate promotion in the Town Hall, less than a year after he helped the Supporters Trust raise cash at the same venue to help keep Town afloat.

"Having gone up in such fashion from a glorious occasion, Town are now a club where players will want to come," said Hanvey, who played 235 matches between 1978 and 1984.

"Winning the play-offs is undoubtedly the best way to go up and it can have a steamroller effect.

"If Peter Jackson can now make one or two astute signings, given the backing the club has had from season-ticket sales, then I think they can certainly challenge again next season."

Hanvey was twice a promotion winner under Mick Buxton and, despite working on the commercial side for both Bradford City and Leeds United since leaving, Town remain close to his heart.

"I said last year there were 8,000 or 9,000 reasons why I came back to help the Supporters Trust - and now there are even more," said Hanvey.

"To think of why everyone gathered in the Town Hall last year and then to imagine why we would be back there 12 months on is just wonderful.

"Peter Jackson and Terry Yorath have done a fantastic job and the final in Cardiff was quite emotional, although I always fancied us to make the play-offs, knowing Jacko and Taff and the stature of the club we all love.

"While the circumstances were difficult, not too many managers have the opportunity right from the outset to create a squad which is basically theirs.

"They had to work quickly and well, but instead of having to wrestle with shipping players out they could concentrate all their efforts on bringing lads in.

"They did it well, obviously, and hopefully they can drive forward with one or two more good signings now."

Hanvey confessed the open-topped bus parade had stirred memories of when Town lifted the old Fourth Division title back in 1980.

"When we came here 20 million years ago it all passed by so quickly," he joked.

"The only thing I really remember is going on the balcony and seeing just a sea of blue and white, and it was marvellous to see those scenes recreated this time.

"I just hope the young lads in the squad took it all in, because civic receptions and big wins in finals don't happen all that often in football.

"Winning the play-offs really is like winning the FA Cup. It's a massive occasion with a trophy and medals.

"Hull City and Torquay have gone up with nothing, so it really is the best way to go up apart from being divisional champions outright."