Darrell Clarke dedicated Port Vale’s League Two play-off final triumph to eldest daughter Ellie, after the 18-year-old tragically died earlier this year.
Vale beat Mansfield Town 3-0 at Wembley, via goals from Kian Harratt, James Wilson and Malvind Benning, to join Bristol Rovers in League One next season, with Clarke tearful, triumphant but also very much still grieving at full time.
The 44-year-old had taken a leave of absence in February following his daughter’s death, before a six-week phased return, with assistant Andy Crosby at the helm. But the play-off run has coincided with Clarke stepping back into the dugout to lead from the front.