Whitehead (centre) holds the Blue Square North trophy

AFC Telford defender Stuart Whitehead believes the club are deserving of promotion to Blue Square Bet Premier.

The Bucks won their third promotion by beating Guiseley 3-2 in a dramatic Blue Square Bet North play-off final.

"It's karma, it's justice, and everyone in Telford should be very, very proud," Whitehead told BBC Radio Shropshire.

"It's a fantastic achievement and we deserve it for the way we've played and how we've gone about things since day one this season."

Whitehead added: "There is a big challenge ahead. The Conference is a 10-times better league than when we were in it before - just look at the big clubs, ex-Football League clubs, there are in it."

The former Carlisle and Shrewsbury man joined the Bucks in January 2008, and finished last season as caretaker manager following the departure of Rob Smith.

Despite being at the end of his 18-month contract he was keen to savour the side's return to the top flight of non-League football.

"This (play-off final) game is what you play football for, for this sort of experience - especially the way we came from behind to win.

"It's something you never forget, and is a special moment in your career."

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