Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish hailed an ‘incredible achievement’ after his side won the Conference League for a third trophy in a year under departing manager Oliver Glasner.
Palace won the FA Cup last season and were denied a place in the Europa League because of their multi-club ownership model.
But they will be back in the Europa league next season after Jean-Philippe Mateta’s goal saw off Rayo Vallecano to cap a remarkable run of achievements in recent years.
Parish told TNT Sports: “Even to be in Europe is so good but to come and win it is incredible. What an amazing acheivement.
“After all the ups and downs we have had in the season we are in the Europa League in the end. Sometimes the good guys win.
“Just surviving in the Premier League is difficult as everyone knows. When I bought the club I didn’t think we would play in Europe never mind win and now we want to keep it going.
“We have gone up a level and we want to try and stay there. We have to work hard this summer but we will take a week and enjoy it.”
Parish must decide who has the enviable job of replacing Glasner at Selhurst Park, but he leaves behind a platform for success.
The Austrian announced earlier in the season he would depart but has still delivered success despite finishing 15th in the Premier League.
Adam Wharton paid tribute to the manager.
“The difference he has made in two and a half years is incredible,” he said. “Three trophies for Palace, the first three in the history of the club. First European competition and winning it. Unbelievable.
“He has got to be one of the best managers Palace have ever had. He has made a massive difference for how the club looks at competitions. We are not just looking to stay in the Premier League and be in Europe, we are looking to win it and be as high as possible.”
Captain Dean Henderson said: “These guys amaze me. We have had difficult times this season but on nights like this we delivered.
“It’s incredible, it’s a fairytale.”
Tyrick Mitchell missed a great chance to open the scoring in the first half and admitted fatigue was an issue in the second half as the Eagles held on
“It’s something you dream of but you don’t think is reality,” he said.
“We have made it a reality I am proud of everyone, past and present, that helped us get to this point.
“We played 60 games this season and so many of our bodies are not used to it. There was a few times where we weren’t winning, but if it all meant that we got here and won it we would do it all over again.
“It’s the same feeling that we had when we won the FA Cup; pure delight, pure emotion and we are just so happy we got it over the line.”
