THERE was a happy Jagielka household on Saturday tea-time as both Steve and his younger brother Phil celebrated promotion on the same day.

While midfielder Steve was joining in the party atmosphere at Woking for Stanley's return to the Football League, Phil was guaranteed promotion to the Premiership with Sheffield United thanks to the result at Leeds.

"It couldn't have worked out any better," said Steve. "We both had the chance to go up, even though Phil wasn't playing.

"They played the night before but I know they were watching the other results so it turned out to be a great day for us both.

"There were a lot of phone calls at the end of the match from my mum and dad and girlfriend - it was a busy time.

"It hasn't really sunk in yet but I'm sure it will for both us at the end of the season or when we lift the trophy."

For Steve, who played in the league with Shrewsbury before a brief spell at Bramall Lane followed by his move to Accrington, the title seemed a long time coming.

"It is a relief to finally do it as it has been a long season. We have been at the top so long and there has been all the speculation all the time," said the 28-year-old.

"We knew we could do it but it was just a case of getting over the line."

And, like all the other Stanley players, he has become more aware of what an achievement it is to get the Reds - with all their background - promoted.

"There is a great history behind the club and I have learned a lot since I have been here. It's been waiting to happen and it's a good story for everybody. It is only when you come here that you start finding out things and about how much it means to people in the area.

"The fans have always made me feel welcome and they are sound. They are always up for a laugh and, home or away, they enjoy their day out with Accrington and we appreciate their support.

"It was great on Saturday. There were a few tears in my eyes but I think that was just the champagne! And I have never been elbowed so much after a game!

"We just had a few quiet beers on the way back honest - well, me and Paul Mullin got quietly through a crate of Fosters!"

But, once the partying is over, Jagielka knows he will relish being back in the Football League.

"I have played most of my football in the League so it's good to get a promotion back there and be in a championship-winning team," said Jagielka, who will pick up a medal tomorrow with the rest of the team.

"To have League status is superb. It's been the talk for a few years round here and to achieve it now before the end of the season is great. We can enjoy it for the last couple of weeks of the season and everyone can relax."

Although injury kept Jagielka out of the Stanley side for two months at the turn of the year, the midfielder played a key role in a pre-Christmas burst of six straight wins which laid the foundation for their title success.

None of their rivals could claw back Accrington's lead as a record of scoring in every game bar one has left John Coleman's side virtually untouchable.

"We do base our football that way," said Jagielka."We can score at any time but what we struggled with last year was leaking silly goals and ending up drawing games we should be winning.

"This year we have kept a lot of clean sheets. The lads have dug in well. We have learned from last year, added a few players and the spirit is good.

"All the lads were pretty new last year but we all know each other this year."

Jagielka made 175 League appearances for Shrewsbury during a six-year stay at Gay Meadow. And that experience allied to the record of recent Conference winners Carlisle, Doncaster and Yeovil leads Jagielka to predict further progress for Stanley.

He added: "We will have a good pre-season and the lads work very hard so that will stand us in good stead.

"And there's not that much difference between this league and League Two.

"There are a few who have kicked on so hopefully we can do the same, especially with the way the gaffer has looked at things.

"He said we were not looking to get in the play-offs, he said we were looking to win the league. He has just kept everybody focussed on the main thing."