Hull City manager Steve Bruce was in a state of shock as his team secured promotion to the Premier League in the most dramatic of fashions.
Almost overcome by emotion, the man who has led the Tigers to top flight glory embraced fans and was mobbed by supporters as Ross McCormack scored a late lob for Leeds, sending Hull City into the Premier League.
"I have been around the block and this was wonderful entertainment, but Jesus Christ, it's put us through the ringer," he said.
"Overall, we deserved it. The ref gave them an unbelievable decision to give Cardiff a penalty but it's our day. I would like to say well done to Watford who pushed us all the way."
At 2-1 up and in injury time, Hull missed a penalty and then looked on in horror as Cardiff won one of their own and scored it. As a result they were left hoping Leeds would not buckle against Watford.
"It took guts for us, they rolled their sleeves up and have put in a real shift," Bruce said.
"We had heard Watford were 2-0 up and they weren't - we could have put it to bed. How many chances have we had? We had a penalty and missed it. This is totally ridiculous.
"I have said for weeks there would be twists and turns. I have never experienced anything like the last 10 or 15 minutes."
Bruce's players could not believe it either. Some hid in the dressing room while others watched McCormack's goal on a television in the tunnel as the game at Vicarage Road played on.
"I thought it was over and was thinking of the play-offs," said goal-scorer Paul McShane, who netted the second of Hull's two goals. "I couldn't have written this better. We made it hard but we saved the best until the last day."
Team-mate George Boyd chose to stay in the dressing room, unable to watch as Leeds played out the last of their game against Watford.
"I couldn't watch it," he said. "Leeds have done us a massive favour and well done to them for putting on a show. They could have easily thrown it in but they did us a favour."
Robbie Brady said he was looking forward to returning to Old Trafford to take on his former team-mates.
He said: "It was a dream to play there when I was a kid. Things happen and the timing wasn't right for me there and I had a great opportunity to make the move to Hull.
"There is a great bunch of lads here. Old Trafford is an unbelievable place and everybody wants to play there."
Stephen Quinn paid tribute to manager Steve Bruce for putting together a promotion-winning team.
He said: "The gaffer has built an unbelievable squad. I never knew we were that good a side, good enough to push for promotion. The gaffer deserves so much credit. To put together the squad he has and to challenge for promotion is amazing.
"Unlucky to Watford but the best team won in the end."More on Hull City's promotion
• The story of the game in 10 pictures
• Hull City 2 Cardiff City 2 - match report
• Fans celebrate as Hull City promoted to the Premier League
• Assem Allam thanks Hull City fans
• Relive the drama! Replay our live, interactive commentary
• Gallery: The story of Hull City's promotion season in pictures
• Seven matches that turned the season
