SOUTH Wales Argus readers’ player of the year Tony James says promotion to League Two is just the start for Newport County AFC.

The veteran centre-back won the reader vote ahead of left wing-back Andy Sandell and was presented with the trophy during Wednesday’s promotion party.

James is the fourth successive defender to win the award, following in the footsteps of Gary Warren, Paul Bignot and current captain David Pipe, who was last year’s recipient.

“It was a big surprise. I didn’t know much about the award but I’m over the moon,” said the 34-year-old, who played a key part in Sunday’s 2-0 Conference play-off final victory over Wrexham at Wembley.

“I’ve played a lot more games than I thought I would this season and to get this trophy as well as the play-off trophy is a great feeling so thanks to the Argus readers for their votes. It means a lot.”

James has just about recovered from an emotionally draining week and, like all his teammates, he was delighted with the reception the players received from the fans in Newport.

“It was an amazing turnout and its great that the city is still celebrating,” said the Cwmbran-born star.

“It wasn’t the warmest of evenings but at least it didn’t rain and people came out to cheer us on the bus. It bodes well for the future.

“It’s been a bit of a blur since Sunday for one reason or another,” he added.

“The match itself and the whole day on Sunday was incredible.

“I was preparing myself for extra-time and to win it right at the end was just awesome – my legs were definitely glad!

“It was an amazing day and a perfect end to the season for everyone at the club.

“The whole season hinged on the last ten minutes and it was a fitting end and reward for a lot of hard work by all the players and staff.”

James will turn 35 in October but he feels he has at least one more season in him and is predicting a bright future for the Exiles.

“I’m looking forward to next year now,” he said.

“Not in my wildest dreams did I expect us to go up this year but it just shows what can happen if you believe in what you’re doing and your work ethic is right.

“Teams that go up usually do pretty well and if we can keep the nucleus of the squad together and we bring in a few players to strengthen then I think we’ll be pretty confident.

“The next few weeks we’ll rest and recuperate and then I think we’ll look ahead,” he added.

“You never know where the club could end up going in the next few years. This is the first step and if we can build sensibly and slowly hopefully we can become a really big club.”