Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish praised the “amazing achievement” after his team won the title Conference League To claim 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 due to the multi-club ownership model.
But they will return to the Europa League next season after Jean-Philippe Mateta’s goal beat Rayo Vallecano to cap a remarkable run of achievements in recent years.
“Even being in Europe is very good, but to come and win it is unbelievable. What an amazing achievement,” Parrish told TNT Sports.
“After all the ups and downs we’ve had this season, we’ve finally reached the Europa League. Sometimes the good guys win.
“Just staying in the Premier League is difficult as everyone knows. When I bought the club I didn’t think we would play in Europe regardless of winning, and now we want to keep doing that.
“We have gone to a higher level and we want to try to stay there. We have to work hard this summer but we will take a week and enjoy it.”
Parish must decide who will take on the enviable task of replacing Glasner at Selhurst Park, but he leaves behind a platform for success.
The Austrian announced earlier in the season that he was leaving, but has enjoyed success despite finishing 15th in the Premier League.
Adam Wharton praised the director.
“The difference he has made in two and a half years is unbelievable,” he said. “Three titles for Palace, the first three titles in the club’s history. The first European Championship and winning it. Unbelievable.
“He has to be one of the best managers Palace has ever had. He has made a huge difference to how the club looks at competitions. We’re not just looking to stay in the Premier League and be in Europe, we’re looking to win it and get as high as we can.”
Captain Dean Henderson said: “These guys amaze me. We have had some tough times this season but on nights like this we get the goals going.
“It’s unbelievable, it’s a fairy tale.”
Tyreek 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 about but don’t think is reality,” he said.
“We made it a reality and I’m proud of everyone, past and present, who helped us get to this point.
“We’ve played 60 games this season and a lot of our bodies aren’t used to it. There were a few times we didn’t win, but if all that means is we get here and win it then we’ll do it again.
“It’s the same feeling we had when we won the FA Cup: pure joy, pure emotion, and we’re very happy to have crossed the goal line.”
