But Wright feels that his achievement in leading Chester City to the Nationwide Conference title this season is one of his proudest moments in football.

Chester clinched the championship at the weekend courtesy of a 1-0 home win over Scarborough. They now return to the Football League after a four year absence.

Wright said: "The feeling on Saturday was unbelievable. I've never been so nervous in all my life. Even when I played for England in the 1990 World Cup Semi-Final against West Germany! My players were uptight too because most of them had never won anything before.

"The problem for me is that as manager I am glued to the bench and I cannot do anything to influence the game. When I was a player, I could get involved on the park.

"I was fortunate enough to play at the highest level and travel all over the world with England. But when you put a team together and rely on 11 other people out on the pitch to achieve things for you, then it is a special emotion when things go well.

"You work with the players on a daily basis to get the best out of them. You put them all together, train them and pick them for matches. But once they cross that white line out on to the pitch, they are on their own.Consequently I am so proud of every member of my team. We have shown the character and spirit that has deservedly taken the title.

"You have to make sure you bring a great set of players together. So winning the Conference title as Chester manager is very high on my list of favourite career moments - if not at the top. It is the first honour I have achieved in management so it feels particularly sweet.

" It was a brilliant experience for me when the final whistle sounded on Saturday. We had done it and it was just like the buzz I had when I was captain of Liverpool and we won the FA Cup at Wembley in 1992.

"It is a great achievement by the players, the board, the club and the management. You wouldn't believe some of the places we have had to travel to and some of the things we have had to do, but it has all been worthwhile. I thank everyone at the club because it is a major feat to get out of the Conference."

Wright has been in charge at the Deva Stadium for two and a half years. But rather than dwelling on the progress his team has made, he is already planning the next chapter.

He said: "There are not many people in football who get to win a championship trophy. Some players go through their entire careers without winning a thing. But we have done it at Chester City and now we have the Third Division to look forward to.

"Last season, Doncaster went up from the Conference without even winning the championship and they have now won promotion to the Second Division. So if we can emulate them, it would be great for the Conference.

"In fact, the way that Doncaster have performed this season has given my lads the most incentive. 'Donny' beat us in the Conference Play-Offs last year and they have taken the Third Division by storm. We hope to match their progress. The teams who go up from the Conference tend to do well in the Nationwide League. They are good, strong sides that are geared up and committed to staying and achieving in Division Three. We will give it our best shot in there next season.

"I am hoping we can have a full house for every home game next season. I want to go out and get the right players who will continue to do the job for us. It is great for the city and the area that we are back in the Football League. And it is the first time in the club's history that they have won a championship here. So I think we have to enjoy it and I certainly will."

JOHN STILL has been confirmed as the new manager of Dagenham and Redbridge in the Conference. Still, 54, previously managed Redbridge Forest who merged with Dagenham to form the present club. He has also been in charge at Peterborough, Lincoln, Barnet and Maidstone.

ALSO in the Conference, Forest Green Rovers have confirmed that Tim Harris will be their permanent manager next season. Harris has been caretaker at The Lawn since Colin Addison's departure in December. He has guided the team away from the relegation zone.

MAIDSTONE UNITED of the Go Travel Kent League have announced plans for a new stadium at Whatman Way. A planning application has been submitted to Maidstone Borough Council for a 3,000-capacity arena. The club currently groundshare at Sittingbourne FC.