REFLECTING on a great night for all connected with Norwich City, Canaries Player spoke to some of the key individuals from the Castle Mound.

In front of a packed Castle Meadow, City skipper Grant Holt held aloft the Championship trophy with him and his team-mates acknowledging the crowd of sea and yellow below.

"It was great," said Holt. "When you see that coming down there and you show the trophy at the castle you realise how big this Club is, fantastic support and a great honour."

Norwich City Council estimate around 35,000 people lined the streets to welcome Paul Lambert's title-winning squad, which was an inspiring surprise for the Cumbrian: "It's a Thursday night so you don't expect that many, but it was absolutely fantastic and I think the lads were a little taken aback to start with - but it's a fantastic honour to be part of everything that's gone on today.

"It's a perfect end really, we've worked hard for it and we've done it."

Also on the bus were midfielder Simon Lappin and left-back Adam Drury.

"It was absolutely incredible, just great scenes," said Lappin. "I think it shows how much it means to these supporters and it's the same for all the boys, it's absolutely incredible."

The Scot says Thursday's scenes are something he'll remember for a long time: "Definitely. I made sure I got enough photographs and video clips of it and it's etched in the memory something like that, it's absolutely fantastic."

Asked if he was expecting such a turnout: "To be honest no. I knew we'd have a big turnout but didn't expect it to be as big as that and it's a credit to the supporters. They've been there week-in, week-out all season and I'm just delighted we've won the championship for them."

Adam Drury experienced City's last promotion back in 2004 and said this was equally as enjoyable: "It was brilliant then and it's brilliant now. The turnout has been absolutely fantastic again. You're never sure how many there would be, you're a bit nervous when you come into the city, but as soon as we got here the streets have been lined the whole way in and the atmosphere has been unbelievable.

"It's been a great season and the fans have had a massive part to play in it."

Waiting on the Castle Mound for the promotion bus to arrive were joint-majority shareholders Delia Smith and Michael Wynn Jones. They reflected on what had been a great night for everyone connected with the Football Club: "It's absolutely amazing," said Delia.  

They had special praise for manager Paul Lambert: "Quite stunning," said Michael. "The dedication, the commitment, and as I think David (McNally) said earlier, he lives and sleeps Norwich City and this is the result. It shows what he really can do."

City boss Paul Lambert felt the celebrations were a great end to the season for players and fans alike, and was not surprised by the turnout which he has complimented at every league game this season: "It was terrific because I see it every single Saturday, every away game, the amount of people that come and watch us.

"It's brilliant for them, they deserve it and I'm absolutely delighted for them, delighted for the crowd and for the city."

Now the season has officially finished it's a chance for the team to have a break before preparations begin for 2010-11: "They deserve their rest, a break and will come back and give it a go next year," said Lambert.

To see the full interviews and exclusive footage from the bus parade log on to Canaries Player