Drop pain but is Utd back on top

you want to do is be part of it coming back up.

“It wasn’t to be for me but I’m buzzing for the boys that have done it.”

Of the Tangerines’ top-six, silverware and European ambitions, Dillon adds: “What they’ve achieved already is brilliant.

“It’s great to see them back to where I believe they should be.

“I definitely think they can get back in there. I’m not going to say I would expect it but I certainly wouldn’t be surprised if they go on and do really well.

“Robbie’s done a great job already and I’d love to see them continuing on.”

Dillon insists the most important aspect is the fans have hope moving into the future that the glory days will return.

He continues: “You want to see your former clubs doing well, you always look out for teams or players you’ve played with.

“Robbie and United come into that category but, ultimately, the biggest buzz for me will be for the fans.

“You see the crowds they’ve had this year and the travelling supports – they’ve been absolutely brilliant.

“It’s a reward for constantly being there and taking such big crowds around the country.

“You take it for granted sometimes the fact the club has done so well for so long.

“You get into that frame of mind that ‘we’re a Premiership club’ and you’re fighting for European football.

“When you do it over a period of time it becomes the norm and that’s a great thing to be involved in.

“But when it doesn’t happen and things change you need to roll with that.

“The fact they’re back up as soon as possible is the first step and I’m delighted for them.

“It’s a shame they didn’t get to celebrate the way they would’ve wanted but it’s job done that’s the main thing.”

defender Sean Dillon as much as relegation the year before.