The promotion heroes are back in the county after a one nil win sent them soaring into the Premier League.

Jetting into Norfolk by plane, the Norwich City players were met by Spring sunshine and the promise of top-flight football as they touched down at Norwich International Airport this morning.

A crowd made-up of the media and die-hard supporters welcomed the players as they filtered through the arrivals lounge and made their way to a nearby coach.

Midfield ace Henri Lansbury was the first player to emerge, sending a ripple of applause through the gathering which cheered as the city stars appeared.

Meanwhile, the national and regional media rushed to Wes Hoolahan, Simeon Jackson and Russell Martin in a bid to capture the excitement after an historic win at Fratton Park.

Stopping outside the airport in a crisp grey suit, manager Paul Lambert gave his verdict of the one nil victory against Portsmouth.

He said: 'The team did brilliantly. They were excellent on the night and great under pressure.

'The fans were pivotal. They gave the players the boost they needed. I want to thank them for supporting us. It is an amazing achievement for everyone involved.

'We worked hard all season and to get it done in the way we did was a real achievement.

'Now we are just going to enjoy the last game and the remaining couple of weeks.'

Meanwhile, goal hero Simeon Jackson said he found it hard to describe his excitement following his goal, which sealed the deal for the Canaries.

'I can't tell you how I am feeling. It still hasn't sunk in quite yet. I expect it is going to be a tremendous feeling at Carrow Road.

'It is down to everyone that we are here. It is not just me, it is a collected effort.

'Every player wants to play at the highest level and we have worked hard to get there. There might be a bit of awe when we play the big names, but now we are in it, we are going to have to mix it and match it.

'The fans are massive - they are what makes us. The support we got is unreal.'

Midfield maestro Wes Hoolahan believes all the players will want to savour the chance of playing top-flight football next season.

He said: 'We will relish the chance now that we are there. You want to get in the Premier League and play the top players. All our lads have been brilliant.

'All of us were screaming and shouting when we heard the scores from the Cardiff game. It was then we knew we had a job to do.

'The boss just told us to keep doing what we were doing and get on the ball as much as possible.'

In the airport, Norwich City fans arrived early to greet the players as they touched back down in the county.

Former Norwich City player Dave Bennett was one of the supporters waiting for the team.

He said it brought back memories of playing in the Norwich City team that won promotion from division two to division one in the 1981 to 1982 season.

'It was a bit different when we got promoted. We came home on the bus with a bag of chips. Looking at what happened last night all the players got to do the dives and run around and celebrate, but because Sheffield fans invaded the pitch at the end of our match we never got the chance to celebrate with our fans,' said the left-sided midfielder.

Elsewhere, Norwich City fan, Chris Brown, was also waiting to congratulate the players.

The 17-year-old student from Horsford said: 'Its a great atmosphere down here today. I couldn't even sleep last night when we won.

'I just can't wait for next season. I would love to see us play Manchester United because my step dad is a United fan.'