The jubilant Posh manager was in the thick of the celebrations after a 1-0 win at Hereford secured automatic promotion at the end of his first full season in charge.

Ferguson was quick to dedicate the success to the entire staff at London Road and the club's 'awesome' supporters. He also predicted there would be plenty more celebrations to come in the next few years.

"This is just the start," Ferguson stated. "It's a fantastic achievement by the whole club. The players have been unbelievable, the coaching staff have been brilliant and our fans have been awesome all season.

"And there is no reason why we shouldn't enjoy more success. The plan when I was appointed was to get out of this league as quickly as possible and then to get out of League One quickly as well.

"The beauty of this team is that it will only get better. We signed young, hungry players because we were planning for the next couple of seasons as well.

"This is my proudest moment in football. Nothing else compares to this and we will enjoy celebrating this success, but we don't want to stop here."

A diving header from Dean Keates secured Posh their promotion-clinching win and maintained hopes that they can claim a league title for just the third time in their history.

Posh are four points behind leaders MK Dons with just two matches remaining. Posh are at Grimsby on Saturday and then host Darlington on the final day of the season when London Road will double as a venue for a promotion party.

Chairman Darragh MacAnthony, the man whose financial muscle made promotion possible, will attend that game after business commitments kept him away from Hereford.

MacAnthony said: "My reaction is one of joy, pride and gratitude to the management team and the players for achieving this amazing promotion and starting us on the road to the Premier League.

"As I say many times in business, I love it when a plan comes together. Now let's get back to focusing on the title!"