Former Sheffield United and Coventry City defender Chris Hussey on free-kick that secured promotion for Cheltenham Town and why Michael Duff will manage at highest level
Left wing-back has been outstanding for Robins throughout memorable campaign
Jon PalmerFootball Writer
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Cheltenham Town's promotion-winning goalscorer Chris Hussey firmly believes Michael Duff will go on to manage at the highest level.
Hussey's stunning 56th minute free-kick against Carlisle United on Tuesday night earned the Robins the point they needed to make sure of a top three place with two matches left to play.
It was Duff's seventh promotion in total, but his first as a manager at the end of his second full season at the helm and left wing-back Hussey was full of praise for his methods.
"What the gaffer has done since coming in speaks for itself, he has been brilliant," Hussey said.
"From where we were to where we are now is like chalk and cheese and I think he will manage at the highest level.
"He is never too high, never too low and his messages are clear and concise.
"He's right up there with the best managers I've worked with, if not the best."
Cheltenham Town will continue to punch above their weight - chairman Andy Wilcox describes promotion to League One as "a dream" and says Michael Duff isn't going anywhere
His famous dance explained, what it means to the club and the town and why promotion is better as boss than as a player - Cheltenham Town manager Michael Duff after the 1-1 draw with Carlisle United
Hussey has played in League One for Coventry City, Bury and Sheffield United, helping the latter win the title in 2016/17.
He can now look forward to climbing back to the third tier, where Cheltenham last competed in 2008/09.
"It will be another challenge, but if we take the underdog mentality we've always had, even in this league, and everyone sticks together, we can go a long way," Hussey said.
"I am lucky enough to have won the league above so hopefully I can help the lads, but everyone has been brilliant this year, to a man.
"I am delighted for everyone associated with the club and we have created a little bit of history, achieving what we wanted to, especially after the disappointment in the play-offs last year."
Cheltenham Town's Chris Hussey (right) celebrates his equaliser against Carlisle United
Hussey had not scored since a superb free-kick at Colchester United on February 29 last year, but he picked the perfect moment to open his account for this term after Sam Smith was fouled 20 yards from goal.
"From a personal point of view, of course it's brilliant to score the goal, but it was not just my free-kick," Hussey said.
"It was a team effort and I was lucky enough to be able to put it in the top corner.
Carlisle United goalkeeper Magnus Norman fails to stop Cheltenham Town's Chris Hussey from scoring from a free-kick (Image: David Davies/PA Wire)
"Weirdly, the groundsman (Matt Utteridge) told me I'd score and I then told Gav (Crowe, sports therapist) I was going to be the one to get the goal for us and that's how it worked out."
Hussey allowed himself a celebratory gin and tonic, but he said it would be back to business as usual as they bid to seal the title in their remaining two matches, starting at Newport County AFC on Saturday.
"We'll enjoy tonight, but we'll be back in on Thursday and the gaffer will be after us, so we'll go after the title," he said.
Cheltenham Town players celebrate with fans outside the ground after being promoted to League One
"It was a bit strange celebrating without anyone in the ground, but going out and seeing the fans who had gathered outside the car park made it all seem a bit more real.
"The gaffer is always talking about there being photos of him and Russ (Milton) up around the ground, so it was about time we get some of us up there!"
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