The Seasiders' popular and engaging boss was, until today, as well known for his one-liners and ready quips as for his achievements as a manager.

But the rest of the top flight had better be braced for the arrival of Holloway and his unfashionable side after they secured the most lucrative, and the unlikeliest, of promotions with a thrilling 3-2 Wembley win over Cardiff.

"I'm not a clown, I'm not an idiot and I'm not madcap," said Holloway.

"I'm just a human being who tries to encourage other people and who sometimes needs encouraging himself - and I might need a lot of it next year."

Brett Ormerod scored the goal worth an estimated £90million to the famous old Lancashire club in first-half stoppage time.

DJ Campbell's run caused havoc in the Cardiff area and the ball broke for 33-year-old Ormerod to hit the 114th and most vital goal of his long career.

Cardiff led twice through Michael Chopra and Joe Ledley but they were pegged back by Charlie Adam's free-kick and Gary Taylor-Fletcher's close-range header.

Chopra was also twice denied by the woodwork as Blackpool held out for an historic win.

"I can't tell you how proud I am," added Holloway.

"I think our spirit shone through. No matter how many times they hit us, and we were a bit punch drunk, but we got there on points in the end.

"It's way beyond my wildest dreams that this group of players have achieved something that I think history might not see again.

"Cardiff could score a goal against us but they couldn't beat our spirit."

Blackpool will be favourites to follow Burnley straight back through the trapdoor next season, but it will not be for the want of effort or commitment from the players, as well as a sprinkling of optimism from the boss.

"I want to win the Champions League in two years," added Holloway. "Well, that's as wild a dream as us being in the Premier League.

"But it might find a few out when they come to our ground, if the pitch is bobbly and the stand isn't quite there yet it might find a few out.

"Chelsea are going to have to come to Bloomfield Road, and they had better have the right spirit because we will have a right go at them - and hopefully they won't win 8-0.

"Burnley have inspired me and this lot of lads are getting that same opportunity.

"To be blunt, you'll probably see us take a few hammerings but I hope it won't destroy what we have got here because our fans won't get expectant, I guarantee that. They are just loving it.

"It's a different level now and the challenge for all of us is can we move forward? But it's too early for that, we deserve the chance to celebrate and that's what we are going to do."

For Cardiff boss Dave Jones, another season in the Championship beckons after his men failed to become the first team from Wales to reach the Premier League.

"Everything's raw," said Jones. "I wish Ian and Blackpool all the best, while we have to take it on the chin and try to bounce back. We'll live to fight another day.

"Ollie has got the prize. We went close but not close enough."

City at least have a brighter future to look forward to having fallen foul of the taxman this year, with a Malaysian consortium taking over the club and ploughing in funds.

Jones was recently linked with the vacant West Ham manager's job but claims he wants to be in charge of the Bluebirds next term.

"There is always speculation but my heart and my mind are towards Cardiff City - maybe the new board will want a change but at the moment I'm focused on going away on holiday for a few days and then starting again."