FORMER Concord Rangers boss and FitzWimarc School teacher Danny Cowley could not hide his joy after completing his objective of winning promotion to League One.

Cowley, who is assisted by brother Nicky, saw his Lincoln City side earn a second promotion in three seasons despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Cheltenham Town at Sincil Bank.

Although he would have preferred to have celebrated with a win, Cowley was ecstatic to guide the Imps to just a seventh promotion in the club’s 106 seasons as a Football League club.

“I’m really pleased for everyone connected with the club,” said Cowley.

“Obviously it’s not quite how we planned to do it - we were flat against Cheltenham and lost our intensity after we scored.

“We’re 19 games unbeaten though so we have to realise it’s more than just about one game. It’s a project that we have been completely focused on all season and the objective was always to win promotion.

“It’s a lifetime’s work for Nicky and myself, and I know the commitment both we and the players have had to make to get this far. I’m really proud of everyone for what we have achieved.”

The Cowley brothers have overseen a dramatic transformation at Lincoln.

The Imps were relegated from League Two in 2011 and had to scrap to avoid falling into the National League North two years later.

During the same campaign, the Cowleys guided Concord into the National League South via the Isthmian Premier League play-offs.

After departing the Aspect Arena, the Cowley brothers enjoyed a successful campaign with Braintree Town before being handed the task of taking Lincoln back into the Football League.

During his first season at the helm, Cowley guided the Imps to the National League title and to become the first non-league club to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup in more than a century.

The Cowleys also led Lincoln to their first ever appearance at Wembley, with the League Two side beating Shrewsbury Town in the Checkatrade Trophy final.

Despite being on a high after adding another promotion to his CV, Cowley is not targeting Championship football yet.

“You can’t talk about a division that you’re two divisions away from because that’s pie in the sky,” added Cowley.

“But now, ultimately, that’ll be the one above us, which sounds pretty good.”