Quinn’s decision early in the season to appoint his former Republic of Ireland team-mate Keane has paid off spectacularly, but Keane insists the team have prospered because he was granted the autonomy he craved.

Keane said: “Niall and the board are the team behind the team. Niall and the board do not interfere, and that is why it has worked. It would not have done otherwise. It is nice to go up as champions, and there is a massive challenge ahead.

“I will meet Niall and the board next week, and we will look at what kind of money is available. There are a few players at the back of my mind who I would like to bring to the club, but that is just the start. Signing them is sometimes easier said than done.

“They are good players, at good clubs, and they are under contract. You have to set your standards very high, and we will have to raise the bar next season. It is going to be very hard, and I am not predicting we will win it, but I predict we will add something to the Premiership.”

Luton manager Kevin Blackwell admitted the match had been “men against boys” as his relegated side were outclassed in virtually every department.

But the former Leeds boss, whose old club will also compete in League One next season, was quick to heap praise on the work done by Keane and Quinn on Wearside.

Blackwell said: “Roy has been different class, but Niall has to take monumental praise, because he has done a fantastic job.

“They have a good manager and a dynamic young board, and, at the moment, it looks like the perfect marriage.”