Northamptonshire Steelbacks head coach Darren Lehmann has praised the club’s ‘Shoe Army’ of supporters following their T20 Blast triumph.

Northants beat Hampshire Hawks by 14 runs in an absorbing final at Edgbaston on Saturday to claim a record third title.

Fans were heard chanting “Shoe Army!” throughout finals day, a reference to Northampton’s historic links to the footwear industry.

“We’ll enjoy the moment,” Lehmann said. “The fans have been fantastic.”

Northants won nine of their 12 Central and West Group matches, before sealing their place in the final with victory over Somerset.

Lehmann, who was Australia’s head coach from 2013 to 2018, winning two Ashes series and the 2015 World Cup, said his players had “created their own memories and history” by winning back a title they last won in 2016.

“They [the players] “They will talk about it for the rest of their lives, as will many other people,” he said.

“It’s a tough trophy to win and a proud part of our history.

“It says a lot about everyone involved in the club, and this trophy also speaks about the people behind the scenes.

“The challenge now is to strive to be better. Not to rest on our laurels. We are already planning for next year.”

The Steelbacks return to action on Tuesday when they open their One-Day Cup campaign against Warwickshire at Wantage Road.