Smallbone told The Sun: It's a big occasion when you get to Wembley, the fans gathering hours before kick-off.
"I did it. The tension is building and everyone is nervous, itching for the game to start.
"It'll be different for me as a player this time but understanding the fans' point of view of where they've been will help spur me on to have a good game and help with the other players.
It's something that has driven me this season and to get over the line on Sunday. I remember how big a celebration it was for everybody getting back to the Premier League last time.
"So to do it at the first time of asking would be an unbelievably proud moment for me and everyone connected.
If you'd have offered us at the start of the season that we'd have one game to win to get there we'd have snapped your hand off."