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

Northants beat Hampshire Hawks by 14 runs in an absorbing Edgbaston final on Saturday as they claimed a record-equalling third title.

Supporters were heard chanting “Shoe Army!” throughout Finals Day, a reference to Northampton’s historic links to the shoemaking industry.

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

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

Lehmann, who was Australia 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 reclaiming a title they last won in 2016.

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

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

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

“The challenge now is to strive to be better. To not rest on our laurels. We’re already planning for next year.”

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