Sheffield United have clinched promotion back to the Premier League with a 2-0 win against West Bromwich Albion at jubilant Bramall Lane on Wednesday.
Paul Heckingbottom’s side saw off Albion thanks to goals from Sander Berge and Anel Ahmedhodzic, ensuring they earned the second automatic promotion spot behind Burnley in the Championship with three games to spare.
Second-placed United sprinted to the finish line, with six wins from their last seven games as they moved seven points clear of third-placed Luton, who have just two matches left.
The Blades were relegated from the top flight in 2021 and lost in the Championship play-off semi-finals against Nottingham Forest last season.
But Heckingbottom, in his second season as Sheffield boss, has astutely guided his club back into English football’s elite.
“I don’t think it will sink in for a while but I’m just determined to enjoy tonight and make sure everyone else enjoys tonight. It’s a shame we’ve got three more games left!” Heckingbottom said.
“But we’ve got to enjoy it, you enjoy every win and when it’s a win as special and significant as this, we are going to have a good time.”
Promotion will be worth up to £170 million ($212 million) in increased revenues over the next three seasons for the Blades.
It is a well-earned reward for United’s consistency this season, with Heckingbottom’s men in the top two for much of the campaign.
They also reached the FA Cup semi-finals this term, enjoying a shock fifth-round win over Tottenham before losing 3-0 to Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday.
It is the third time Sheffield United has been promoted to the Premier League, with each success coming via a second-placed finish.
