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Sheffield United was planning to party long into the night after clinching 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 it 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 United 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.
It 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.
‘Good at partying’
It is the third time the Blades have been promoted to the Premier League, with each success coming via a second-placed finish.
United has retained second position from November 13 despite challenges from Luton and Middlesbrough.
“We wanted to give back to the club and the fans. This club should be in the Premier League and now we are back to where we need to be,” Berge said.
“There are a lot of players good at partying, maybe even better than on the pitch. I think we will go into town probably.”
Blades defender John Egan added: “Memories for life with this bunch of lads. There’s not many places in football where you get such a tight-knit squad.
“We really are mates off the pitch. I that helps and it shows on the pitch.”
United’s celebrations came 24 hours after Burnley wrapped up the Championship title with a 1-0 win at Blackburn.
Burnley’s Championship dominance this season is underlined by their 10-point lead over United.
Two years and nine days after they were relegated, United can look forward to renewing acquaintances with Manchester City, Arsenal and the rest of the Premier League elite.
They broke play-off chasing Albion’s resistance in the 58th minute when Iliman Ndiaye squared to Berge and the Norwegian midfielder fired home.
United’s promotion was in sight by the 76th minute when George Baldock’s volley was turned in brilliantly by Ahmedhodzic.
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