Queens Park Rangers are back in the Premier League after a 15-year absence following Saturday’s 2-0 win at Watford.
A point at Vicarage Road would have been enough for Neil Warnock’s side to secure their ascension back to the top tier, but second-half goals from Player of the Year Adel Taarabt and Tommy Smith ensured their ascent as champions of the Championship.
It must be heeded, however, that this promotion remains under some uncertainty ahead of the midweek hearing into Rangers’ signing of Alejandro Faurlin. The transfer of the Argentine is being investigated under third-party ownership rules, with some sources suggesting QPR could yet have points deducted, throwing the promotion race into uncertain chaos.
Back to on-field matters and Taarabt, Heidar Helguson and Faurlin all had chances for QPR in the first half, while defender Bradley Orr had a goal disallowed for offside.
Danny Graham, Will Buckley and Martin Taylor went close for Watford.
Scott Loach denied what would have been a sensational goal from the much-talked about Faurlin after the break, while the QPR midfielder remained prominent as he blocked a goalbound effort from Troy Deeney at the other end.
QPR finally made the breakthrough with 13 minutes left when former Watford man Smith got free on the left and crossed for the mercurial Taarabt to sidefoot in at the near post.
The architect of that goal then sealed the win – and promotion - when Smith was put clean through in added time and eased the ball beyond Loach.
The full-time whistle brought scenes of jubilation from Warnock and his players, who will now be hoping that the week ahead does not provide a sting in the tail much nastier than any the Hornets could have delivered.
If Cardiff lose at home to Middlesbrough and Nowich City win at Portsmouth on Monday then the Canaries will also be promoted, but the battle for second place is likely to go to the final day on Sunday week when Norwich host Coventry and the Bluebirds are at Burnley.
Meanwhile, Sheffield United and Scunthorpe United were both relegated to League One on Saturday. The Blades drew 2-2 at home to Barnsley, while Nottingham Forest thumped Scunthrpe 5-1.
Forest are strong favourites over Leeds for the final playoff place, with Swansea City, Reading and either Norwich or Cardiff the other teams to be involved.