Sheffield United 2-0 West Brom: The Blades are PROMOTED back to the Premier League

Moments after the final whistle confirmed Sheffield United’s promotion to the Premier League, the soundtrack accompanying their revival under Paul Heckingbottom boomed over the PA system.

It was the Status Quo classic ‘Rockin’ All Over the World’, the lyrics of which had been adapted by fans as a tribute to United boss Heckingbottom and his trusted lieutenant Stuart McCall, the popular ex-Blades player.

“We’re Sheffield and we’re United on a roll, here we go gooooo… Hecky and Stuart McCall!” cheered the jubilant United fans in an almost packed crowd.

Heckingbottom hugged his players and staff and roared with joy after second-half goals from Sander Berge and Anel Ahmedhodzic clinched victory and a costly promotion with three games of the season remaining.

Play-off pursuit of West Brom reduced their hosts to 45 minutes of frustration and futility during the first half, but eventually the Blades’ class called it quits.

United players emphatically celebrated their promotion success full-time at Bramall Lane

The defeat has made West Brom’s task of qualifying for the Championship play-off places even more difficult

Norwegian midfielder Berge grabbed his seventh of the season to put United ahead in the 58th minute and Bosnian defender Ahmedhodzic hit a superb second with 14 minutes remaining.

United can now begin preparations for a return to the Premier League after a two-year absence – and 12 months after they failed to beat Nottingham Forest in the semi-finals of the Championship play-offs.

Promotion represents a personal triumph for Heckingbottom, who has demonstrated outstanding leadership skills and managerial acumen to lead his men back to the promised land despite endless off-field troubles, including a transfer embargo and ownership story.

United fans sang their ‘Greasy Chip Butty’ song with remarkable enthusiasm before kick-off.

Despite the huge crowd and sense of opportunity, there was precious little inspiration from the Heckingbottom players during the first half.

The Blades lacked the cunning and creativity needed to unlock a tenacious Albion defense despite the best efforts of mid-park Manchester City midfielder Tommy Doyle on loan.

Albion, remembering their imminent threat, then had a decent chance as Jed Wallace crossed from the right flank to Taylor Gardner-Hickman, who fired straight at Wes Foderingham.

Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom celebrated his side’s performance

United striker Oli McBurnie will have another chance to prove his talents in the Premier League

But United eventually led when Taylor Gardner-Hickman’s backpass went straight to Iliman Ndiaye, who evaded Semi Ajayi to find the onrushing Berge, who tapped home from six yards.

United were denied a penalty moments later when Oli McBurnie went down under Darnell Furlong’s challenge, but promotion was secured with 14 minutes remaining.

George Baldock volleyed after Albion failed to clear a corner and Ahmedhodzic was on hand to lead the ball into the net, leading to more wild celebrations.

It’s been a season of so much emotion in the red and white half of Sheffield.