Congratulations Southampton!

After 7 years in the wilderness, Southampton have made a triumphant return to the Premier League.

It marks the end of a journey which saw the Saints relegated in 2005 from the Premier League following a 2-1 loss to Manchester United at the end of the season, then struggle in the Championship for several seasons before being relegated to League One after being placed in administration.

Markus Liebherr: Saints' late owner

After struggling further in League One, they were taken over by their late owner, Marcus Liebherr, whose trust ensured the Saints were financially strong and able to strengthen their squad even in his passing, purchasing the likes of Rickie Lambert and Billy Sharp who have scored many of their goals this season.

They gained promotion last season from League One and have done what Norwich did last season, and earn back to back promotions, culminating in a return to the big time. The Saints' march to the Premier League seemed straightforward at first but Reading's form at the end of the season and a bit of stage fright delayed the Saints' promotion to the big time, but they clinched a deserved place with a result that their season deserved, 4-0 against already relegated Coventry City.

So can the Saints stay up in the Premier League next season? I think they have a great chance and could emulate what Norwich, Swansea & Stoke have done in the past. Southampton have great strikers in Lambert and Sharp who are eager for their chance to shine in the Premier League and they've got a pretty decent squad. Plus they have a great manager who will definitely sign more players to strengthen their squad. Their form at home has been good which will need to continue into next season as it'll be a key ingredient to their survival chances - it's the reason why QPR are still very much alive and kicking in their race to survive in the Premier League.

It makes the Premier League in the bottom half of the table all the more intriguing next season - with Norwich and Swansea in danger of facing second-season-failure syndrome and the likes of Reading in the mix too.

And will there be another club to do back-to-back promotions next season? Maybe time to keep an eye on Charlton Athletic who blew all asunder in League One and were once a Premier League club.

But for now, well done to the Saints who have ensured the Premier League's presence on the sunny South Coast.