Leeds United and Burnley are celebrating triumphant returns to the Premier League after a thrilling weekend in the Championship. Both clubs have secured automatic promotion with two games to spare, setting up a fierce battle for the title as they sit level on 94 points.
Burnley, led by Scott Parker, sealed their promotion with a crucial 2-1 win over Sheffield United. Two goals from captain Josh Brownhill proved decisive, ending the Blades’ hopes of catching either of the top two. For Parker, it marks a third successful promotion to the top flight, having previously led Fulham and Bournemouth up from the Championship. However, this one, he admits, feels the most meaningful.
Reflecting on the season, Parker acknowledged the challenges his side faced. “It means everything really, we set a mission to get promoted – early in the season, there were a lot of ups and downs,” he said. “I’m proud of a group of players who were committed, followed instructions, and now we’re in the Premier League. Hard work, I build my life on that, and every player has taken that on board.”
Burnley took a significant gamble in overhauling their squad and adopting a more defensive playing style, which drew criticism from some quarters. Yet, the approach has paid dividends. “We’ve had so much stick, people saying we’re boring … we’ve bored our way to the Premier League,” said Brownhill, summing up the gritty, no-nonsense ethos that carried Burnley through the campaign.
While Burnley were grinding out a tough win, Leeds had already delivered a resounding statement earlier in the day. A 6-0 demolition of Stoke City, highlighted by Joël Piroe’s remarkable four-goal performance, ensured they did all they could before turning their attention to the outcome at Turf Moor. Once Burnley’s victory was confirmed, so too was Leeds’ return to the top flight.
Leeds head coach Daniel Farke hailed the promotion as a deserved reward for a side that had to navigate the immense pressure and expectation that comes with representing such a passionate club. “This is one of the most emotional clubs in this country, so it’s never easy – it’s a heavy shirt to wear, and we have delivered in great style,” he said. “We deserve it, we’re back where we belong.”
For Farke, this is a third promotion to the Premier League, and it reaffirms his credentials as a manager who can build successful teams with character and flair. Leeds have been particularly impressive in the closing stages of the season, finding their rhythm at exactly the right time to power past their rivals.
With two games left to play, the title remains up for grabs, and both Burnley and Leeds will be eager to end the campaign as champions. Beyond the celebrations, though, both clubs know that the hard work is only just beginning. Their return to the Premier League will bring new challenges and the pressure to establish themselves at the top level. As Farke put it, “All three promoted teams are coming back down again. We have to earn a place as an established Premier League side.”
For now, though, the focus is on celebration and recognition of what has been a season of resilience, determination, and ultimately, success. Leeds and Burnley are back and they’ve done it in style.
