Blues promoted back to the Premier League at Reading

Birmingham City have won promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt, beating Reading 2-1 at the Madejski Stadium on the final day of the season, 3 May.

Kevin Phillips scored the winning goal to secure second place in the Championship and automatic promotion, with Keith Fahey also on the scoresheet.

A nervy finale

Blues went into the last game knowing that a win would guarantee promotion. Reading were themselves heading for the play-offs, and Sheffield United were waiting to take advantage of any slip. Birmingham held their nerve, and thousands of travelling fans celebrated at the final whistle.

McLeish's first full season

The promotion is a triumph for manager Alex McLeish, who took over from Steve Bruce in November 2007 but could not prevent relegation from the Premier League last season. He rebuilt the side over the summer, bringing in experienced players such as Phillips, who turned down a new deal at West Bromwich Albion to join Blues, as well as Lee Carsley, who became captain.

Phillips has been one of the stars of the season, scoring vital goals, and his winner at Reading capped a fine campaign for the veteran striker.

Back in the big time

Birmingham have spent several seasons moving between the top two divisions. They were promoted to the Premier League in 2002, relegated in 2006, promoted again in 2007 and relegated in 2008. The challenge now is to establish the club in the top flight.

Second City derby returns

Promotion means the Second City derby with Aston Villa will return to the Premier League next season, one of the most passionate local rivalries in English football. Villa have been challenging for a place in the top four this season.

Uncertainty off the pitch

There remains uncertainty over the club's ownership. The Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung bought a 29.9 per cent stake in 2007 with a view to taking full control, but the takeover has not yet been completed. The current owners, including David Gold and David Sullivan, have run the club since 1993, when they bought it out of administration.

Supporters will hope that the ownership question is resolved quickly, so that McLeish can strengthen his squad for the challenge ahead.

A day to celebrate

For now, Blues fans can enjoy the moment. After a long and demanding season, the team delivered when it mattered most. McLeish and his players will now enjoy a summer of preparation for a return to the Premier League.

Promotion is worth many millions of pounds to the club in extra television and sponsorship income, money that will be vital as Blues try to compete with the established Premier League clubs next season.