Burnley and Leeds promoted to the Premier League

Burnley and Leeds United have both been promoted to the Premier League for the 2025-26 season, after Sheffield United fell to a 2-1 defeat in the late kick-off.

Josh Brownhill’s two first-half goals were enough to win the Clarets’ mini play-off “final” against Chris Wilder’s side.

Diaspora Digital Media understands that this marks a third Premier League promotion in the last five years for Scott Parker, who also took Fulham and Bournemouth into the top flight this decade.

And, while so much of Burnley’s success has been built on a defence operating at record-breaking levels, they finally delivered supporters a healthy dose of excitement on the decisive day.

“We’ve been written off so many times, people calling us boring,” Brownhill said. “Well, we’ve bored our way to the Premier League.”

In a game Sheffield United had to win to maintain their hopes of automatic promotion, Tom Cannon’s equaliser was sandwiched between the two Brownhill goals.

But, ultimately, the Blades paid the price for three consecutive defeats in the build-up to Easter, a run that condemned them to the play-offs, with their eight other visits having all ended in defeat.

And Parker, meanwhile, added another impressive achievement to his managerial record.

“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.

“The group are together, and it’s got us here. This [promotion] feels better. I’ve had some bumps in the road, and I knew there was a big challenge here.

“I’m relieved and happy – for my family, and other people who aren’t in the spotlight.”

Brownhill opened the scoring after 28 minutes, after Burnley survived a strong opening from a Sheffield United side that had four forwards.

Ben Brereton Diaz’s attempted clearance bounced unkindly off CJ Egan-Riley after 28 minutes and Josh Cullen’s shot was well saved by Michael Cooper.

Brownhill forced the rebound over the line from close range, although the lead would only last for nine minutes.

A defence that had kept 29 clean sheets, and not conceded more than one goal in any league game this season, was found wanting when Gus Hamer slipped a pass inside Connor Roberts.

Cannon switched feet skilfully before beating James Trafford with a fierce finish into the roof of the net and, suddenly, the thousands of rising fans could dream of a win that would extend their hopes of a top-two finish.

But in the final minute of the half, after Anel Ahmedhodzic brought down Hannibal Mejbri with a rash hack to the knee, Browning kept his cool to send a perfect penalty post Cooper for what would prove to be the winner.

Earlier, Joel Piroe scored four goals, including Leeds’s fastest-ever league hat-trick, as Daniel Farke’s men thrashed Stoke City 6-0 at Elland Road.

Junior Firpo and Willy Gnonto also scored, but they had to wait until Burnley’s victory over Sheffield United before they could get their promotion party started.

Two goals from Mustapha Bundu helped relegation-threatened Plymouth Argyle stun play-off hopefuls Coventry City 3-1 to claim their third home win in a row.

Cardiff City suffered a huge blow to their survival hopes as a free-kick screamer from Cameron Brannagan salvaged a 1-1 draw for Oxford United and soured Aaron Ramsey’s first game as interim Bluebirds boss.

Derby County, meanwhile, earned a much-needed 3-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion with goals from Ebou Adams, Jerry Yates and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing.

Hull came from behind to beat fellow strugglers Preston North End 2-1 with two Joe Gelhardt penalties while a terrific second-half display saw Luton Town give their hopes a boost by beating play-off chasing Bristol City 3-1. Thelo Aasgaard, Carlton Morris and Isaiah Jones scored Luton’s goals.

Colby Bishop’s goal earned Portsmouth a 1-0 win over 10-man Watford to seal their safety.

Pompey are six points clear of the drop zone with two games to play but, with Hull and Derby still to play each other, their status in the second tier is secure.

Tyrhys Dolan kept alive Blackburn Rovers’s chances of making the play-offs with a hard-earned 1-0 win at Sunderland.

Millwall are just three points off sixth-placed Coventry in the play-off places with two matches to go after Mihailo Ivanovic scored twice to sink Norwich City 3-1 at The Den.

Middlesbrough’s ambitions were dented by a damaging 2-1 loss at Sheffield Wednesday thanks to substitute Anthony Musaba’s 89th-minute winner.

Resurgent Swansea City made it five consecutive Championship wins by beating Queens Park Rangers 2-1 and further boosting Alan Sheehan’s chances of taking permanent charge.

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