Former Championship leaders Leeds United have been promoted to the Premier League after a 16-year wait when nearest challengers West Bromwich Albion lost 2-1 to Huddersfield Town on Friday.

Marcelo Bielsa's side were able to celebrate promotion without kicking a ball as second placed Albion's failure to take three points guaranteed Leeds will finish in the top two.

West Brom fell behind to Chris Willock's early goal and although Dara O'Shea equalized, Emile Smith-Rowe won it for struggling Huddersfield in the 86th minute.

"We are back. Leeds United are Premier League," the club said on their Twitter account moments after the final whistle.

Leeds are points five clear at the top and they can clinch the Championship title with a draw against Derby at Pride Park on Sunday.

A tense 1-0 win over Barnsley at Elland Road, secured by Michael Sollbauer's own goal, had moved Leeds to the brink of promotion on Thursday.

Now, they can look forward to renewing old rivalries with Manchester United and Chelsea next season.

Leeds are one of England's biggest clubs, with their legion of fanatical fans following them around the country and regularly attracting home crowds of over 30,000 despite years of underachievement.

Their long-awaited return to the top tier completes a turbulent journey that saw them become a laughing stock when they languished in third tier obscurity.

Leeds went through 14 different managers following their 2004 relegation from the Premier League, until the sleeping giant was awoken by former Lazio and Marseille boss Bielsa.

He led Leeds within touching distance of promotion in his first season, but they crumbled in the final weeks and were beaten in the play-of semi-finals by Derby.

(With input from agencies)

(Cover image: Players of Leeds United celebrate during the match against Barnsley in Leeds, UK, July 16, 2020. /VCG)