A beaming Roberto Di Matteo praised his Baggies squad after Albion sealed an immediate return to the Premier League – in his first season in charge at The Hawthorns. After Tony Mowbray decided to exit for Celtic in the close season, the popular Italian secured automatic promotion with three games remaining.
With the Baggies realistically only requiring only a point to clinch a top-two spot, goals from Graham Dorrans and Chris Brunt gave the Baggies a two-goal lead advantage over Doncaster Rovers.
On loan Arsenal man Jay Emmanuel-Thomas pulled a goal back for the hosts before Roman Bednar extended the Baggies’ lead in the 74th minute. James Hayter’s header five minutes before full-time ensured a nervy finish but Di Matteo’s battlers held on to earn fourth promotion to the Premier League.
"We have always kept the belief that we have a good team and squad," the Italian insisted.
"It's credit to the players.
"They have worked extremely hard to win promotion with three games to go.
"That's an amazing achievement.
"The players' attitude and effort has been key to the success.
"I know we were expected to go straight back up but we've actually achieved it, so we're all very pleased about that."
"We conceded a late goal today and I could have done without that!
"But we showed tremendous resilience to win the game.
"Away from home, we've got such a good record this season.
"We haven't just won promotion, this was another good three points away from home.
"At times this season, we've been more entertaining than I'd like!
"People pay for their tickets and expect entertainment and they're never left short when we play!
"Joking aside, we've had a few good unbeaten runs throughout the season and this is another one.
"We haven't lost in nine games and it was a good time to have a run like that.
"It shows we get stronger towards the end of the season.