Following their relegation from the Premier League and the subsequent departure of manager Tony Mowbray to Celtic, some of West Bromwich Albion’s fans may have feared that the hoped-for immediate return to the top flight may not materialise. They needn’t have worried.

New boss Roberto Di Matteo was no stranger to success having won the League, FA and UEFA Cup Winners Cups during his time with Chelsea. Having taken MK Dons to the play-off’s the previous season, Di Matteo was appointed as Mowbray’s successor with a view to taking the straight back up. With Newcastle leading the way, the Baggies put up a good fight for the Championship title and despite coming up just short, their 91 point haul was more than sufficient to guarantee them Premier League football in 2010/11.

After an opening day home draw against fellow promotion chasers Newcastle United they went on a run of 8 wins from 9 league and cup matches, including a 5-0 mauling of the third relegated club Middlesbrough, before going out of the Carling Cup at the hands of Arsenal. Their impressive form continued with only a couple of poor results, surprisingly at the Hawthorns. A 4-2 win against the Magpies in the FA Cup actually signalled a dip in form which allowed Newcastle to forge ahead. But WBA picked up again and with Dorrans, Brunt and Bednar all hitting the net regularly, promotion was secured well before the final game.

West Brom actually had a comparable record to Newcastle away from home but it was their 4 home defeats that left them in second place. However, whilst the title would have been nice, promotion and a return to the riches of Premier League football was the main prize and the Baggies are deservedly back in the Premiership.