Hull City midfielder Jake Livermore has admitted that he is delighted to have got over the line in the Championship following his side's previous struggles.
The Tigers hit a rich vein of form around the turn of the year, but a difficult spell between February and April saw them win just one of their eight games.
Hull ended the season in a strong manner, however, taking 13 points from the last 18 on offer before overcoming Derby County in a two-legged semi-final playoff.
Mohamed Diame's goal proved enough in Saturday's final against Sheffield Wednesday, meaning a return to the Premier League for Livermore and his teammates after facing the drop exactly 12 months ago.
"It's been a long, long season," he told Sky Sports News. "We had a dip in form at the wrong time and thankfully we bounced back.
"Today is a special day for everyone. We want to go to all the big clubs. We're just happy to be in the top flight and give something back to these fans."
Hull will join Middlesbrough and Burnley in the 2016-17 Premier League, while one of one of Barnsley or Millwall will take the Tigers' place when the League One playoff final is contested on Sunday.
Daniel Lewis
