Saints seal promotion as rivals eye play-offs

Southampton manager Nigel Adkins praised the character and professionalism of his players after they secured a return to the Premier League.

Goals from Billy Sharp, Jose Fonte, Jos Hooiveld and Adam Lallana saw off lowly Coventry 4-0 and propelled Saints back to the top flight after a seven-year absence.

Adkins, who has now led the club to back-to-back promotions, said: “We’ve put a lot of hard work in and a lot of hours but we’ve achieved something special this season.”

West Ham had to settle for the play-offs, despite finishing with a 2-1 home win over Hull.

Boss Sam Allardyce confidently said: “We still have three games to win, and we will do it.

“Our ultimate goal was not achieved, we left ourselves too much to do, but we’ll look forward to preparing for the play-offs.”

There they will face Cardiff, who booked a play-off spot for the third season in a row after winning 2-1 at Crystal Palace.

Boss Malky Mackay said: “We are 10 games unbeaten going into the play-offs so there is real momentum there.”

Blackpool will face Birmingham in the other play-off after the Tangerines finished their season with a 2-2 draw at Millwall.

Boss Ian Holloway said: “It will be interesting to see which way it goes.

“There are a lot of big teams who aren’t in them but we will give it our best shot.”

Birmingham beat champions Reading 2-0 and boss Chris Hughton said: “The thought of playing in the two play-offs is taking up 100% of my thoughts.

“There is an emphasis from everyone at the club to try and get through to the final and get back into the Premier League. That will take up all of our efforts.”

Middlesbrough’s outside hopes of securing a top-six finish ended with a 2-1 defeat at Watford, while Leeds boss Neil Warnock is looking to rebuild after finishing their season in 14th spot after a home defeat to Leicester.

He said: “We’re having a drastic change to the squad. We need to get ready and get amongst them.

“I don’t have the time to blend them in. We need to be ready to go.”

Play-off semi-finals (two legs) Thursday: Cardiff v West Ham, 7.45pm Friday: Blackpool v Birmingham, 7.45pm May 7: West Ham v Cardiff, 4.30pm May 9: Birmingham v Blackpool, 7.45pm