Norwich City have secured their promotion back to the Barclays Premier League after a six year absence.The Canaries booked their return to the top-flight with a 1-0 away win over Portsmouth, with the decisive goal coming from Simeon Jackson.
Norwich were playing in League 1 a year ago, and on Monday evening were celebrating their second successive promotion.
Paul Lambert's Norwich side were able to take advantage of rivals Cardiff City's defeat to Middlesbrough earlier in the day, and will be delighted to have avoided the uncertainty of the play-offs.
MEMORABLE NIGHTThe Norfolk side have become the first team to achieve back-to-back promotions to the Premier League since Manchester City in 2000. They last played in the top-flight in the 2004/05 season, when they were relegated after a single season.
On a memorable night, more than 3,000 fans partied in the away stand while club shareholder Delia Smith celebrated in the directors' box.
Now, they join Queens Park Rangers in the automatic promotion places, after the Londoners booked their return the Premier League as champions on Saturday.
After the match at Fratton Park, Lambert branded the achievement a "miracle".
Lambert said: "It's incredible what the lads have done. They are the ones who do it week in week out
"In the two years we have been here it's a miracle what has happened.
"And it's how we've done it, from League One and then the Championship. It's up there with anything I've done."
MAGNIFICENT EFFORTSkipper Grant Holt, who has spearheaded the promotion push with 22 goals, was full of praise for the Scottish manager.
"The manager has been fantastic. He's a motivator and has been great for us," he said.
"We've got a fantastic bunch of lads here. We've worked hard and I think when we're on it there's no-one better.
"We've a great team spirit and a great desire. It's a joy being with each other every day."
Goal-hero Jackson struck in the 50th minute when he buried David Fox's superb cross.
It was a ninth goal in seven matches for the striker, formerly of Rushden and Gillingham, who will now be lining up against Manchester United and Chelsea next season.
Jackson said: "It's been a magnificent effort by everyone.
"It's not down to me, its down to everyone throughout the season. I cant believe we've done it."
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[ 本文被goodpethk111在2011-05-03 19:01重新編輯 ]
