Sunderland finish top in Keane's first year in charge
Mifsud scores in Coventry victory
Sunderland put the icing on Roy Keane's first season in charge by winning the English second division title yesterday.
Their 5-0 win at relegated Luton Town coupled with Birmingham City's 1-0 defeat at Preston North End sent the Wearsiders into the Premier League as champions.
Keane, who guided Manchester United to seven Premier League titles in his time as a player, took charge in August with Sunderland bottom of the table after losing their first four games.
The former midfielder instigated a major revival at the Stadium of Light and his side took the title with 88 points from 46 games. Birmingham, who started the day with a one point lead, also go up automatically.
The play-off places were filled by Derby County, West Bromwich Albion, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton.
Meanwhile, Malta striker Michael Mifsud struck Coventry's first goal in a 2-1 victory away to Burnley yesterday.
Mifsud, whose speed and agility made him a constant menace for the Burnley defence throughout yesterday's game, opened the scoring in the 40th minute with a left-footed strike from the left side of the area.
Jay Tabb increased Coventry's lead when he burst into the box to finish Kevin Thornton's through-ball.
Paul McVeigh grabbed a consolation goal for Burnley in the second half.
Coventry finished the season in 17th place out of 24 teams, 14 points above the relegation zone.