Sunderland, Birmingham bounce straight back

Two of last season's relegated sides, Birmingham City and Sunderland, returned to the Premiership at the first attempt.

West Brom, who also lost their top-flight status in the previous campaign, came close to promotion, only to lose in the play-off final against the other Midland side, Derby County.

Champions Sunderland, managed by ex-Manchester United skipper Roy Keane, will again be luring the crowds to the Stadium of Light.

In his first season as manager, Keane has proved capable of taking his leadership qualities as a player into management.

Keane took over the Black Cats job when they were in a dark alley having lost their first four fixtures. At the time, Sunderland were managed by present chairman Niall Quinn.

Soon, Keane left his mark on the side as they started to climb up the table until they finally clinched the title with a 5-0 romp over hapless Luton on the last day.

Steve Bruce was more than glad to lead Birmingham back into the top flight, having been so close to getting the sack when the Blues went down last year.

Derby, West Brom, Wolves and Southampton took part in the dramatic end-of-season play-offs. Third-placed Derby were rewarded for finishing just behind the promoted duo, by winning the deciders against Southampton and then West Brom.

It is appalling to see a club like Leeds slip into the third tier of the English game. The saga of bad management continued to take its toll as, from Champions League semi-finalists in 2001, Leeds are now in League One.

Play-off semi-finals
Southampton-Derby 1-2
Derby-Southampton 2-3
(Derby won 4-3 on pens)
Wolves-West Brom 2-3
West Brom-Wolves 1-0
(West Brom won 4-2 on aggregate)

Final (Wembley)
Derby-West Brom 1-0

PFA Select XI
Murray (Wolves), Alexander (Preston), Bale (Southampton), Moore (Derby), Davies (West Brom), Koumas (West Brom), Edwards (Sunderland), Whitehead (Sunderland), Kamara (West Brom), Chopra (Cardiff), McSheffrey (Birmingham).