Newcastle United launched their bid to return to the Premier League from the first day of the Championship last August.

Newcastle are a massive club... their rightful place should be in the top flight and among the elite clubs in England. The Magpies wrapped up a successful campaign by claiming the Championship title after making sure of promotion with weeks to spare.

The league crown was secured after their 2-0 win at Plymouth, Newcastle's 29th victory of the campaign. This was Newcastle's first piece of silverware since winning the old Second Division under Kevin Keegan in 1993.

At the start of season 2009-10, the critics bracketed Newcastle among the also-rans after they offloaded their best players.

A slot in the play-offs was the most they could aspire for, the pundits claimed.

Yet, manager Chris Hughton silenced the critics and won all-round admiration in the process as the Toon went on to dominate the division.

The fans played their part as well as the team remained undefeated at their own patch.

Newcastle were crowned champions with two matches to play and with a cushion of nine points over the other promoted team, West Bromwich Albion.

The Baggies, managed by Roberto di Matteo, also regained their top-flight status after just one year in the old first division.

Perhaps, the greatest feat last season was achieved by Blackpool.

The Tangerines returned to the top flight via the play-offs for the first time in 39 years. Blackpool toppled Cardiff City 3-2 in the final at Wembley.