Burnley booked a place in the Premier League as a stunning strike from Wade Elliott earned a 1-0 victory over Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final at Wembley.
United entered the game as firm favourites, but Elliott's wonder goal in the first half ensured the Clarets ended a marathon season of more than 60 games by earning a return to top-flight football for the first time in 33 years.
The midfielder netted the only goal of the game in the 13th minute as he superbly curled past a hapless Paddy Kenny from 25 yards to ensure Owen Coyle's side, who reached the semi-finals of the Carling Cup and last 16 of the FA Cup, secured the last promotion place alongside Wolves and Birmingham City.
United believed they should have had the chance to respond in the first 45 minutes when Brian Howard appeared to be felled by Graham Alexander but referee Mike Dean, whose appointment was criticised by Blades boss Kevin Blackwell, was not interested.
Burnley almost extended their lead in the second half but United were twice grateful to last-ditch blocks from Nick Montgomery and Kyle Walker as Coyle's men played on the counter-attack.
Blackwell's hopes of grabbing an equaliser were then extinguished as substitute Jamie Ward was sent off for two bookings, both for handball, after only 11 minutes on the field.
The Clarets, among the founder members of the Football League, are back in the top flight for the first time since 1976.
For United, another season in the Championship beckons, two years after they were relegated amid the controversy of the Carlos Tevez affair.
Burnley manager Owen Coyle, who is already being linked with the vacant Celtic manager's job, said: "We've got a great adventure to look forward to.
"I think you've seen the effort the players gave today, it was great game, end-to-end - and we had chances to put the game to bed.
"We don't have quantity but I believe we have quality - I'm obviously delighted with what we've achieved today.
"I'm immensely proud and delighted for everyone in the town - but my heart goes out to Sheffield United."
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