The Burnley head coach, Scott Parker, described his third Premier League promotion as his best yet after taking Burnley up, while Daniel Farke said Leeds are “back where we belong” after securing a top-flight return.
Parker has taken Fulham and Bournemouth to the Premier League in previous jobs and will have a third chance to challenge the elite next season after two goals from Josh Brownhill edged Burnley past third-placed Sheffield United to ensure their opponents can no longer catch them or Leeds.
“It means everything really, we set a mission to get promoted – early in the season, there were a lot of ups and downs,” Parker said. “I’m proud of a group of players who were committed, followed instructions, and now we’re in the Premier League.
“Hard work, I build my life on that, and every player has taken that on board. The group are together, and it’s got us here. This [promotion] feels better. I’ve had some bumps in the road, losing my job at Brugge, and I knew there was a big challenge here. I’m relieved and happy – for my family, and other people who aren’t in the spotlight.”
It was a high-risk strategy for Burnley to overhaul their squad and change to a defensive style but Parker has been rewarded with results. “We’ve had so much stick, people saying we’re boring … we’ve bored our way to the Premier League,” Brownhill, the Burnley captain, said.
The Leeds players watched Burnley’s win as they waited for their own fate to be confirmed, having done their job earlier in the day by beating Stoke 6-0, with Joël Piroe scoring four goals, to close on Farke’s third promotion. Leeds and Burnley are level on 94 points with two games remaining to settle the race for the title.
“This is one of the most emotional clubs in this country, so it’s never easy – it’s a heavy shirt to wear, and we have delivered in great style,” Farke said. “We deserve it, we’re back where we belong.
after newsletter promotion
“All three promoted teams are coming back down again. We have to earn a place as an established Premier League side.”