Southampton eased to victory in their final match against Coventry
Southampton will compete in the Barclays Premier League next season after clinching the second promotion spot in the Championship with a 4-0 thrashing of relegated Coventry on the final day of the season.
Billy Sharp and Jose Fonte scored early goals for Saints to calm any nerves, with Jos Hooiveld and Adam Lallana netting after the break as Southampton ended a seven-year absence from the top flight.
The victory also ensured Southampton would finish above West Ham United - the only side which could have overtaken them - and the Hammers will join Birmingham City, Blackpool and Cardiff City in the play-offs.
The St Mary's outfit will join Championship champions Reading in the Premier League, after the Royals clinched promotion on April 17th.
Saints were relegated at the end of the 2004/05 season after a 27-year stay in the English top flight.
