Leeds have begun their celebrations after sealing promotion to the Premier League following 16 years outside the top flight.

The West Yorkshire club were guaranteed automatic promotion from the Sky Bet Championship after second-placed West Brom lost 2-1 at Huddersfield.

Leeds had moved on to 87 points on Thursday following their 1-0 home win against Barnsley and West Brom’s defeat left them five points behind with one game to play.

Jubilant fans gathered at Elland Road to celebrate the club’s return to the top table of English football, while the players were also in party mode as they danced and saluted supporters from the windows of the stadium.

“The biggest thing Leeds did at the end of last season was keep the manager.

“We’ve heard plaudits from many managers, Pep Guardiola to name one, that name him as a mentor or guru.

“He’s an oddball, he’s a scientist, he’s a professor of the game.

“We’ve seen that with spygate and everything else that comes with him, but it just all adds to the Leeds United history. Love them or loathe them, they’re back in the Premiership.”

Liverpool midfielder James Milner, who started his career at Elland Road, tweeted: “Congratulations LUFC. #backwhereyoubelong #MOT”

Former Leeds goalkeeper Nigel Martyn posted: “Congratulations to everyone at @LUFC on promotion, so pleased for the management, players and most importantly the fans. The football has been amazing to watch and it’s fully deserved. Now go and win it outright!!”