Newcastle returns to Premier League

Rafael Benitez succeeded in his gamble of staying on as manager as he steered Newcastle United straight back up to the Premier League with a 4-1 win over Preston on Monday. The former Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid boss stayed on after they were relegated to the Championship at the end of last season and even though Newcastle stumbled of late, the victory over Preston guaranteed a top two finish. The Magpies became only the seventh team out of 18 to go straight back up in the past six years. They will join Brighton -- who were assured of promotion to the Premier League for the first time last Monday -- in the top tier next season.