Bristol City can look forward to a ninth consecutive season in the Championship after securing survival last month. The Robins had entered the year near the relegation zone but Nigel Pearson saved his job by going on a long unbeaten run across the league and FA Cup, and now there is a positive outlook ahead of a big summer in store for the club.
It's exactly eight years to the day since City played their last match in League One, and their last match had ten goals... Steve Cotterill's side won 8-2 against Walsall, just a few months after they beat them 2-0 at Wembley Stadium in the EFL Trophy. Jordy Hiwula gave the Saddlers a surprise lead but Aden Flint volleyed in for an equaliser but Jay Emmanuel-Thomas scored a penalty to equalise. Hiwula scored once more but Flint added two for a surprise hat-trick, and then JET and Kieran Agard got braces, before Marlon Pack rounded off the scoring.
Flint's hat-trick had him finish the campaign with 15 goals, and as the full-time whistle blew, fans could then drink in what was to come. City won the league against Coventry City a few weeks prior, but the club decided to wait until the final game of the season to lift the trophy. They were presented with the title after finishing seven points above MK Dons, and also had the EFL Trophy with them.
Here's some pictures from Bristol City's match with Walsall, as well as the trophy lift, and other pictures. Did you go to the Gate that day? What was it like to see them lift the trophy?
1. Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images
Steve Cotterill enters the dugout and applauds the fans for the final game of the season. Photo: Paul Gilham/Getty Images
2. Flinty!
Aden Flint gets City back on level terms in the 16th minute in what was the first of three goals for the centre-back. Photo: Paul Gilham/Getty Images
3. Celebrations with Flint
Flint celebrated on his own at first but was then met by his teammates. Photo: Paul Gilham/Getty Images
4. Another Flint goal!
Flint gets his second and City’s fifth. Photo: Paul Gilham/Getty Images