Sunderland secured their return to the Championship in style with a 2-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers. The Black Cats looked in complete control throughout the 90 minutes and Alex Neil wrote his name into the history books on Wearside.
The Black Cats head coach has finally ended the play-off hoodoo that lingered overhead and the Scotsman has restored pride in a season that looked destined to hit the rocks. There were plenty of emotional scenes at full-time as over 46,000 red and white supporters got to see their side win at the home of English football.
There remains question marks over Neil's future after leading the club back to the Championship, but the Black Cats boss holds a strong hand after an incredible run of form since his appointment. Talks about his future are set to take place later this week, but he's set to enjoy some well earned down time after success where others have fallen short.
READ MORE: Alex Neil reveals the 'brave' decision which paid off handsomely in Sunderland's play-off win
Here are look at some of the things you might have missed from Sunderland's win at Wembley.
Emotional Lynden Gooch after best day of his career
It's very rare in football to see players hang around after relegation from the Premier League, never mind back to back relegations to League One. Lynden Gooch has been there through the toughest times in Sunderland's recent history.
Perhaps one of the players in the current Sunderland squad that gets the most flack, not because of his lack of ability, but he was finally able to give something back to supporters after a tough few years. The American is out of contract this summer and talks are set to happen next week in relation to his future, but at the full-time whistle you could see how much it meant to him.
Gooch dropped to his knees before sharing an embrace with his team-mates. An hour or so after the final whistle as he spoke with the press, he was lost for words and teary eyed.
This was his club. If he leaves this summer, it will still be his club. The 26-year-old scored the winner last time at Wembley but he himself admits that this is a different feeling all together. This may be his final swansong in a Sunderland shirt and what a way to go out if that is the case.
Alex Neil's two day celebrations
The Sunderland head coach wrote his name into the history books yesterday, but instead of talking about life in the Championship, he's planned a two day celebration. Neil said he plans on being hungover for the next two days as he finally gets to celebrate a monumental achievement. When he was appointed in February, Sunderland were in disarray. They were a mess.
The Scot has come in and steadied the ship, making the Black Cats one of the hardest sides to beat, suffering just one defeat since his arrival. His leadership and play-off experience is exactly what Sunderland needed and now he's got a platform to build on ahead of next season.
His future still needs resolved given he was appointed on a rolling contract. But, you would like to think that there's enough mutual respect there to allow him to continue his work beyond the summer.
Luke O'Nien's embrace with Bailey Wright
Luke O'Nien was another to drop to his knees at the full-time whistle before sharing an embrace with Bailey Wright. Another Sunderland player who wears his heart on his sleeve and the fan favourite has been through some tough times.
There was plenty of speculation regarding his future last summer, but he penned a new deal and made a vow to try and get the club promoted. Yesterday, was the day he delivered on that promise.
'Mr. Versatile' may not know his best position, but his hard work and character speaks volumes. O'Nien was one of the last players off the pitch at Wembley and in the tunnel made time to speak with the children of members of the backroom staff.
It's easy to forget that these footballers are human beings away from the pitch. O'Nien today showed doubters why he was right to make the move to Sunderland and Neil has the right characters in the squad to build a platform for next season.
Anthony Patterson's coming of age
One of the main gripes of Sunderland fans in recent years has been the reluctance to use their young talent in the academy. Elliot Embleton will no doubt take the main headlines for scoring the opening goal, but Anthony Patterson played a huge part in yesterday's win.
The young goalkeeper dealt with everything Wycombe threw his way and competing aerially with Sam Vokes and some of the Wycombe side, is no easy task. The youngster enjoyed a fantastic moment midway through the second-half with Wycombe in the ascendency.
Bailey Wright mistimed the flight of the ball which left Sam Vokes baring down on goal. Out rushed Patterson to halt the Chairboys' frontman.
When you look back at his debut display at Oldham Athletic last season, to the goalkeeper that took the field yesterday, he's enjoyed a remarkable coming of age.
Touch of class from Sunderland
For all the hysteria surrounding the game, Sunderland were keen to remember one person who would not be at the game. In the dressing room they hung up a shirt as a tribute to popular former media and communications officer Louise Wanless.
It's approaching the 12 month anniversary of her sad passing and the well respected figure is held in high regard. It's a moment she would have looked on with great pride and a classy touch from the club.
