PETALING JAYA: Cardiff City have earned promotion back to the English Championship after just one season in League One with a 3-1 away win against Reading on Saturday.
Owned by Malaysian tycoon Tan Sri Vincent Tan, the Bluebirds still have three matches remaining in the current season.
But other results ensured their early promotion, with Exeter City holding Stockport County in a dramatic 3-3 draw where Exeter goalkeeper Jack Bycroft scored a late equaliser.
The result ensured that no other team could catch Cardiff in the race for automatic promotion.
The final whistle sparked jubilant scenes at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, where players, coaching staff and club chief executive officer and executive director Ken Choo celebrated with nearly 3,000 travelling supporters.
Vincent said he was elated by the success, calling it a proud moment for the club.
“This is a proud moment for everyone connected to Cardiff City. Our players, coaching staff, management and loyal supporters have shown tremendous passion, resilience and unity throughout the season,’’ he said.
“We thank the fans for standing by the club and we look forward to competing strongly in the Championship next season.”
The promotion crowns an outstanding debut campaign for coach Brian Barry-Murphy, whose side have recorded 25 league victories this season and shown consistency throughout the season.
“It’s a very special time and I’m very grateful for the opportunity. It’s an incredible feeling to finally do it,” he said.
“What excites me most is the team’s potential. There are a lot of young players and the experience they’ve gained this season will hopefully fuel their hunger for next season.”
Attacking midfielder Rubin Colwill, one of the scorers against Reading, said he was overwhelmed.
“It’s such a special moment for everyone involved. I’m really proud and really happy,” said Rubin, 23, a product of the club’s youth academy who made his senior debut in 2021.
“We’ve got such a close group. Many of us came through the academy together and this has been our dream since we were kids, so for us it’s unbelievable.”
Cardiff finished 24th in the Championship last season, which saw them relegated to League One.
They currently sit second in the standings with 85 points from 43 matches, holding an unassailable 11-point lead over Bolton Wanderers, who have two games remaining.
Meanwhile, Lincoln City have already been crowned League One champions, amassing 97 points from 44 matches with two fixtures left to play.
