They're toasting promotion in the Midlands and Potteries, but there isn't much time before three clubs will be put to the ultimate survival test.
'Most likely two of the three promoted clubs will return back south, with their parachute payments and battered pride'
The self-proclaimed "Craziest League in the world" spurted out another shocking result over the weekend, as Stoke City gained automatic promotion to the Holy Grail of English Football.
The common concensus is that West Brom are the best footballing side in the second tier of the English game, yet it is not an exceptional achievement considering that The Championship is full of long ball specialists, rather than triangle wizards.
The smart money wagers that West Brom's ability will give them a relaistic chance of surviving the drop, yet Stoke have been written off before the Premier League theme tune has even rung out around The Britannia.
Stoke are not the prettiest team in their respective division, yet one cannot call Bolton Wanderers an attractive and free-flowing side. However, Stoke are still doomed for relegation with some predicting that they may even perform worse than the horror show called Derby County.
Ever the optimist, I feel that Stoke have a decent chance of surviving a season in "The Promised Land" although I have pretty much given up hope for the team who is promoted via the play-off systems.
A lack of time for planning, hiring quality players and building up the squad to match Premier League standards is nigh impossible given that a play-off club's fate is not sealed until a late Saturday in May. My advice to West Brom and Stoke is to quickly sift through the inevitable partying and open top bus tours, and get a detailed plan drawn up.
As for the team that comes out on top, after the drama of the play-offs, they can only hope that Derby are a blip rather than a trend. The team that wins at Wembley must do some quick thinking on their feet to at least give themselves a small light in a mammoth tunnel.
The board must stick with the manager, rather than follow Derby's ludicrous dismissal of Billy Davies. The club must hold on to the talent they have got, and make hey of the limited budget and time that they have in the summer transfer window. Finally the fans must follow Derby's benchmark and stick with their team, even if it feels wrong.
Most likely two of the three promoted clubs will return back south, with their parachute payments and battered pride. However, the punishing experience that predictably awaits these clubs, must not drag on and on. The wounds must be licked and pride restored, otherwise a big club could find themselves in the depths of despair. Just ask Ian Holloway as he awaits his depature from Leicester City.
The Premier League is a great target but a harsh reality. Let us hope that Derby County is just a small blip, rather than an alarming statistical trend.
What's the best way for a promoted club to stay up in the Premier League? Post yhour comments below.