Second-half goals from Reece McAlear and Ruari Paton sent St Johnstone back to the William Hill Premiership immediately at East End Park.
A 2-0 win over Dunfermline took Saints seven points above Partick Thistle with two games remaining in the Championship season.
Partick Thistle’s draw with Airdrie on Saturday gave Simo Valakari’s side two chances to clinch the title before the Jags’ next play, and they took the first.
The Perth side have led the way since the opening day, beating Thistle 5-1, but the Maryhill side remained level on points at one stage and both teams remain unbeaten in 12 games in the league.
St Johnstone played 120 minutes at Hampden on Saturday before a penalty shoot-out win over Falkirk in the Scottish Cup semi-final and were facing a side who had played three games in a row in midweek.
Congratulations to St Johnstone’s Ruari Patton on their 2-0 win.
Dunfermline manager Neil Lennon has made five changes to his starting line-up.
Saints had the better of the first half and Josh McPake was once again a dangerous man for the visitors. The winger hit the underside of the bar from 15 yards and delivered several teased balls that Paton was unable to capitalize on.
Sam Stanton also went close from long range and mistakenly blocked team-mate Morgan Boyes’ goal-bound effort.
The breakthrough came after 56 minutes after the home side failed to clear the line. Paton teed up McAlear from 22 yards out and the former Livingston midfielder’s first-time shot deflected wide off the boot of Charlie Gilmour and deceived goalkeeper Aston Oxborough.
The Perth side doubled their lead in the 72nd minute when Paton came between the Dunfermline centre-backs and guided a header into the bottom corner from 12 yards following a cross from Liam Smith.
Dunfermline have a five-point lead over fifth-placed Raith Rovers but could wrap up a play-off place before the weekend as their Fife rivals travel to McDiarmid Park on Friday.
Holt is proud and relieved to confirm his return to the Premier League.
captain st johnstone Jason Holt Proud and relieved to be back in the top flight after recovering from a difficult period in his career.
Holt suffered back-to-back relegations with Livingston and Saints, but led the Perth side back to the William Hill Premiership with a 2–0 win at Dunfermline to seal the championship title.
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St Johnstone’s Ruari Paton talks about the club’s return to the Scottish Premiership and his future after winning the Championship title.
After second-half goals from Reece McAlear and Ruari Paton sparked a party at East End Park, Holt told BBC Scotland:
“Fair play to other teams puts pressure on us, but we knew we were the best team in the league.
“And to get this done at the first opportunity, it’s great to be promoted back to the highest level.”
Holt praised coach Simo Valakari for leading Saints to promotion in his first full season in charge.
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St Johnstone manager Simo Balacary reflects on the club’s return to the Scottish Premiership after leading the Championship since the opening weekend of the season.
“What you see is a lot of positivity and enthusiasm being gained,” the former Hearts and Rangers midfielder said.
“The biggest compliment I can give him is that we are free on the field. That’s all you can ask for as a player. It’s okay to make mistakes, don’t worry. That gave us the foundation to be successful this year.
“He’s been a different class since he came to the club.
“Last year was very difficult at times. There aren’t many players in the dressing room who were here last year, maybe one in two or three. “Sometimes it’s really difficult. It takes over your life.
“But when you first ask me, I’ll be honest, I’m so proud of those guys.”
