There were jubilant scenes outside St Mary's this afternoon as Saints fans celebrated being back in the Premier League after seven years of hurt.

Among the supporters leaving the ground was runner Iwan Thomas, who lives in Southampton.

He said: “It was absolutely brilliant.

“I was tempted to get on the pitch at the end but I thought I should behave myself.

“It was a sell out crowd and this is exactly what the fans deserve.”

Saints fan Jon Rouse, 21, from Woolston, said it was an emotional day.

He said: “We've had seven years waiting for this.

“With everything that's happened at Southampton in the last couple of years - going into administration, going down to league one.

“And now we're in the Premiere League.

“It's where we belong.”

George Gatesman, 77, from Shirley, said he was confident from the beginning.

He said: “I'm elated.

“We got back in the championship and one season later and we're up again.

“I said at the start we'll be going straight back up.”

Rebecca Bevis, 21, from Locks Heath said: “It's just the best feeling in the world.

“There was an amazing atmosphere at the game.

“We'll be out partying tonight in Southampton.”