FORMER Argyle manager Ian Holloway broke an unenviable record on a dramatic final day of the Coca-Cola Championship season.

Hapless Holloway became the first manager to guide Leicester to the third tier of English football in their 124-year history.

The Foxes earned a credible 0-0 draw at Stoke City - a result that was enough to take another former Argyle boss, Tony Pulis, into the Premier League - but Southampton's superb 3-2 win over Sheffield United sealed Leicester's fate.

Despite being level on points before kick-offs, the Saints went into the final day knowing they had to achieve a better result than Leicester because of their vastly inferior goal difference.

Steve Quinn gave the Blades an early lead that briefly saw them fill the final play-off spot but Southampton fought back with a goal from Marek Saganowski.

Stern John gave Southampton a vital lead early in the second-half, only for them to be pegged back by a Jon Stead equaliser.

With Leicester holding Stoke City at the Britannia, Saints were heading for League One until Stern John popped up again to grab a winner. The Trinidad & Tobago international then lifted the tension to a new high when he was sent-off for two bookable offences, but Southampton held on for the win.

At the other end of the table, West Bromwich Albion sealed the title with a competent 2-0 win at ten-man QPR. Goals from Do-heon Kim and Chris Brunt were enough for the Baggies to complete a wonderful season in which they also reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

Hull City were the only side in with a chance of denying Stoke City the second automatic promotion but defeat to an Alan Lee goal at Ipswich Town consigned the Tigers to the play-offs. It was not enough, however, for Ipswich to climb into the play-off places.

Bristol City were already assured of a play-off spot before their 3-0 win over Preston but the pressure was on at Crystal Palace.

The Eagles needed a win over Burnley to guarantee a place in the end of season drama and, within eight minutes, the game was up for the Clarets. Clarke Carlisle's dismissal for a professional foul and Ben Watson's conversion of the subsequent penalty effectively won the game for Palace.

Neil Warnock's men went on to score five unanswered goals with Victor Moses, Tom Soares, Scott Sinclair and Clinton Morrison all notching.

Success for Palace left only one place up for grabs and Watford had it sealed if they avoided defeat at Blackpool. Ben Burgess scored early for the Seasiders and a red card for Darius Henderson left the Hornets in big trouble.

Tommy Smith then grabbed a vital equaliser for Watford and they held on for a point that also confirmed Blackpool's safety.

It was a draw that ended the play-off dream for Wolverhampton Wanderers, despite Seyi George Olofinjana's late winner against Argyle at Molineux.

Sheffield Wednesday secured their Championship status in fine style with a 4-1 win over Norwich, while Coventry escaped final day disappointment despite a 4-1 loss at Charlton.