St Johnstone win Championship and seal return to top flight
Last updated 21st Apr 2026
St Johnstone have clinched the Championship title with a 2-0 win away to Dunfermline.
Goals from Reece McAlear and Ruari Paton at East End Park on Tuesday night secured their return to the top flight at the first time of asking.
Simo Valakari's Saints have led the pack for the majority of the campaign and have won the league with two matches to spare.
They will lift the title on Friday night at McDiarmid Park against Raith Rovers.
St Johnstone last won the second tier under Derek McInnes in 2009.
It means Partick Thistle will need to battle through the play-offs if they want to join the title winners in the Premiership next season.
Arbroath have also confirmed their place in the play-offs with Dunfermline still in a strong position to get the final spot.
The Pars also have a Scottish Cup final against Celtic to look forward to at the end of the season.
St Johnstone have lost just three league matches all campaign - scoring the most goals and conceding the fewest.
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