St Johnstone ensured an immediate return to the Scottish Premiership, wrapping up the Championship title with two games to spare after a 2-0 win away to Dunfermline Athletic.
The Perth side led from the opening weekend of the season when they beat closest rivals Partick Thistle 5-1.
“We set the standard from day one and we stayed there,” a delighted captain Jason Holt told BBC Scotland.
“Fair play to other teams putting pressure on us, but we knew we were the best team in the league.
“To bounce back at the first time of asking, I’m so proud of the boys.”
The victory at East End Park was St Johnstone’s 20th from 34 league outings, with just three defeats along the way.
The decision to stick with head coach Simo Valakari after relegation was vindicated, with the 3,000 away fans in Fife chanting the Finn’s name.
And an emotional Valakari was full of praise for his players, saying: “It was our first chance to win this league and they showed no mercy, that tells me a lot about this team.
“We played our style. It didn’t matter where we were. We went to difficult places and we played out football. That’s what has made us champions.
“There were some key moments. We lost at Partick Thistle in November but we stuck with our principles and our values and that day I knew we would win the league.”
Experienced Holt made sure the plaudits were shared with the boss, saying of Valakari: “What you see is what you get. So much enthusiasm, so much positivity.
“As players, we go on the pitch feeling free. If you make mistakes, fine, don’t worry about it. That’s given us the platform to go and be successful. He’s been different class.”
