READING'S footballers, who clinched promotion back to the Premiership on Tuesday night, will go up as champions despite only managing a draw at home to Crystal Palace this afternoon.

The Royals were assured of top spot after nearest rivals Southampton slumped to a 2-1 defeat at Middlesbrough in the late kickoff, despite taking the lead after just 47 seconds.

Earlier in the day 10-man Reading - they had striker Jason Roberts sent off early on - were held 2-2 by Palace and looked to have damaged their hopes of taking the Championship title for the second time in their history.

Now they will be waiting for the Football League to confirm where the trophy will be presented and it will give the town something extra to celebrate a week tomorrow when the victorious team parades through Reading on an open top bus.

For full details on the route and where you can see the parade - or join in the celebration party at the Madejski Stadium - see next Thursday's super Reading Chronicle.