Aidy Boothroyd celebrates Watford's promotion

"This is just the end of the beginning. We will come again," said Boothroyd.

"We will start as relegation favourites next season, like this season. This is not the end, this is the beginning.

"We've got no big-timers, but the lads love each other and work hard for each other. When you have that belief, anything is possible."

Interview: Watford boss Adrian Boothroyd

Interview: Jay DeMerit

Jay DeMerit's header, a Neil Sullivan own goal and a late penalty from Darius Henderson ensured Boothroyd's team prevailed and condemned Leeds to a third successive season outside the top flight.

Boothroyd added: "There'll be a lot of clubs saying they want to 'do a Watford'. We have players who do their job - they are magnificent people."

Watford goalscorer Jay DeMerit hailed Watford's fantastic supporters.

"It's fantastic. We've worked so hard this season and the fans have really got behind us," he said.

"My family flew over to be here and it's great that they could be here and it's fantastic news for the club."

Midfielder Gavin Mahon was full of praise for Watford boss Boothroyd.

He said: "It's unbelievable. From the first day the manager came in he has oozed confidence and his coaching staff have been superb.

"He had to get rid of a few players, but brought some great ones in too."

Watford chairman Graham Simpson admitted that watching the match had been "tortuous".

"That was the most tortuous 90 minutes I've ever endured. You cannot enjoy it, until afterwards anyway," he said.

"I'm very emotional. I'm so proud of everybody involved. It's a fantastic day for a club of our size.

"I'm very happy for the fans - it's the fans that matter.

"Premiership? One step at a time. Boothroyd is a very clever man. We'll be favourites for relegation next season but you just watch this space."