Andy Winter scored the fourth goal of the game
Arbroath have been praised for a "remarkable" turnaround after sealing the Scottish League One title - and a return to the Championship at the first attempt - with a 4-0 win over third-top Stenhousemuir.
A Sam Stanton double, plus goals from Fraser Taylor and Andy Winter, crowned promotion in style at Gayfield as the hosts stayed 11 points clear of Cove Rangers but now with only three games remaining.
Relegated last season, Arbroath sacked manager Jim McIntyre after just three league games of the new campaign when they were bottom of the table.
Midfielder David Gold and defender Colin Hamilton took interim charge before being appointed permanently in September and have overseen an impressive charge to the title.
Arbroath chairman Ewen West told BBC Alba: "We didn't get a great start and there were a few challenges there. We changed the manager, we brought David and Colin in, which was a bit of a risk - never been in the management game before.
"Changed the squad a wee bit and it has been remarkable since Christmas and went on a great run."
The Red Lichties were still bottom of the table after seven games but are now nine league games unbeaten and have only lost three since the turn of the year.
Co-manager Hamilton thought the turning point came in October.
"We got beat 3-1 by Dumbarton here and me and David pulled the boys in and said we can go and win this league if we really want it," he said.
"I think we were scared to say it before then, but it's the belief we have in the players. To end on a victory like that was excellent and makes it a bit more sweet."
Midfielder Sam Stanton has been a big influence since arriving on loan from Raith Rovers in January and got the ball rolling against Stenhousemuir with a stunning strike on the turn.
On-loan St Mirren midfielder Fraser Taylor fired low off a post from 18 yards after the break, Stanton met a cross from close range and forward Winter, another January loan arrival from Livingston, hammered in the fourth.
Gold said: "The boys have been excellent in recent weeks and a score like that has been coming - it was just Stenhousemuir tonight."
Stenhousemuir remain third but are now just one point ahead of Queen of the South and two clear of Alloa Athletic in the race for promotion play-off spots.
'They can be competitive in Championship'
Former goalkeeper Cammy Bell on BBC Alba
It is phenomenal that Arbroath have bounced back right away.
They were absolutely brilliant tonight - and it could have more with the opportunities towards the end. It was an onslought towards the Stenny goal.
Some of the quality in their team was brilliant and they full deserve these celebrations.
It's been amazing from the new management staff. They've brought in a number of new players since they've been involved - and what a turnaround.
The last eight games have been so important.
It is key that they keep the majority of this team, and add to it, when they return to the Championship.
I'm not saying they can go and win it, but they can certainly be competitive.
