The Football League play-offs for the 2008–09 season were held in May 2009, with the finals taking place at Wembley Stadium in London.
Burnley and Sheffield United contested the Championship play-off final, having defeated Reading and Preston North End respectively in the semi-finals.
Burnley secured promotion to the Premier League with a 1–0 victory, courtesy of a goal from Wade Elliott.
Reading - who were aiming to return to the Premier League at the first attempt - were in fourth place in the table.
Neither of the latter had played in the Premier League before, with Preston's last spell in the top division ending in 1961.