During the 2000–01 and 2001–02 seasons, Burnley emerged as serious contenders for a promotion play-off place. In early 2002, financial problems caused by the collapse of ITV Digital brought the club close to administration again. Ternent was sacked in 2004, after he avoided relegation with a squad composed of many loanees and some players who were not entirely fit. Steve Cotterill was then appointed as manager but was replaced in November 2007 by Owen Coyle. The 2008–09 season, Coyle's first full season in charge, ended with promotion to the Premier League. Sheffield United were defeated in the Championship play-off Final, which meant a return to the top flight after 33 years. Burnley also reached the semi-final of the League Cup for the first time in over 25 years but were beaten on aggregate by Tottenham in the last minutes of the second leg.