Birmingham were denied the Championship trophy at the last by Preston. While Sunderland were allowed the luxury of playing already-relegated Luton, Blues had to fight a team chasing a playoff place.
PNE came out of the blocks from the start, pushing Birmingham back into their own half for most of the first 25 minutes.
While the sun tried in vain to fight its way through the clouds at Deepdale, Blues fans were determined that nothing would rain on their parade. One of the recurring fancy-dress themes was the Blues Brothers, but nurses, Santa and a rather curious tin of Spam were also seen in the away enclosure.
Nugent, probably playing his last game for Preston, hit the post early in the game following a poor defensive clearance.
Blues were weak in the middle without the suspended Muamba and Mehdi Nafti had a torrid time of it, eventually being subbed for a third striker when Steve Bruce decided to go for broke in the second half.
Colin Doyle was kept busy as he was further tested by Nugent and Ormerod. Fresh from winning plaudits at the end of season awards, Doyle was on his mettle and made a number of fine saves.
After the break Damien Johnson, returning from a hamstring problem, replaced Bruno N’Gotty at right back.
Birmingham got themselves back into the game in the second half but did not take their chances. McSheffrey missed two headers from close range and Jaidi sent another just wide of the far post.
Forced to chase the game to get a title-winning win, Blues inevitably left themselves open at the back and an error from Stephen Kelly eventually gifted Preston with a goal just five minutes before full-time.
Sadly for Preston, their efforts were in vain as the teams above them all won and they missed out on the playoff places by one point and one place.
With little money available at PNE, cashing in on their main asset, Nugent will probably have to provide the funds for strengthening the team next season.
Birmingham must now take stock of their promotion-winning team and decide who is to figure for them next season. Transfer rumours will abound as it is inevitable that there will be a flush of new signings over the summer to turn the team into an outfit that will survive in the Premiership.
Manager Rating
Steve Bruce had given his team some extra rest time at the beginning of the week and with hindsight, maybe he should have kept his foot on the gas. Attacking substitutions were added in the second half but the midfield was not the same without Fabrice Muamba and Bruce did not have an adequate replacement to call upon.
Opponent Rating
Paul Simpson got this right; Preston had most of the attacking play in the first half, pushing Birmingham back and forcing many corners. He is resigned to the loss of Nugent but will be looking to rebuild from the proceeds of the sale.