Annan won through a testing vote yesterday to take their place in the Scottish Football League for the very first time from season 2008/09.
They replace Gretna, the stricken club who resigned from the league last month and who are ultimately expected to be liquidated in the near future.
The Dumfries and Galloway outfit came out on top after a vote by the 29 clubs in the Scottish Football League, beating off tough challenges from Spartans, Cove Rangers, Preston Athletic and Edinburgh City.
It brings to fruition a dream of the members of the club which started almost 30 years ago, following a cup tie against Stranraer. "It's just sunk in, but it's been a long time coming." said chairman Henry McLelland.
Edinburgh side Spartans were expected to win the vote after their high profile media campaign which outlined plans for a new stadium and academy, but they surprisingly fell by the wayside with just six votes after the second round.
It meant a straight shootout between Annan and Cove Rangers in the third and final round of voting, and Athletic sealed their election by 17 votes to 12.
The SFL had given their approval to Annan, and chief executive David Longmuir stressed that while he was impressed with all five clubs, it was felt Annan were the club most equipped to meet the league's stringent criteria.