Luton Town on Saturday completed a fairy-tale journey to the English Premier League after beating Coventry City on penalties in the second-tier Championship playoff final at Wembley.
The Hatters secured a fourth promotion in 10 seasons 6-5 in the shoot-out after the sides were tied at 1-1 after 120 minutes.
Financial experts estimate promotion to world football’s most watched league to be worth about ￡170 million (US$210 million) for a club that have been through turmoil since they last played in the top flight 31 years ago.
Photo: AP
Luton are the first club to go from the fifth tier to the top flight in the Premier League era.
Midfielder Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu has been on that whole journey and becomes the first player to go from the National League to Premier League with the same club.
“I feel like I completed football,” Mpanzu said. “It’s been a journey. It’s going to be a party all summer.”
Some of the windfall would go to upgrading Kenilworth Road, which with a capacity of just more than 10,000 and set among rows of terraced houses would be hosting the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool next season.
Luton had to recover from an early shock when captain Tom Lockyer collapsed on the field.
The Welsh centerback was stretchered off and taken to a hospital, where the club confirmed he was responsive and able to talk to his family.
“I feel really good, but the only thing I’m thinking about now is Tom Lockyer,” Luton manager Rob Edwards said.
A bright start from Luton was rewarded when Elijah Adebayo’s good work down the left teed up Jordan Clark to smash home at the near post.
Adebayo’s second goal was ruled out before halftime for handball.
Coventry improved after the break when Viktor Gyokeres teed up Gustavo Hamer to fire into the far corner.
The Sky Blues nearly turned the tie around fully within minutes when Matt Godden blazed a big chance over, but tired legs and tension took over in extra-time.
Joe Taylor slotted home after charging down Jonathan Panzo’s clearance, but the goal was ruled out as the ball struck the Luton man’s hand.
All of the first 11 penalties were then scored as the takers showed incredible poise under pressure, but when Fankaty Dabo’s effort sailed over the bar, Luton’s dreams came true.
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