This year’s Championship play-off final on 29th May will be contested between Reading and Huddersfield Town at Wembley Stadium. Both teams came through tough semi-finals, with Reading edging Fulham and Huddersfield needing penalties to beat Sheffield Wednesday.
Here, we will be looking back at those teams who won the last 10 play-off finals, and how they fared in the Premier League the following season.
10. 2007, Derby County
Derby County were promoted to the Premier League in 2007 after defeating West Brom 1-0 in the first Championship play-off final to be played at the new Wembley Stadium. They had strengthened their squad after signing the likes of Robert Earnshaw, Kenny Miller, Robbie Savage and Claude Davis.
However, it proved to be a disastrous season for the Rams. They became the first team in Premier League history to be relegated in March and ended the season with a league record low points tally of just 11 after securing only one win in 38 games.
They have not returned to the Premier League since then, and have had five managers in the last two seasons as they try to build for the future.
9. 2008, Hull City
Hull City won promotion in 2008 after they defeated Bristol City 1-0 in the play-off final to reach the Premier League for the first time in the club’s history. Notable signings included Giovanni, Jimmy Bullard and George Boateng.
Hull managed to survive relegation by finishing just one point ahead of Newcastle United who were consequently relegated. However, they only lasted one more season in the league as they were then relegated in 2010 back to the Championship.
They enjoyed a fairly successful first season back in the Premier League, however they weren’t able to build on the positive start.
8. 2009, Burnley
Burnley were promoted to the Premier League for the first time in the club’s history in 2009 after defeating Sheffield United 1-0 in the play-off final. They signed the likes of Steven Fletcher, Tyrone Mings and David Nugent for their Premier League campaign, however it wasn’t enough.
Burnley were relegated straight back to the Championship after finishing 18th with a total 30 points – five points away from survival.
It would take Burnley another four years to reach the Premier League once again, and look to try and secure themselves as steady Premier League members, however their first season back in the Premier League was one to forget.
7. 2010, Blackpool
Blackpool secured Promotion to England’s top division for the first time since 1971 after they beat Cardiff City 3-2 in a thrilling play-off final. Despite the well known financial troubles the club faced, they were still able to bring in the likes of DJ Campbell, Jason Puncheon and Matt Phillips ahead of their return to the Premier League.
Despite some impressive performances, it was all in vain as Blackpool were relegated on the final day of the season straight back to the Championship after finishing 19th – just one point away from survival.
After spending four more years in the Championship, the club now find themselves in League 1 in what has been a disappointing few years for the club.
6. 2011, Swansea City
Swansea City were promoted to the Premier League thanks to a hat-trick from Scott Sinclair in their 4-2 victory over Reading in the play-off final. In the space of seven years, Swansea has risen from League 2 to the Premier League. They brought in the likes of Wayne Routledge, Michel Vorm and Danny Graham ahead of their first season in England’s top division.
Not only did they survive relegation, they finished 11th in the league with a total of 47 points – 11 points clear of relegation. They finished higher than the two sides they were promoted with – Queens Park Rangers and Norwich City – and surprised everyone with their possessional style of football.
They have stayed in the top-flight since, and have secured their Premier League status for next season.
5. 2012, West Ham United
Ricardo Vaz Te’s late winner secure West Ham promotion back to the Premier League as they defeated Blackpool 2-1 in the play-off final. They were able to sign the likes of Andy Carroll, Alou Diarra and Matt Jarvis ahead of their return to the Premier League.
They, like Swansea the previous season, made an immediate impact on the Premier League, finishing in 10th position – 10 points clear of relegation. They have remained in the Premier League ever since, securing a number of mid-table finishes.
The club is now in the midst of a new era, one in which they hope can bring European football to their London Stadium, which shows the club has definitely progressed since their play-off triumph.
4. 2013, Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace needed extra-time to secure a 1-0 victory over Watford in the 2013 play-off final. They brought in the likes of Dwight Gayle, Adrian Mariappa and Wayne Hennessey ahead of their return to the Premier League.
Palace comfortably survived relegation with an 11th place finish – 12 points clear of relegation. During their run-in, they won five games in a row, and won five of their last eight games which secured their Premier League status the following season.
The club have remained in the Premier League since, and continue to add to their squad and look to secure themselves as a regular Premier League team.
3. 2014, Queens Park Rangers
A late strike from Bobby Zamora gave Queens Park Rangers a dramatic 1-0 victory over Derby County in the 2014 play-off final. They had a busy summer bringing in the likes of Eduardo Vargas, Rio Ferdinand, Leroy Fer and Steven Caulker to help bolster their squad.
Despite the vast amount of money spent, Rangers were relegated straight back down to the Championship after finishing 20th – eight points away from safety.
Now back in the Championship, Rangers look to rebuild their team in the hope of soon returning to England’s top flight, as their return to the Premier League was short-lived.
2. 2015, Norwich City
Norwich were comfortable in their 2-0 victory over Middlesbrough in the 2015 play-off final. They added the likes of Robbie Brady, Graham Dorrans, Matt Jarvis and Steven Naismith during their Premier League campaign.
Norwich were unable to cope with the demands of the Premier League, and consequently were relegated straight back to the Championship after finishing 19th – five points away from survival.
This season Norwich were only able to finish 12th in the Championship, therefore will be looking to build upon this next season in the hope of returning to the Premier League soon.
1. 2016, Hull City
Eight years after their 2008 play-off final triumph, Hull City were once again promoted to the Premier League via the play-offs after their 1-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday in the 2016 play-off final. During the summer, they brought in the likes of Ryan Mason, David Marshall and Will Keane ahead of their return to the Premier League.
After a difficult start to their season, Hull seemed to be in deep trouble. Marco Silva was appointed as new manager in January, and was able to claw the Tigers back towards Premier League survival. However, it proved too little, too late, and Hull City’s relegation to the Championship was confirmed with a game to play.
They will be hoping to keep hold of key players in the hope of bouncing back up next season, however their return to the Premier League on this occasion was very short-lived.
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