Nottingham Forest ended a 23-year exile from the English Premier League (EPL) by defeating Huddersfield Town 1-0 in the Championship playoff final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. The victory marked their return to England's top flight since 1999, following a 2017 playoff campaign that saw Huddersfield clinch promotion.
The Reds secured their Championship title with 80 points, finishing second behind Huddersfield. Their promotion comes after a challenging season that included seven consecutive league losses, though they recovered to finish in the top four. Financial implications of the promotion include a potential £250 million revenue boost from EPL broadcasting deals.
Manager Steve Cooper, who took charge in September 2021, guided the club through a transformative period. His tenure included securing the services of 21-year-old midfielder James Garner, who joined on a loan from Manchester United. Cooper's leadership also led Forest to FA Cup quarterfinals, where they defeated Arsenal and Leicester City before falling to Liverpool in the semifinals.
Forest's return to the EPL ends a 108-year period of league instability, including a 2018 relegation from the Championship. The club, twice European Cup winners, now faces the challenge of competing with established Premier League teams after their long absence.
Analysis by Chris Adungo
