Fulham secures EPL return, windfall of at least $210m
LONDON — Fulham secured a return to the Premier League after four years away and a windfall of at least $210 million by beating Aston Villa 1-0 in the second-tier English playoff final on Saturday.
Tom Cairney netted probably the most lucrative goal he’ll ever score by calmly sidefooting home a finish in the 23rd minute at Wembley Stadium, ensuring Fulham joined Wolverhampton Wanderers and Cardiff in getting promoted from the League Championship.
Villa, captained by former Chelsea defender John Terry and seeking to get back in the top flight after a two-year absence, dominated the second half — and Fulham’s players bid to defend their lead was made even harder when defender Denis Odoi was sent off in the 70th minute for a second yellow card.
They succeeded, and will play in the Premier League for the first time since relegation in 2014 ended 13 straight seasons in the world’s wealthiest and most-watched division.