Luton Town promoted to Premier League

Luton completed a fairytale journey to the Premier League after beating Coventry on penalties in the Championship playoff final at Wembley on Saturday.

The Hatters secured a fourth promotion in 10 seasons 6-5 in the shootout 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 around £170 million ($210 million) for a club that have been through turmoil since they last played in the top flight 31 years ago.

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,” said Mpanzu. It’s been a journey. It’s going to be a party all summer.”

Some of Luton’s cash windfall will go to upgrading the club’s stadium, Kenilworth Road, which with a capacity just over 10,000 and set among rows of terraced houses, will 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 centre-back was stretchered off and taken to 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,” said Luton manager Rob Edwards.