Nottingham Forest won what has been described as the richest game in football on Sunday. They beat Huddersfield Town by a single goal to win the Championship play-off final, to ensure a return to the Premier League after a 23-year absence.
All that had seemed highly unlikely after they lost six out of their opening seven games of the season, which led to Chris Houghton being sacked in September. He was succeeded by Steve Cooper, who completely transformed their fortunes, who stabilised the club, led them away from the relegation zone to mid-table safety, and oversaw a slow, steady rise up the table. Until the end of the regular campaign, they were threatening to gain automatic promotion.
Huddersfield had enjoyed a fine campaign of their own, but were undone when on-loan Chelsea defender Levi Colwill could only divert a cross from James Garner into his own net. They had their chances in the second half, but were unable to find a way through, and must now reconcile themselves to another season in the Championship.
Forest now can look forward to trips to Old Trafford, Anfield and the Etihad next season and to welcoming the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham to the City ground.
The game has acquired its epithet because of the riches on offer to any club that gains promotion to the Premier League. That is not only in the form of television rights and prize money, but also the lucrative sponsorship deals and endorsements that inevitably follow in its wake.
And then there are the so-called parachute payments that they will receive to protect them from the financial hardships if they subsequently drop into the Championship again. Some experts estimate the net benefit to Forest at upwards of GBP 500 million over the next few years.
Cooper and his staff are entitled to a few days’ R&R to enjoy their triumph, but then the hard work must start. It is one thing getting to the Premier League; but as the likes of Norwich, Watford and Fulham can testify, staying there is a whole different challenge.