‘Incredible’ $322m fairytale story complete as Luton Town’s 31-year wait ends after penalty shootout

There has been scenes of complete madness in the Championship playoff final with one club returning to the EPL after 31 years.

Luton Town celebrates Premier League promotion.

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

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 ($A322 million) for a club that have been through turmoil since they last played in the top flight 31 years ago.

Players of Luton Town celebrate after Fankaty Dabo of Coventry City (not pictured) misses a penalty. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Luke Berry of Luton Town celebrates. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

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.

Tom Lockyer of Luton Town is stretchered off. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

“I feel incredible, but the only thing I’m thinking about now is Tom Lockyer,” said Luton manager Rob Edwards.

Lockyer had played his part when Luton had the ball in the net after just five minutes when Gabriel Osho was flagged offside as he forced the ball in from close range.

But a bright start from Edwards’ men was rewarded on 23 minutes when Elijah Adebayo’s good work down the left teed up Jordan Clark to smash home at the near post.

Adebayo had a second Luton goal ruled out before half-time for handball. Coventry looked like a side that had stage fright in front of 85,000 people in the first-half.

But Mark Robins’ side have grown used to thriving in adversity. In their 22 years away from the top flight, Coventry have been forced out of their home city to Northampton and Birmingham due to financial issues in leasing their stadium.

Luton Town have just won the Championship play-off final.

This is the entrance to our stadium.

Incredible to think this ground will be in the Premier League next season 🤯 pic.twitter.com/QPV3ocSYMN

— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) May 27, 2023

Even when restored to Coventry, they began the season at the foot of the Championship table after being unable to host home games due to the state of their pitch which had been used for rugby at the Commonwealth Games.

Coventry were much improved after the break and got their reward 24 minutes from time when Viktor Gyokeres teed up Gustavo Hamer to fire into the far corner.

The Sky Blues nearly turned the tie around fully within minutes when Matt Godden blazed a big chance over.

Tired legs and tension took over in extra-time, but Coventry had a massive let off four minutes from time.

Joe Taylor slotted home after charging down Jonathan Panzo’s clearance, but the goal was ruled out as the ball struck the Luton man’s hand.

All of the first 11 penalties were then scored as the takers showed incredible poise under the most extreme pressure.

But when Fankaty Dabo’s effort sailed over the bar, Luton’s dreams came true.

Here are some of the best photos from Luton Town’s historic win and celebrations!

Luton Town supporters celebrate victory. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Luton Town players celebrate after Fankaty Dabo of Coventry City (not pictured) misses a penalty. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Luton Town's players celebrate on the pitch after Luton win the penalty shoot-out in the English Championship play-off final. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS / AFP)

Sonny Bradley lifts the trophy as Luton's players celebrate. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP)

Players of Luton Town hold up the jersey of injured captain Tom Lockyer. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Sonny Bradley of Luton Town lifts the Sky Bet Championship Play Offs Final trophy. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Originally published as ‘Incredible’ $322m fairytale story complete as Luton Town’s 31-year wait ends after penalty shootout