Brentford qualify to the English Premier League after 74 years
Brentford promoted to Premier League after defeating Swansea in Championship play-off final
Brentford 2-0 Swansea: Thomas Frank’s side secured redemption after heartbreak at Wembley last year thanks to goals from Ivan Toney and Emiliano Marcondes
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Tenth’s time’s a charm. Finally, after a run of nine unsuccessful play-off campaigns, and four final heartbreaks, Brentford have one to cherish now and for the foreseeable future. Arguably the most important one of their 132-year history.
Especially so after the heartbreak of last season. Defeat to Fulham played out at in a cavernous Wembley Stadium felt like a perpetuation of Brentford’s lot as play-off choke artists. But here, in front of 10,000 fans, around 4,000 of their own, they shed that tag in composed fashion with a measured 2-0 win over Swansea City. The Premier League has its 50th team – and their name is Brentford Football Club.
Ivan Toney’s 10th-minute penalty and Emiliano Marcondes’ controlled half-volley at the end of a stunning counter-attack settled the tie. The early boost of a two-goal cushion carried Brentford and crushed Swansea spirits, as clear as night and day in the stands. Swansea were winning the decibel battle right up to the 3pm kick-off. There was only one winner when the final whistle went at 4:55pm.
The numbers tell of the significance of this victory. The estimated £160 million that promotion to the Premier League brings. The return to the top flight of English football after 74 years. That it has come about through crafty use of statistics adds a neat bow on this package. Through the holistic approach of owner Matthew Benham and the engaging methods of Thomas Frank, Brentford have made the numbers work for them.
Fittingly, it was the most successful of those gambles that got things going. Few doubted Ivan Toney’s worth at a higher level when he was going about his business for Peterborough United in League One. But Brentford took the £5 million plunge to win his signature last August and following 31 goals in the regular season – a Championship record – and an equaliser in the 3-1 second-leg win over Bournemouth that took them to Wembley, he added the final flourish.
