The Cottagers hang on with ten men to return to the top tier after four years away.
Fulham were the form team heading into the play-offs and they did enough to get promoted, beating Aston Villa to return to the Premier League.
They did it the hard way by hanging on with ten men for the last twenty minutes after Denis Odoi was red carded, but Tom Cairney’s first-half goal was enough to send the Cottagers back to the top tier after four years away.
It's the second promotion for Slaviša Jokanović to the Premier League, after he guided Watford to the top-flight in 2015. He never got the chance to manage in the big time but will surely have a crack with the West Londoners.
Bookies have them at 8/15 to stay up and 6/4 to be relegated next season, which suggests that the Whites should be able to maintain their place at England’s top table. Much will depend on the financial backing of Shad Khan and if the club can maintain the services of Jokanović.
Fulham were the bookies favourite to win the play-offs and now that they have justified their short price, the party can start in SW6 and thoughts will turn to next season – and the return of the West London Derby with Chelsea!
Oddschecker Spokesman George Elek: “Fulham have returned to the Premier League and few will begrudge their promotion after their lengthy unbeaten run and attractive brand of football. They’re firmly odds-on to stay up next season and if they get their summer recruitment correct, they could well surprise a few teams come August.”
