London, May 29 (IANS) Hull City secured a return to the English Premier League only a year after they were relegated when they beat Sheffield on Wednesday 1-0 in the Championship play-off final at the Wembley stadium.
Senegal midifielder Mohamed Diame scored the winner from 25 meters in the 72nd minute on Saturday, reports Xinhua.
Steve Bruce’s side dominated what was believed the richest match in the world, which can earn them a mimimum 170 million pounds (around $248 million) next season.
Following their semi-final victory over third-placed Brighton, Wednesday were tipped to return to the top flight for the first time since 2000, but the defeat means they will have to wait longer.
Hull City manager Steve Bruce, who led Birmingham City to promotion to the Premier League in 2002 and 2007, became the first manager to achieve four promotions to the English top flight. He took Hull City to promotion in 2013.
The former Manchester United star said after the match, “The goal was a wonder goal that would have graced any cup final. Up until then, I thought we’d missed some glorious chances but Mo has produced that little bit of magic.”
“It’s been a long five or six weeks since we realised we couldn’t achieve automatic promotion. Overall, I think we’ve deserved to win from the chances we’ve created.”
“We know we’ve got to be at our maximum (next season). We’ll see what we can do and get ready for that challenge. We’ve got a month before we start and then we’ll have to look at budgets, but even when you’ve got money, you’ve got to use it wisely.”