On Sunday, Southampton were able to make their Premier League return after Russell Martin’s 1-0 victory over Leeds in the Championship play-off final.
How will Southampton Benefit from Premier League Return?
Armstrong’s goal in the first half of the game at Wembley made sure Southampton are going to make their top division return, erasing the bitter taste of their relegation from the previous season.
Southampton will benefit an estimated £140 million ($178 million) from winning football’s wealthiest match since clubs that make it to the Premier League would earn more money from matchday, television, and commercial sales.
Southampton may potentially earn £305 million if they avoid relegation the following season, according to financial experts Deloitte.
Although the money award is a tremendous plus, Southampton’s desire to return to the Premier League after a year in purgatory was stoked by the prestige of playing against teams like Manchester City and Arsenal rather than lower-tier teams like Plymouth and Oxford.
Before relegation, Southampton played in the Premier League for 11 years. Their lone significant accomplishment is the 1976 FA Cup.
Over 35,000 of their followers celebrated their win at Wembley and they will be hoping that this is just the beginning of another long run among the best.
Despite finishing three points behind Leeds in the regular season, Southampton made it three wins against the Elland Road team this term in their first-ever play-off final.
Southampton Boss Comments on PL Return
This was 38-year-old Russell Martin’s greatest accomplishment as the Saints manager, who has gained widespread admiration for his strict passing standards.
Three years ago, Martin was coaching Milton Keynes Dons in League One. However, in his first season in charge, he completely changed Southampton and gave them more possession than any other team in the top five leagues in Europe.
“I’m so pleased for the board because I was not an exciting appointment for them. I finished 10th at Swansea, but we had a really clear way of doing things at MK (Dons) and here, so for them to take me on was really brave,” Martin said.
“We had to do this to justify their decision. I feel really emotional about it.”
“The team have been so brave. I’m really grateful and proud of them. They deserve it.”
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