Winner Takes All – The History of the Championship Play Off Final, World Football's Richest Game

A fascinating look at the highs, lows and riches that follow promotion to the Premier League, from the inaugural 1992/93 season to 2023/24 – told with special insight from chairmen, managers, players and fans.

Dubbed the most valuable single football match in the world, the Championship play-off final doesn’t just secure a place in the illustrious Premier League. It offers lucrative financial rewards.

This compelling book includes:

• Promotion stories featuring the likes of Charlton Athletic, Birmingham City, West Ham United, Huddersfield Town and Luton Town
• Special insight from chairmen, managers, players and fans across three decades
• The inside track from the likes of Martin Ling, Danny Butterfield and Bobby Zamora, who played a key role in their respective sides’ promotions
• A breakdown of the financial rewards that come with top-flight promotion – such as increased matchday revenue, broadcast revenue and commercial revenue – plus the promise of further wealth should the club avoid relegation
• A look at how Sky Sports has changed the face of top-flight football over the past three decades
• An exploration of how the financial rewards of Premier League football will continue to rise in future and the impact this is likely to have on the beautiful game

Documenting the triumphs and travails of newly promoted sides through the eyes of journalists, fans and club staff, this innovative book gives the reader the low-down on life after top-flight promotion. Published in 2025.

Size: 129mm x 197mm – 256 pages.