Fulham returns to Premier promised land

Fulham made an instant return to the English Premier League on Tuesday, beating Brentford 2-1 at Wembley in what is regarded as the most lucrative game in world soccer.

Defender Joe Bryan was the unlikely hero for Scott Parker's side in the Championship playoff final, scoring two goals in extra time after the west London clubs were locked at 0-0 at the end of the 90 minutes.

Henrik Dalsgaard scored a late consolation for Brentford but it was too little too late for Thomas Frank's team, which has not played in the English top flight for 73 years.

The Craven Cottage club will earn around 135 million pounds ($176 million) for bouncing back from relegation last season and this result also gives rookie boss Parker a first success of his fledgling managerial career.

"We've done what we've done tonight, but there's still improvement, and that's what makes me so proud and happy," Parker said. "For all of the good players and everything you see, what makes me so happy I see a group of players who only a year ago were struggling psychologically, didn't have a mind-set or mentality."

XINHUA — AGENCIES