Thirty-one years ago, Luton Town was relegated from the top flight in what had been the latest chapter of its up-and-down ride through English soccer. It was demoted just as the Premier League came into formation in 1992.
Following a three-decade hiatus, the club will return to England’s top tier, competing next season in the Premier League for the first time after edging Coventry City, 1-1 (6-5 on penalties), in Saturday’s Championship playoff final.
Its victory came in what is considered the most lucrative match in global soccer because of the broadcast and business revenue that accompanies a place in the Premier League.