---
title: "Flashback: Fulham’s 2018 Championship play-off final triumph"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/flashback-fulhams-2018-championship-play-off-final-triumph/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Matt Davies"
section: "Features"
published: "2019-05-25T06:25:01Z"
modified: "2019-06-19T10:44:23Z"
---

# Flashback: Fulham’s 2018 Championship play-off final triumph

**No, it’s not been a pleasant season for a Fulham fan, has it? So much hope, but ultimately ending in disappointment. Yet, with Monday’s Championship play-off final between Derby County and Aston Villa quickly approaching, Fulham supporters will be reminded of fond memories of their own triumph last season. In fact, it was against Aston Villa that Fulham regained a place in the Premier League after years out. What an occasion. What a day. What a win.**

This was as tense an affair as you’re ever likely to see. Fan favourite and captain Tom Cairney put them in the lead after just 23 minutes, giving them 70 minutes to defend that 1-0 scoreline. Villa seemed to offer very little in the first half but came out fighting in the second. With Jack Grealish at the helm, Villa pushed, pushed and pushed again.

Fans perhaps feared the worst when, with 20 minutes to go, Denis Odoi was shown a second yellow and given his marching orders. But Fulham were brave, resilient and got the victory that they so thoroughly deserved.

The fans certainly enjoyed this one.

> Listen, I’m drunk, I understand that, but what an amazing day for Fulham. What a day we’ve all had. Proud of the team, proud of the fans, so happy [#ffc](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ffc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#COYW](https://twitter.com/hashtag/COYW?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
>
> — Richard Osman (@richardosman) [May 26, 2018](https://twitter.com/richardosman/status/1000502576574554113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> What a fantastic day. And to share it with 38,000 other Fulham fans was beyond bliss.
>
> — Paul Murray (@paul\_a\_murray) [May 26, 2018](https://twitter.com/paul_a_murray/status/1000503684353134593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> I am lost for words…. Was So proud of Fulham today and will always remember the experience at Wembley today xxxx COYWS
>
> — lisa loops (@lisffc) [May 27, 2018](https://twitter.com/lisffc/status/1000534329112649729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> I love Fulham and I love our fans and our squad and our coach, best day of my life!! [#ffc](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ffc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
>
> — pistolpeteffc (@pistolpeteffc) [May 26, 2018](https://twitter.com/pistolpeteffc/status/1000490913788030976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Looking back from Wembley Park station after the game, and seeing that sea of Fulham fans, it’s something I’ll never forget, what a sight! [#FULFORCE](https://twitter.com/hashtag/FULFORCE?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#ffc](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ffc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#coyw](https://twitter.com/hashtag/coyw?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@FulhamFC](https://twitter.com/FulhamFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
>
> — Paul FFC (@PaulFFC1879) [May 26, 2018](https://twitter.com/PaulFFC1879/status/1000511555702874113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Perfect ending to a fantastic season!
>
> — OttomanSP85! (@OttomanSp85) [May 27, 2018](https://twitter.com/OttomanSp85/status/1000626913663176704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Fulham entered the Premier League with hope and genuine aspirations of achieving big things. It wasn’t to be, however. From the word go it was abundantly evident that it was going to be a difficult year. They finished the season in 19th place, returning to the Championship after just seven league wins and 26 defeats.

Yet, they will remain hopeful that with Scott Parker now firmly in charge they can once again return to England’s top division. They will certainly take inspiration from what was a phenomenal achievement last May.

***Fulham fans, what are your memories of your historic win over Aston Villa? Do you believe you can immediately bounce back up? Comment below.***