Twenty three years banished in an instant. Nottingham Forest have swept away misery and replaced it with hope and joy.

Relegation as low as League One, for a team twice European champions, was a nadir.

Now, the future looks bright under Steve Cooper.

For Huddersfield too. Carlos Corberan has made them a force this term and they will be keen to go again in 2022-23.

Decisions went against them today, but they will be back no doubt.

That brings our coverage of the EFL to an end for the 2021-22 season. We hope you've enjoyed the rollercoaster that is the Championship, League One and League Two. Thank you for being with us.

Stick the weekend of 29-31 July in your diaries. We'll be back before you know it.

Until then, goodbye.

Steve Cooper's big issue now will be acquiring players who starred on loan.

James Garner, Philip Zinckernagel, Djed Spence, Keinan Davis... they might well be wanted by other clubs, not to mention their parent sides.

That will occupy Cooper's thoughts, once the hangover subsides.

Image source, PA Media

Huddersfield manager Carlos Corberan has been talking to BBC Radio Leeds:

"[It] was a very balanced game - both teams were not able to create enough chances. We were more aggressive in the second half and attacked more. In the first half we counter-attacked more. They score a half-chance, and we couldn't do that.

"[On the penalty decisions]: The players felt that they would have finished the actions if it wasn't a foul, because both had clear advantages to finish the attacks. You have the referee and VAR. We were close to finishing the attacks and I can only accept the decisions.

"When I can't change the consequences of the actions, I try to forget it. I have frustration with the result, but I cannot criticise my players - they competed really well. The determination was clear to go for the game. I am proud of the year they have done.

"I am sorry for the fans that we couldn't achieve the result today - they supported us a lot."

Image source, PA Media

The last time Forest were able to parade any trophy from the council house onto Market Square, was back in 1998 when Dave Bassett's team won the Division One title.

They'll be able to take this one back and show it to the people of Nottingham, in 2022.

Last time Forest were in the Premier League, the Millennium Bug was a genuine fear and Boyzone and Westlife were all over the charts.

It's been some wait.

Image source, PA Media

Nineteen games in all competitions for Steve Cook, who came in from Bournemouth during the transfer window.

The 31-year-old added experience to the Reds defence, and has now helped Steve Cooper achieve his promotion goals.

Image source, PA Media

Fans are filtering away now, heading to trains, buses, cars and most likely pubs.

The odd hoarse roar of "The Reds are going up!" punctures the air, as the gravity of the achievement sinks in.

Some fans are just stood, many in family groups, still looking down at the pitch, likely trying to truly appreciate what has happened.

Steve Cooper comes across, Forest scarf draped round his shoulders for three huge fist pumps. The club has bitten him and he's smitten.

Image source, PA Media

Forest head coach Steve Cooper speaking to Sky Sports:

"I'm really pleased for the players and the supporters.

"Everybody connected with the football club deserves this today and we're now really looking forward to a positive future.

"It's relief and pride - this isn't about me but it's changed my life, potentially anyway.

"We've brought Nottingham to Wembley today, we've taken over the place and here we are in the Premier League."

Lawrence Smith: Totally worth getting up at 5.15am to follow the game. Now its time to head to the beach in Honolulu

Dan Ogunshakin: Nottingham Forest back in the Premier League. What a job Steve Cooper has done since taking over. Hard luck on Huddersfield who were denied two penalties during the match. They've had a great season too

Forest midfielder Jack Colback speaking to Sky Sports:

"It's unbelievable, I'm lost for words really

"The start of the season we had was dreadful but the new manager came in and from then on we've just taken small steps.

"When he came in we set targets - the first one was to get above the dotted relegation line and then it was just game by game.

"It takes a lot to come from where we were. This is for everyone involved in Nottingham."

Image source, PA Media

There are generations of Forest fans who have never known the Reds as a big club, just a team with a dusty yet well stocked trophy cabinet.

Now, they will see their team clashing with the best in the land, once again.

It might not be Munich '79, or even Wembley '89. But Wembley 2022 will be forever remembered as a turning point for Nottingham Forest.

Forest midfielder Ryan Yates speaking to Sky Sports:

"It's incredible - this is for the fans.

"I don't think it was our best performance - we got the goal and then we were always going to sit in our low mid-block.

"A couple of times I lost the ball in that second half, there were some nerves, but luckily they didn't punish us."

Image source, PA Media

Forest defender Scott McKenna speaking to Sky Sports:

"I don't think it was the best of games but the main thing is we got the result and we're promoted.

"The atmosphere around town and the City Ground has been exceptional - what a great way to do it.

"Steve Cooper has just given everyone confidence and freed up the attacking players.

"I can't even begin to imagine what Premier League football will be like."

Forest boss Steve Cooper has just given his son a huge hug on the pitch at Wembley. Players and staff are just soaking up the adoration of 40,000 Forest fans on their lap of honour.

Everyone's had the cup, posed for pics and taken a applause.

Jordan Smith - third-choice keeper, has Brennan Johnson on his shoulder. Don't drop him, mate.

If ever a picture sums up the two emotions of a play-off final.

One half empty. One half absolutely buzzing, and here for the long run.

Ian Woodcock
BBC Sport at Wembley

What a marathon season this has been by the way.

The first game in an EFL competition was played on 31 July and here we are on 29 May.

It has been a very worthwhile 10-month slog for Nottingham Forest, their 40,000 fans bouncing around in Wembley now and the legions of Reds fans celebrating around the world.

It's taken some time to get Forest off the gantry and down onto the sponsor-laden plinth which has been assembled.

Now the fireworks and champagne can fly.

Forest are up. Gold tickertape swirls about as the Reds celebrate. And still, 40-odd thousand people are in attendance to soak up every movement.

If you're getting a train to the midlands from St Pancras, now's your time to do it.

Steve Hodge
Former England and Forest midfielder on BBC Radio Nottingham

I had a bit of tear in my eye when that trophy went up. Just to see all the fans after all these years get their moment in the sunshine.