What Is 2017 English Football League playoffs

Overview

The 2017 English Football League (EFL) playoffs were a series of knockout matches designed to determine which teams would earn promotion from League One and League Two to the higher divisions. Held in May 2017, the playoffs featured teams that finished in 3rd to 6th place in both divisions, culminating in dramatic finals at Wembley Stadium.

These end-of-season matches are a crucial part of the EFL structure, offering teams a second chance at promotion even if they didn’t finish in automatic promotion spots. The high-stakes nature of the playoffs, combined with the single-match finals, makes them some of the most-watched lower-division games in English football.

• League One playoffs included Sheffield United, Bolton Wanderers, Millwall, and Bradford City, with Millwall advancing to Wembley after winning their semifinal.
• League Two playoffs featured Blackpool, Exeter City, Luton Town, and Portsmouth, with Blackpool and Exeter reaching the final after semifinal victories.
• The League One final was held on May 20, 2017, where Millwall defeated Bradford City 1–0 to earn promotion to the Championship.
• The League Two final took place on May 27, 2017, with Blackpool overcoming Exeter City 3–2 in a tightly contested match.
• All playoff semifinals were decided over two legs, with aggregate scoring determining advancement, while the finals were single-match showdowns at Wembley.

How It Works

The EFL playoff system is a structured knockout format used to determine the final promotion spot in both League One and League Two each season. Teams finishing 3rd through 6th enter a series of semifinals and finals, with only one team from each division earning promotion through this route.

• Qualification: Teams finishing in 3rd to 6th place in League One and League Two qualify for the playoffs based on regular-season standings.
• Semifinals: The playoffs begin with two-leg semifinals, where the 3rd vs. 6th and 4th vs. 5th teams compete, with the winner determined by aggregate score.
• Finals: The two semifinal winners meet in a single match at Wembley Stadium, typically held in late May, with the winner promoted.
• Extra time and penalties: If a final is tied after 90 minutes, 30 minutes of extra time is played, followed by a penalty shootout if needed.
• Promotion reward: The playoff winner earns promotion to the next division, gaining significant financial and competitive benefits for the club.
• Historical context: The playoff system has been used since 1987 and is often called the “richest game in football” due to the financial impact of promotion.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the 2017 EFL playoff structures for League One and League Two:

Both finals followed the same format but occurred on different weekends. The outcomes had major implications: Millwall returned to the Championship after a six-year absence, while Blackpool secured a return to League One after a season in the fourth tier.

Why It Matters

The 2017 EFL playoffs were significant not only for the clubs involved but also for the broader football landscape in England. These matches often carry emotional weight and financial consequences, shaping club trajectories for years.

• Financial impact: Promotion through the playoffs can bring an estimated £100 million in additional revenue over three years due to increased TV rights and sponsorship.
• Club prestige: Returning to a higher division boosts a club’s profile, attracting better players and larger fan attendance.
• Player legacies: Players who score in playoff finals, like Steve Morison for Millwall, often become club legends.
• Managerial careers: Success in the playoffs can elevate a manager’s status, leading to opportunities at larger clubs.
• Fan engagement: Playoff matches generate intense fan interest, with Wembley often selling out for both finals.
• Historical significance: The 2017 playoffs marked Blackpool’s return to League One and Millwall’s comeback to the Championship after a long absence.

Ultimately, the 2017 EFL playoffs exemplified the drama and unpredictability that make English football so compelling, offering underdog stories and high-stakes drama on the national stage.