Aston Villa promoted to Premier League after winning 'richest game in football'

Aston Villa have been promoted the Premier League after beating Derby County 2-1 in what has been dubbed as "the richest game in football".

They join Norwich City and Sheffield United, who secured automatic promotion to the league.

Aston Villa will reportedly pocket at least £170m after their win, including a cash boost of £95m just for playing in the Premier League, and parachute payments of £75m - paid out over the next two years.

That amount could rise further should Villa manage to stay up next season.

The West Midlands club suffered heartbreak 12 months ago when they were beaten in the same game by Fulham but midfielders John McGinn and Anwar el Ghazi scored for the Claret and Blues to ensure their Premier League return.

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Derby County substitute Jack Marriott gave hope to Rams fans when he scored in the 82nd minute, but Villa dug their boots in to hold on to the lead.

Frank Lampard's Derby County knocked out Leeds in the semi-finals but struggled to get a foothold in the final, meaning they will spend a 12th season in the Championship.

Prince William overjoyed at Villa promotion

A nervous Prince William, who has previously declared himself an Aston Villa fan, joined the 88,826 people packed inside the stands in northwest London to watch the West Midlands team stage their return to the top flight of English football.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Villa boss Dean Smith said: "They're a terrific bunch of lads. From the day I went in there working with them every day.

"They take on different ideas, they're sponges, they work hard and those last 15 minutes was the longest I've ever had."

Villa captain Jack Grealish, who was assaulted on the pitch earlier this year, told Sky Sports: "At the start of the season I didn't think I was going to be here, so to come here as captain at Wembley is a dream come true.

"I can't explain to you. About 60 of my family are here today.

"A Villa fan makes the kits, a Villa fan managing the club and a Villa fan as the captain. It's the perfect scenario."

Hollywood icon Tom Hanks tweeted his support to the club at the weekend, saying: "On Monday I will bleed claret and blue for Aston Villa. One match away for a return to the Premier League. Up the Villa! Hanx."

Prince William celebrates Villa's victory

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My view: Aston Villa deserved it, after three years exile from the Premier League.