The £200m game from Chelsea relegation – the evolution of the EFL play-offs

With all the excitement and drama surrounding the play-offs, an argument can be made that this is perhaps the best way to win promotion.

Who is former right back Tommy Smith? Won Championship play-off final with Huddersfield Town in 2017 and played in the Premier League for the Terriers, says it’s the “danger” that makes it unique.

“The playoffs do strange things to you. Moments in time. It brings things to the games that you just don’t see in a normal season. It has an undertone and it’s dangerous,” he said. BBC’s Football Daily 72+ podcast says.

Smith described winning the play-off final as an “incredible” and “unbelievable” feeling that will stay with him for the rest of his life.

“Finally I’ve got pictures around my house now, I’ve got medals to show for it,” he added.

“It’s only when it sinks in that you actually realize what you’ve achieved. It’s a surreal day and a surreal feeling.”

Lyle Taylor, who won promotion from the Championship, League One and League Two via play-offs with Nottingham Forest, Charlton and AFC Wimbledon respectively, says it’s a feeling you can’t really describe.

“It’s weird. I remember walking up there (the Wembley steps) and it didn’t hit you that you did it,” he said.

“I saw my parents after the final and the emotion gets to you at that point. It’s crazy because it’s such an important day, it’s such a big part of your life and if you’re lucky enough to do that as a footballer, it’s incredible.”