West Ham’s board will no doubt be rooting for Fulham when they take on Brentford in the Championship Play off final this evening (KICK OFF 7.45).
And that is not because the Cottagers squad is managed by former Irons favourite Scott Parker who aims to bring the club back to the top league at the first attempt.
Instead it’s about grabbing a share of the Craven Cottage parachute money the Hammers will receive – along with the other Premier League clubs – should they make it against the Bees.
Fulham were due to receive three years parachute money as a result of their relegation last season but should they achieve promotion they surrender what is due and that is spread among the 19 other clubs.
Victory i would be worth £135m to Fulham and about £160m to Brentford over the next three years.
The Bees finished third in the table, one place above Fulham on goal difference, and won both league meetings during the regular campaign.