Cardiff City's promotion came amid financial pressure, as the club could not afford to stay in League One beyond one season financially and figuratively, saving it from further difficulties. The club had not been in the third tier for more than two decades before this season. Head coach Brian Barry-Murphy has overhauled Cardiff City's style of play to be more entertaining and built the team around a core of young Welsh players.
Some Cardiff City supporters who have followed the club for half a century have described this season as the most enjoyable of their lives. Meanwhile, Lincoln City's historic promotion was accompanied by drama elsewhere, as Stockport County were winning at Exeter City during Cardiff's match. Exeter City goalkeeper Jack Byford scored a header in the sixth minute of added time to secure a 3-3 draw against Stockport County.
It was one of those things you couldn't predict. It's the beautiful nature of football and it's a fitting end to what has been a magnificent season for us all. It's been an incredible day to see our supporters and those extraordinary scenes towards the end of the game.
The final score of Cardiff City's match at Reading, how many points Cardiff City finished with in League One, and what specific financial difficulties Cardiff City was facing if they stayed in League One remain unknown. Additionally, which young Welsh players are part of the core team built by Brian Barry-Murphy and what the attendance was at the Reading match for Cardiff City's promotion have not been confirmed.