Penalties may not be the fairest way of settling a game, but they are definitely the most exciting means with which to separate the inseparable. There are also those who feel the play-offs are not the way to decide a league that has spanned nine months and 46 matches. Well, let me tell you, they are wrong.

The play-offs are incredible; they are the best invention in football since the goal net (no one likes walking half a mile through stinging nettles to gather a toe-punt). Having followed my team (the mighty Leyton Orient) through three play-off campaigns (two lost and one victory), I can heartily recommend that you encourage your team to finish in those places just shy of automatic promotion.

Although not recommended for those of a nervous disposition, the creation of a mini-cup format to end a gruelling season is simply marvellous. The Championship play-off final has produced truly memorable games; who can forget Swindon’s win in 1993 and Bolton’s 4-3 victory over Reading in 1995? Then there was that 4-4 Charlton-Sunderland game of ‘98 which surely ranks as one of the thrilling football matches of all time.

Derby County fans will probably point out that they finished eight points clear of West Brom in the Championship - but they won't mention that fact if Steve Howard powers a bullet header past Dean Kiely in the 119th minute.

West Brom fans will probably still be nursing hangovers from their play-off victory over Wolves in the semi-finals, which some Baggies fans might even rank as more satisfying than securing Premiership football (although probably not, since a victory on Monday will bring them two other Midlands teams to conquer). My money's on a West Brom victory, they have vast experience in their side and i think they have hit form at exactly the right moment.

Everyone knows the millions at stake in a Championship play-off final, and more so in this, the year before the Premiership becomes even more of a cash cow. But it means more than just money. It will mean that supporters of these two sides will get to visit the greatest venues in England and do battle against the big boys - and they won’t mind the hike in prices that come with promotion.

That is what the play-offs are about in every division, being minutes from achieving something that has taken a whole year to fulfil. For Shrewsbury and Yeovil, it means just as much and to be there when the play-offs make their return to Wembley is all the sweeter. Having said that, I should point out that, having visited a play-off final in Cardiff, the Millennium Stadium is simply breathtaking (even when only a third full)

I am sure I am not alone in my appreciation of the knock-out structure and come Monday evening there will be two sets of fans who, regardless of the result, would have to toast the play-offs as they are indeed the best thing since sliced bread.