Hull City and Middlesbrough will meet in one of the most extraordinary Championship play-off finals in recent history after the fallout from the ‘Spygate’ controversy involving Southampton.
Southampton were expelled from the play-offs after an investigation found that manager Tonda Eckert had authorised spying activities on opponents before the semi-finals.
The Saints unsuccessfully appealed the decision, allowing Middlesbrough — originally beaten by Southampton in the semi-finals — to take their place in Saturday’s Wembley final against Hull City.
The winners of the clash will secure promotion to the Premier League in what is often labelled the ‘£200 million game’.
Hull City Continue Fairytale Season Under Sergej Jakirovic
Sergej Jakirovic has guided Hull City through a remarkable campaign after the Tigers narrowly avoided relegation to League One last season.
Despite dealing with a transfer embargo and limited expectations before the season, Hull spent most of the campaign inside the Championship top six.
The Tigers sealed their play-off place on the final day with a crucial win over Norwich City before defeating Millwall in the semi-finals.
Jakirovic admitted the uncertainty surrounding Southampton’s expulsion created frustration for his squad.
“We are collateral damage because we are waiting on an opponent and you don’t know what’s going on,” the Hull boss said.
Hull will be without forward Kyle Joseph after he suffered an injury during the semi-final victory.
Middlesbrough Receive Unexpected Second Chance
Middlesbrough’s route to Wembley has been equally dramatic.
After former manager Rob Edwards left for Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier in the season, Swedish coach Kim Hellberg transformed Boro into promotion contenders.
Middlesbrough topped the Championship table in February following an impressive run of six consecutive victories, but injuries and poor form late in the season saw them finish fifth.
Their season appeared over after losing to Southampton in the play-off semi-finals before the investigation dramatically reopened the door to promotion.
Captain Hayden Hackney is set to return from injury for the final, although Scotland forward Tommy Conway will miss the match and the World Cup because of an ankle injury.
Wembley Final Carries Huge Premier League Stakes
The final will mark the first Championship play-off final between teams finishing fifth and sixth since 2019.
Hull City hold a perfect record in Championship play-off finals, having secured promotion in both 2008 and 2016.
Middlesbrough, meanwhile, are aiming to end their long wait for success at Wembley and return to the Premier League for the first time in nine years.
Despite inconsistent recent form for both clubs, Saturday’s final promises high drama following one of the most controversial weeks in Championship history.
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