Middlesbrough and Hull City reporters come together to debate the play-off final
Hull City were winners in their last away outing at Middlesbrough at Christmas (Image: Trevor Wilkinson/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Ahead of the Championship play-off final, we asked Middlesbrough reporter for Teesside Live, Craig Johns, and Hull City reporter Barry Cooper, identical questions to get their take on the big game at Wembley. Here’s what they said…
Middlesbrough won 4-1 at the MKM Stadium earlier this season, then three weeks later Hull City won 1-0 at the Riverside. Can we read anything into those two meetings?
Craig Johns, Teesside Live
I think what both games showed, even the second game that Boro lost, is that they’re the superior footballing side of the two. Even though they lost 1-0, Boro dominated the game. But it was ultimately the story of the second half of Boro’s season that cost them – their inability to be ruthless in front of goal.
In that second game, Hull got their game plan spot on, and showed a level of character to soak up the pressure that has ultimately been pivotal to them this season in defying all the odds and pre-season predictions to find themselves here.
Ultimately, Boro’s injury problems heading into this game (Hayden Hackney not fully fit and Tommy Conway out), as well the as the factor of the huge occasion and who handles that better, means I wouldn’t put too much weight on either of those two previous games in determining this one.
Barry Cooper Hull Live
Given how exposed City were in the first game, it showed how dangerous Boro can be when they click, and are afforded the space to do what they did. I’d be surprised if there was a better 45 minutes from Kim Hellberg’s side at any point in his tenure than what we saw at the MKM Stadium. Sergej Jakirovic, though, learnt from that and changed his shape at the Riverside three weeks later, and closed the game down brilliantly to help his side to a 1-0 win. My gut feeling in these types of games is that they’re very different to the league meetings, and I suspect that’ll be the same here.
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Who is the one player from the team you watch which the opposition should be concerned about?
Craig Johns
This will largely depend on if Hayden Hackney is able to play, and how fit and effective he is if he does. He’s been out since March, so it’s questionable how match fit he’ll be. But Hackney at 80% would still be a major boost for Boro, and a major threat for Hull City.
In the absence of Hackney, Boro’s main threat will likely come from Morgan Whittaker. A frustrating player who can blow hot and cold and disappear too often in games, he also has the ability to change the game in an instant. Keep him quiet and Boro’s other attacking threats without Conway are limited.
Barry Cooper
Everybody will be looking to Oli McBurnie, who has been the signing of the season in the Championship without any question. That said, I’d go for Mohamed Belloumi. He was sensational in the second leg at Millwall, and you’d fancy him to turn it on again at Wembley. He’s a player who has the X-Factor and can create a moment out of nothing for either himself or somebody else.
What has the mood been like within the camp the past 48 hours post Spygate and confirmation of this game?
Craig Johns
As you might imagine, the Boro players are buzzing. They thought their promotion dream was over. While they didn’t start their holidays because of the Spygate uncertainty, they weren’t in training until Wednesday, as they awaited clarity.
Once they got that news, they were back the next day and preparations really ramping up. Luke Ayling described how the squad Whatsapp group was lit up on Tuesday evening when the verdict came through, and the excitement was clear.
While the preparation for such a big game might not be ideal, the mentality shouldn’t be an issue. Boro players have been handed a second chance, and in some respect that might take the pressure off a little.
Barry Cooper
The mood has been relaxed and focused. Sergej Jakirovic is the master at just keeping things really calm. Yes, there’s frustration at the way it has played out, and the top brass have made their feelings known about the whole situation, but Jakirovic has been keen to shield the players and ensure they remain focused on the job ahead. They’ve known since last Monday night that they were deservedly in the final, and they’ve been preparing for that. Ultimately, it was all out of their hands, and they’ve just cracked on without any fuss.
LISTEN: The essential Wembley preview with Ilicali, Jakirovic, Coyle, Pandur and Millar
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