Oli McBurnie was the toast of East Yorkshire after guiding the Tigers to the Premier League
Kyle Joseph on his crutches celebrates the win at Wembley Stadium(Image: Kieran McManus/Shutterstock )
Hull City’s class of 2026 have etched their names into Tigers folklore after Oli McBurnie’s late, late winner sealed a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough at Wembley.
For the third time, City came to the national stadium, got the job done and walked away with promotion to the Premier League with very little fuss.
Despite being written off at the start of the season and backed to be relegated after surviving on the final day of last season, the Tigers have laughed off the doubters and will be heading to the big league next term.
The first team to win promotion from sixth place in 16 years, and they’ve done it without conceding a goal in the entire play-offs.
Here’s a look at some of the magic moments from Wembley….
Boro’s misery
Wembley is certainly not a place for losers, and that’s what Boro were on the day. Almost all of their players rushed through the mixed zone and straight out onto the bus and away. Goalkeeper Sol Brynn’s pain was obvious. He looked crestfallen and just stared at the floor as he walked solemnly out.
In stark contrast to the City players, who were full of the joys of spring, stopping for chats and pictures. Charlie Hughes was in great spirits, despite having to go and be drug tested.
Acun Ilicali and members of the club’s hierarchy couldn’t hide their joy, and nor could Sergej Jakirovic, carrying out a box of something special, almost as big as the play-off trophy.
Since scoring four in the first half at the MKM Stadium in December, Sergej Jakirovic has masterminded two clean sheets against Boro, and now the Tigers are back in the big league.
Alfie’s mixed feelings
Alfie Jones stopped for a chat as he left Wembley, and though he was obviously disappointed about Boro’s defeat, as you’d expect, he was pleased for his former club. Jones was a hugely popular figure at City before leaving for Boro last summer, but was unable to feature in the final because of an ankle injury.
Jones is nearing a return to fitness and could yet be involved in Canada’s World Cup campaign this summer, alongside promotion-winning hero Liam Millar. The former City ace is a class act, and his words of praise for his former club prove just what a top, top man and player he is.
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Kyle’s comedy
He might have had his ankle strapped and be on crutches only a few days after surgery, but that didn’t stop Kyle Joseph running to celebrate McBurnie’s winner, and then, when the players did the trophy lift on the pitch, he was frolicking around on the floor.
Such a big player for City this season, Joseph was cruelly unable to play on the day and was forced to watch on from the sidelines, but when he stopped for a chat in the mixed zone, his delight was obvious.
A night to remember
Luckily for City, they didn’t have far to go after the game. Staying at the Hilton, the players were treated to a fine evening and a memorable party to let off some steam and have a well-earned beer or two. Hopefully, Joe Gelhardt managed to squeeze in another after managing to spill an entire bottle over the floor whilst trying to open his heart about how he was feeling. No doubt Someone Like You will have been blasting out, too.
Off to Vegas
Acun Ilicali promised the players a trip on his jet to Las Vegas, and now, most of the squad will be heading over to the US to enjoy the sights and sounds. Unfortunately, there will be a few that miss out. Joseph won’t be on Wednesday’s flight, and nor will the World Cup players, including Liam Millar, Ivor Pandur and Amir Hadziahmetovic, but the rest will be off for a well-earned trip.
See you on Monday
Before they head off to The Strip, there’s the small matter of a trophy parade around the streets of Hull on Monday afternoon, to give the people of this fine city the chance to celebrate a special group of players. Given the weather, it promises to be an extra special occasion for the city to celebrate one of its greatest ever achievements.
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