Hull City’s promotion to the Premier League meant a little bit more to three of Sergej Jakirovic’s heroes, given they got to do it together.
Joe Gelhardt, Charlie Hughes and Kyle Joseph all came through the Wigan Athletic academy before being reunited at City in January last year, and now, they’ll have memories that will last a lifetime.
Gelhardt and Hughes played their part on the pitch at Wembley, and though Joseph watched from the stands, having undergone ankle surgery in the days before the final win over Middlesbrough, his influence on the season cannot be underestimated.
The bond between the three players has been apparent all season, and reflecting on their historic achievement, Gelhardt admitted it was tough to put into words just what it meant.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling,” Hughes told Hull Live. “Words can’t describe it,” before Gelhardt added, “It’s absolutely amazing, it’s fantastic to be back in the Premier League, thanks to this man (Hughes). We came through the Wigan Academy together; it’s special. You’re going from Wigan to Wembley, and obviously you win at Wembley, back to the Premier League with your best mate. You can’t put it into words.
Hughes could have left the club last summer, with owner Acun Ilicali turning down a flurry of significant bids from Coventry City for the 22-year-old defender.
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Despite playing for much of the campaign with a double hernia, Hughes’ influence has been telling, as have Gelhardt’s 14 goals and eight assists.
“I’ll back that up,” the big central defender continued. “We look around the group, and we look by your side, and you see the togetherness in the group, but I look by my side, and I see two players that I grew up with and played in the Wigan academy with. The lads have come through a lot of stress and injuries. Joffy’s had ups and downs in his career, but he’s been a Premier League footballer; he’s had that experience.
“He’s (Gelhardt) been unbelievable for us this season, alongside Oli McBurnie. You look at KJ; he’s been unfortunate to pull up with an injury, but what a guy he is and what a player he is. It’s been a joy to watch, and it’s been a joy to share a dressing room with the lads.
“It’s been a pleasure. It’s been a pleasure to share a dressing room with those boys, and the reason why we’ve done it is because of the characters in this dressing room and the ability on the pitch.”
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