The 23-year-old made his second Tigers debut on Saturday at Coventry
Joe Gelhardt believes Hull City are the “perfect match” for him after rejoining the Championship club from Leeds United on a season-long loan. He says his spell at the MKM Stadium last term was the happiest he’s ever been in football.
The 23-year-old spent the second half of the 2024/25 campaign on loan at the MKM Stadium after struggling to force his way into Daniel Farke’s plans. The Liverpudlian quickly endeared himself to Tigers fans, finishing as the club’s joint-second top scorer with five goals in 20 appearances to help keep City in the Championship, but remained determined to return.
Gelhardt’s arrival was announced on Saturday morning before he made his debut off the bench in the final 10 minutes of City‘s 0-0 draw at Coventry City on the opening day, and it’s likely he’ll get more minutes at Wrexham in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.
“It feels amazing. I made it clear I wanted to come back here,” the striker said. “I loved my time here last year – everyone was so welcoming and friendly. It’s a great club to be at, and the lads have spoken very highly of the new manager.
“The people here, the city, the fans – everything about last season was just the perfect match. I was probably the happiest I’ve been in my football career during the last few months I spent here last year.
“It’s a season-long loan this time, so being in from the start and having a whole year with the lads is going to be better than three or four months.”
The former Wigan Athletic man was an influential figure in the Tigers’ survival mission last term as they avoided relegation on the final day. “We know we can do a lot better than last season. With the new signings, we’ve got a lot of quality in the team,” Gelhardt continued.
“I was back with Leeds for pre-season and played a few games – 45, 60 and 90 minutes, so I’m feeling fitter than I’ve ever been. Thanks to the fans for the support from last year. I’m made up to be back and the fans played a big part in that.”
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