Wrexham A.F.C. co-owner reacts with Spygate reference after Hull City A.F.C. triumph over Middlesbrough

Hull City A.F.C. have received praise from Rob McElhenney following their dramatic promotion to the Premier League, with the Wrexham co-owner also referencing the wider “Spygate” controversy that surrounded the play-offs.

Hull secured their return to the top flight in stunning fashion, with a stoppage-time winner from Oli McBurnie sealing victory over Middlesbrough F.C. at Wembley. The goal capped off a tense and hard-fought final, which had already been played against a backdrop of off-field controversy and speculation.

The build-up to the match was heavily influenced by the fallout from the disciplinary case involving Southampton F.C., whose alleged spying activities dominated headlines and led to debate over the integrity of the play-off system. Despite the noise surrounding the competition, Hull were able to remain focused and deliver when it mattered most.

McElhenney, whose own club Wrexham A.F.C. narrowly missed out on a play-off place after finishing just outside the top six, publicly congratulated Hull on social media. He highlighted the scale of their achievement given the controversy surrounding the end of the season, stating that they managed to “get it done” despite the surrounding noise and pressure.

His comments also referenced the broader debate sparked by the disciplinary outcome, which had led to discussion among some clubs and supporters about fairness and timing. Wrexham A.F.C. had been among those affected indirectly by the points deductions and shifting table positions, finishing just short of the play-off spots and reportedly considering their position in relation to the ruling.

The independent panel’s findings later confirmed that Southampton had been involved in multiple incidents of spying on opposition training sessions, including before matches against teams such as Ipswich Town and Oxford United. As a result, the club were handed a points deduction to be applied in the following season, along with uncertainty surrounding their coaching situation.

Despite the controversy, Hull’s manager Sergej Jakirović praised his players for their resilience and emotional strength after the final whistle. He described the moment of McBurnie’s winner as surreal, saying it felt like a “movie,” and admitted that the scale of the achievement was still sinking in. He also highlighted the emotional reaction within the squad, with several players overcome by the significance of their promotion success.

Overall, Hull’s triumph was framed as the culmination of a difficult but ultimately successful campaign, with their ability to rise above external distractions proving decisive in securing their Premier League return.