Rangers target and three ex-Ibrox stars keep Premier League hopes alive after dramatic final day shootout
The Championship side sneaked into the last remaining play-off position
Former Rangers men John Lundstram, Kieran Dowell and Matt Crooks are still in with a chance of Premier League football next season, as Hull City reached the EFL Championship play-offs.
The Tigers started a dramatic Championship final day in seventh place knowing they had to better the result of AFC Wrexham to keep their promotion hopes alive. Rangers-daft striker, Oli McBurnie sealed their fate with a brace in their 2-1 win over former Light Blues boss Philippe Clement’s Norwich. Meanwhile, former Rangers man Josh Windass was on target for Wrexham against Middlesbrough, but they were only able to earn a draw at the Racecourse, meaning Hull leapfrogged them on the final day. Derby County also had an outside chance, but were defeated 2-1 by Sheffield United.
The result means Hull, who also have Leeds United loanee and Rangers transfer target Joe Gelhardt in their ranks, finished on 73 points compared to Wrexham’s 71. They will now face former Hamilton Accies man Alex Neil in the play-off semi-final, as his Millwall team narrowly missed out on the automatic place. Southampton and Middlesbrough will also face off for a place at Wembley.
McBurnie on Hull City triumph
Well-documented Rangers fan McBurnie bagged his 17th and 18th league goals against the Canaries. Only Swansea City’s Zan Vipotnik has scored more in the second tier this season. After the match, he claimed it was the wealth of experience in the Hull side that got them over the line. He said: “I think it's (experience) been massive all season. I think that's a big reason we've been so successful.
“At times we haven't been the best team to watch or played the best stuff. But that know-how and then the character, even today, coming off the run that we've come off and then the other two teams (Wrexham and Derby County) on the runs that they're coming on, we're probably the least favoured team to go and get it done. You look around that dressing room and it's full of that (experience), and I think that's massive.”
Forgotten Rangers versatile man Matt Crooks has also been a regular feature for the Tigers this season and has been utilised everywhere from defensive midfield to striker throughout the season. He was substituted for Ibrox hero John Lundstram in the dying minutes on Saturday - a man still fondly remembered in Govan for scoring the goal against RB Leipzig which sent them to the Europa League final in 2022. Kieran Dowell has made 13 Hull appearances since leaving Glasgow for Yorkshire at the start of the season.
How will a Hull Cuty promotion impact Rangers’ chances of signing Gelhardt?
Rangers transfer target Gelhardt has been a mainstay for Hull boss Sergej Jakirovic and his future is uncertain when he returns to Leeds during the summer. According to transfer journalist Alan Nixon, if Hull are to be promoted via the play-offs, may well be tempted to pursue Gelhardt permanently but may struggle if they remain in the second tier. Last month, Nixon said via Patreon: “Hull City star Joe Gelhardt is being watched by Rangers as they look for talent next season. Gelhardt is on loan from Leeds United and having his best season - living up to the promise of his younger days at Wigan.
“The Scottish giants have been tracking him lately, with one eye on improvements for their squad as they challenge for honours. There is an obvious link between Leeds and Rangers through their ownership and a loan switch or even buy could be arranged. Hull would like to have Gelhardt back but the terms may be different next season and at a level that would stretch them if they stay in the Championship.”
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