The Championship regular season concluded with a dramatic final day, leaving Wrexham, co-owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, heartbroken as they missed out on a play-off spot. Despite a pulsating 3-3 draw with Middlesbrough at the Racecourse Ground, Phil Parkinson's side could not secure the victory needed to clinch a top-six finish.
Final Day Drama
Wrexham needed a win to guarantee a play-off place, but they were held by Middlesbrough. Tommy Conway opened the scoring for the visitors, before Josh Windass and Sam Smith turned the game around for the Red Dragons. However, David Strelec equalised just before halftime, and despite a frantic second half, Wrexham could not find a late winner.
Critically, Hull City capitalised on Wrexham's slip. Trailing 1-0 to Norwich City after Mohamed Traore's goal, Hull roared back with a brace from Oli McBurnie to snatch a 2-1 victory and leapfrog Wrexham into sixth place.
Derby County also had a chance to secure a play-off spot. Sammie Szmodics gave them an early lead against Sheffield United, but two goals in seven second-half minutes from Thomas Cannon and Sydie Peck gave the Blades a 2-1 win, ending Derby's hopes.
Meanwhile, Ipswich Town confirmed their promotion to the Premier League with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers at Portman Road, thanks to goals from George Hirst, Jaden Philogene, and Kasey McAteer.
Play-Off Schedule
The Championship play-offs will determine the third and final promoted team. The semi-final first legs are scheduled as follows:
- Friday, May 8, 8pm: Hull City (6th) vs Millwall (3rd)
- Saturday, May 9, TBC: Middlesbrough (4th) vs Southampton (5th)
The second legs will be played on Monday, May 11 (3rd vs 6th) and Tuesday, May 12 (4th vs 5th), both at 8pm.
The play-off final will take place at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, May 23, with the winner earning promotion to the Premier League.
