Hull City owner Acun Ilicali has never hidden his desire for his team to be the great entertainers of the Championship. If that is the case, he will have thoroughly enjoyed what he has witnessed this season, particularly on a dramatic final day that had more ups and downs than a barge bobbing on the Humber Estuary.
Just 12 months ago, the Tigers survived relegation on goal difference alone. This time around, they were fighting to claw their way back into the final play-off spot. It is never dull in Hull.
The task was never going to be straightforward, especially with Norwich City, the division's second-best team in 2026, visiting. Philippe Clement's side did not arrive with their factor 50 in hand and bucket and spade in tow.
Match Facts
- Hull (4-2-3-1): Pandur 6.5; Coyle 6.5, Hughes 6.5, Egan 6 (McNair 46, 6), Giles 6.5; Slater 6.5, Crooks 6 (Lundstram 87); Belloumi 5 (Dowell 59, 6), Gelhardt 5 (Joseph 59, 5.5), Millar 6.5 (Koumas 81); McBurnie 9. Goals: McBurnie 28, 67. Booked: Joseph. Manager: Sergej Jakirovic 7.5.
- Norwich (4-2-3-1): Kovacevic 7; Stacey 6.5, McConville 6, Cordoba 6, Fisher 6.5; Mattsson 7.5, Wright 6 (Mundle-Smith 86); Forson 6 (Maghoma 46, 6.5), Slimane 6 (Field, 70), Ahmed 6 (Gibbs 46, 6); Toure 6.5 (Kvistgaarden 80). Goal: Toure 26. Booked: Fisher. Manager: Philippe Clement 6. Referee: Josh Smith 6. Attendance: 24,616.
It was the Canaries who took a deserved lead through Mohamed Toure's delightful cushioned volley. However, the Tigers rallied, spurred on by Oli McBurnie, their 29-year-old talisman who delivered a masterclass in leading the line, securing their play-off place with a brace.
First, the Scotland international finished coolly from the penalty spot minutes after Toure's opener. Then, just as it looked like heartbreak for the side that had spent the best part of the last five months in the play-off positions, McBurnie's brilliant finish on the swivel sent the home support into delirium.
That goal, McBurnie's 18th of a brilliant debut season, was enough to seal a play-off semi-final date with Millwall.
