Middlesbrough miss promotion after playoff defeat

Middlesbrough's bid to return to the Premier League ended in disappointment when Hull City secured promotion with a stoppage‑time winner by Oli McBurnie. The loss highlighted the club's ongoing striker shortage, prompting calls for a major signing to strengthen the attack for the next Championship season.

A season‑long review rated several Boro players highly, with Hayden Hackney and Aidan Morris receiving top marks of 9, and Dael Fry, Luke Ayling and Callum Brittain each earning 8. Goalkeeper Sol Brynn was noted for both strong performances and a costly error at Wembley. The assessment underscored a mixed campaign marked by managerial changes, inconsistent form and a solid defensive core, but ultimately falling short of promotion ambitions.