Middlesbrough head coach Kim Hellberg addressed the media after his team's reinstatement to the Championship play-off final following Southampton's expulsion over the Spygate scandal. The independent commission's decision to dock Saints four points for 2026/27 and remove them from the final was upheld on appeal. Boro will now face Hull at Wembley on Saturday, live on Sky Sports, with promotion to the Premier League at stake.

Hellberg described the past weeks as "crazy" with emotional turmoil from losing to Southampton, to the reversal. He maintained he was simply being honest about his feelings throughout the scandal, not commenting on the punishment itself. The Swede admitted it was impossible to train properly while awaiting the verdict, taking his son to Sweden for perspective before returning to prepare for the final.

Hull boss Jakirovic expressed relief at finally knowing their opponent after preparing for Southampton for seven days. He called the situation "the best scenario for a movie" when asked if automatic promotion would have been fairer. Despite the chaotic circumstances, Jakirovic stressed his focus remains solely on preparing his team to beat Middlesbrough and secure Premier League promotion.