Hull City maintain Wembley preparations as EFL disciplinary verdict looms
Assistant manager Dean Holden confirms squad is training normally and adhering to the 16:30 BST kick-off, but remains ready to adapt if the English Football League’s independent commission rules against the fixture proceeding.
Hull City assistant manager Dean Holden has confirmed the club is fully preparing for the Championship play-off final against Southampton at Wembley on Saturday, despite significant uncertainty surrounding the fixture. The match, scheduled for a 16:30 BST kick-off, remains pending the verdict of an English Football League (EFL) independent disciplinary commission. The commission is currently investigating allegations that Southampton spied on Middlesbrough’s training session ahead of their semi-final first leg earlier this month.
Holden stated that the club has been instructed by the EFL to proceed with preparations as scheduled but remains ready to adapt if the outcome changes in the coming days. While the Tigers are adhering to the current timeline, Holden acknowledged the unique nature of the situation, noting that the club must remain flexible given the gruelling nature of the 46-game Championship season, which features regular intervals of three days between matches.
To manage the squad’s focus, Holden emphasised the need for concise messaging to prevent players from overthinking the potential scenarios. He warned against asking the club’s small analyst team to prepare for two different games, stating that doing so would create operational problems. Instead, the staff are directing their attention solely to Southampton, with manager Sergej Jakirovic providing consistent guidance to help manage the nervous energy expected ahead of the high-stakes occasion.
Training proceeded as normal on Monday, with Holden reporting a "great atmosphere" and no visible anxiety among the squad. The club has prepared detailed dossiers on every opponent they have faced this season and has watched both semi-finals in detail to ensure a thorough understanding of the field. Holden noted that Hull City has previously secured strong results against Southampton in the current campaign and has a history of adapting to difficult circumstances to secure victories.
The disciplinary hearing relates to the "Spygate" controversy involving Southampton and Middlesbrough. Until the commission delivers its verdict, the fixture status remains unresolved. However, Holden insisted that the club’s focus will not waver, stating that the noise surrounding the investigation is unavoidable but must not distract from the primary objective of reaching Wembley.
