The final day of the Championship campaign was another dramatic weekend with Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny’s Wrexham at the center of the action.
Wrexham needed a win to secure a place in the play-offs (Image: 2026 Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA)
A thrilling championship campaign has come to an end. Now it’s time to focus on the playoffs. Southampton and Middlesbrough had already cemented their place in the top six, with all eyes on Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny’s Wrexham, as well as Derby County and Hull City.
The Red Dragons clashed with Middlesbrough at the Racecourse Ground. Meanwhile, Derby and Hull faced Sheffield United and Norwich City respectively.
It was a lively first 45 minutes between Wrexham and Middlesbrough, with Tommy Conway putting the visitors ahead and Josh Windass and Sam Smith finding the back of the net, but David Strelek equalized just before half-time.
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However, Phil Parkinson’s side were unable to find a winner in the closing stages. Crucially, Hull were trailing 1-0 by Norwich after Mohamed Traore put them ahead for the Canaries, but fought back with a brace from Oli McBurnie to move into the top six.
Sammy Szmodics took an early lead in Derby, securing a place in the top six, but two goals in seven minutes in the second half, with United’s Thomas Cannon and Sidi Peck finding the back of the net, gave the Blades victory.
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Meanwhile, Ipswich Town will join Coventry City, who have qualified for the Premier League in ruthless fashion next season.
At Portman Road, they defeated Queens Park Rangers 3-0 with goals from George Hurst, Jayden Philozine and Casey McAteer. All championship campaigns have ended. Mirror Football has everything you need to know about the playoffs.
When are the championship playoff games held?
Southampton beat Preston 3-1 (Image: 2026 Matt Watson)
The first leg of the semi-final will take place on Friday 8th May at 8pm, with 6th placed Hull City facing 3rd placed Millwall. The following day, Middlesbrough host Southampton.
The second leg between Millwall and Hull will take place on Monday 11th May at 8pm, with Southampton facing Middlesbrough in the second leg the following day at 8pm.
The play-off final will then be held at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 23rd May. It will be an emotional day for those involved under the arch at Wembley.
The play-off final is the most lucrative match in English football, due to the broadcast fees earned by qualifying for the Premier League. The winner of this year’s flagship match at Wembley is thought to be set aside around £200m.
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