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'Here we go!' Hull City fans en route to Wembley

Kevin ShoesmithEast Yorkshire and Lincolnshire
News imageJade Askew A man wearing a red Middlesbrough top is in a car with his two young sons both wearing Hull City shirts.Jade Askew
Middlesbrough fan Guy Askew, pictured with his Hull City supporting sons, says at least one side of the family will be pleased with the final result

Thousands of hopeful Hull City fans are heading to Wembley, with the Tigers taking on Middlesbrough in the Championship play-off final.

A fleet of coaches carrying supporters set off from the MKM Stadium at 07:30 BST before joining the A63 ahead of the 180-mile (290km) journey.

Black-and-amber scarves have been seen trailing from car windows on the roads, with fans who opted for the train pictured arriving at King's Cross station.

The Askew family, from East Yorkshire, has split loyalties, with dad Guy an ardent Boro fan, while his two children, Theo, 14, and Jasper, 11, following the Tigers.

Guy joked: "At least it's going to be a great day for one side of our family!"

As he boarded one of dozens of coaches, Hull City fan Nigel Kennedy said: "I'm excited, apprehensive - we're going up!

"We've had a great season but we didn't expect to get this far."

News imageKevin Shoesmith/BBC Coaches travel along a busy dual carriageway Kevin Shoesmith/BBC
Hull City supporters are making their way to Wembley for the Championship play-off final

Kirsten Young and her mum Julie were up bright and early, ready to catch the coach.

"I've been really nervous all morning," said Kirsten.

Despite the nerves, both are confident of a Tigers victory.

"I feel very optimistic," said Kirsten.

"I've got a really good feeling," said Julie. "They're going to do it."

News imageRichard Madden/BBC A mother and daughter, both with shoulder-length, blonde hair, are smiling. They are both wearing black and amber coloured Hull City shirts. Behind them is a football stadium. Richard Madden/BBC
Kirsten Young, left, and her mum Julie were a bag of nerves first thing this morning

Friends Millie and Rich were all smiles as they joined other fans on a coach.

"It's a bit of a long journey, but I think we'll get it over the line today," said Rich, from the east of the city.

"Bring on the Premier League."

News imageAlana Ennis Fans, some wearing Hull City shirts, some wearing Middlesborough shirts, mix at motorway services Alana Ennis
Hull City and Middlesbrough fans met at Trowell Services on the M1

Millie said the uncertainty created by 'Spygate', which led to Middlesbrough taking the place of Southampton in the final, did not bother her.

"I don't care who we play," she said. "We have got it. Up the Tigers!"

Both think City striker Oli McBurnie will get on the score sheet.

News imageRichard Madden/BBC A man with short brown hair and a woman with long blonde hair smile for the camera. Both are wearing Hull City shirts. Behind them is a football stadium.Richard Madden/BBC
Friends Millie and Rich are confident Hull City can secure victory over Middlesbrough later
News imageSubmitted Hull City supporters, wearing black and amber shirts, cheer outside King's Cross station in London Submitted
Some Hull City fans took an early morning train bound for King's Cross station

Kerry Lynch has been supporting Hull City for about five years.

"I'm really privileged to be going to Wembley and I'm super excited," she said.

"It will be good for the people of Hull – it will give us something to look forward to in the future.

"Just go Hull City and may the best team win."

Additional reporting from Shirley Henry, Richard Madden and Emma Petrie

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