Gelhardt says leaving Leeds for Hull was the right decision

Joe Gelhardt believes leaving Leeds United for Hull City was “the right decision for everyone”. The forward is now relishing the chance to prove himself in the Premier League, after a move that he says ultimately suited both sides and the player himself.

The choice was not straightforward. Following two loan spells with Hull City, Gelhardt was still unsure of his future as the summer progressed, while Birmingham City were also interested. He admits he had begun to think the Hull move might not happen. “I knew I wasn’t going to play at Leeds and I wanted to come back here to Hull. They knew that too. For it to actually happen was the perfect scenario for me,” he said.

The situation changed as he prepared to join Birmingham. Gelhardt had packed his case and was due to travel there for a medical when Hull made their move. He says the owner, Acun Ilicali, video-called him late one night with his agent; Gelhardt was ready to leave the next day. He then had a medical with Hull on Wednesday morning and signed on Thursday. “I was a bit in shock because I hadn’t heard much from Hull. More than anything, I was delighted and wanted to get it done as soon as possible,” he said.

Birmingham, he added, had been “top class” and understanding when he came close to joining. “There was a lot of waiting and uncertainty, but in the end it got done and I couldn’t be happier,” he said. He believes ending the situation earlier was the right outcome for both parties.

His time at Leeds began promisingly before chances to play became harder to find. Gelhardt considers his first two years successful, but says the end was less so: “I didn’t play much, but that’s football.” He also says he did not realise how big Leeds were when he first joined.

Now settled back at Hull, he wants to make the most of another opportunity at the highest level. He says he has more experience than he had at Leeds, while remaining just as excited, and wants to make an impact whenever he plays, including by scoring and assisting. Competition for places is fierce, but he sees it as healthy and motivating. In his view, players must do their best in training and leave the decision to the manager. He says he is happiest playing football at Hull and praises the players, staff and fans.