Luke Ayling reacts in three words to Middlesbrough fixture release | OneFootball

Luke Ayling has reacted to Middlesbrough's fixtures ahead of the 2026/27 Championship season

Middlesbrough learned next season's Championship fixtures on Thursday afternoon and can ramp up their preparations for the campaign.

Boro lost to Hull City in last term's play-off final, and will be eager to bounce back from their Wembley Stadium heartache by winning promotion to the Premier League next term.

Kim Hellberg's men were handed a place in last month's Wembley showpiece after Southampton were kicked out of the play-offs for spying on the North East club's training session ahead of the first leg of their semi-final.

Consequently, two of Boro's most heated encounters in the Championship next season will likely arrive when they take on the Saints again.

Luke Ayling shares motivational message as Middlesbrough learn Championship fixtures

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Hellberg is vying for success ahead of his first full season in charge of Middlesbrough, while key players like Luke Ayling are searching for redemption after last term's agonising play-off final defeat.

Ayling starred in 43 Championship fixtures for Boro last season, scoring one goal and registering five assists in the process while fulfilling his defensive duties.

The former Leeds United man previously played as a full-back for the Whites, but he has established himself as a solid centre-back at the Riverside Stadium.

Meanwhile, Boro's chances of launching a more successful promotion push next season largely hinge on their summer transfer activity.

Talks between Everton and Middlesbrough over Hayden Hackney have continued, while Crystal Palace are also interested in the talented 23-year-old, according to The Athletic.

Hackney notched five goals and seven assists in 38 Championship appearances for Boro last campaign, helping him win the second tier's Player of the Season award.

The midfielder didn't feature for Hellberg's men after their 1-1 draw with Bristol City on 14 March until making a substitute appearance in the play-off final, which contributed to their poor form at the end of the term.

Meanwhile, following the release of Middlesbrough's fixtures, Ayling posted on his Instagram story: "We go again."

The Riverside Stadium outfit will look to earn all three points in their first game of the Championship season, as they host newly promoted Lincoln City.

Other key fixtures see them travel to Sheffield United on Boxing Day, while Hellberg's side have an away trip to Swansea City on the final day of the campaign.

Boro's first meeting with Southampton comes in late November, and both sides will be determined for victory following last month's 'Spygate' scandal.

Boro fans react to fixture list as promotion claim made

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Football supporters up and down the country are currently occupied with the World Cup, but EFL fixture release day always generates a range of emotions from Championship, League One, and League Two fans.

Middlesbrough supporters have provided mixed reactions to their fixture list, with one user commenting on X: "Need to hit the ground running (with) 3 wins as September is going to be tasty."

Another fan joked: "Just a warning for Saturday, the 28th of November, guys. Southampton fans are going to cause mayhem and are expecting a record-breaking number of arrests. Proceed with caution."

The Saints were on the mind of another Boro supporter, who said: "Getting our promotion locked in at Southampton."