Gelhardt Earns Glowing Praise From Two Legends Amid Leeds Transfer Talk

Former Hull City defender Michael Dawson and veteran manager Neil Warnock have lavished praise on Joe Gelhardt after the striker reached double figures for the season during Friday night’s defeat to Middlesbrough.

Although Gelhardt’s second-half penalty merely served as a consolation in a heavy 4–1 loss at the Riverside, it represented a personal landmark as the Leeds United loanee notched his 10th goal of the campaign. The 25-year-old had won the spot-kick himself before confidently dispatching it past Boro keeper Seny Dieng.

The goal continues an impressive run of form, with Gelhardt now scoring eight times in his last ten outings to emerge as one of the Championship’s standout performers. However, Hull’s in-form forward is unlikely to feature when the Tigers host Wrexham this week, having limped off with a calf injury that is expected to keep him sidelined for several weeks.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Dawson – who made over 100 appearances for City – described Gelhardt as one of the signings of the season.

“Some of the players they brought in, I think Joe Gelhardt’s arguably one of the signings of the season, coming from Leeds,” Dawson said. “He came in last year on loan and enjoyed his time, and he’s certainly repaying the faith the manager has shown in him.

He’s been the bright spark, one of the main reasons Hull are where they are. His tenth for the season — there weren’t many positives [against Boro], but that was one of them.”

Veteran boss Neil Warnock, meanwhile, compared Gelhardt to former striker Dean Saunders, highlighting his relentless energy and pressing.

“He’s a manager’s player, him,” Warnock said. “I once said that about Dean Saunders — I used to call him a little rat because he never let anybody have any time. In a nice way, and he’s like that. I love watching him.

I believe the Championship is his level right now. I don’t mean that negatively; he’s still learning and could go higher. I’ve been impressed with his finishing — he’s just such a good lad.”

Dawson, who first faced Gelhardt as a teenager at Wigan Athletic, believes the striker has finally found a home at the MKM Stadium.

“He went to Leeds and found it tough once they got promoted. It’s hard for a young player if you’re not playing regularly. But he seems to have found his place here — he looks settled and happy,” Dawson said.

The former Hull captain hopes the club can keep hold of Gelhardt beyond January, despite growing interest from elsewhere.

“Does someone in the Premier League need him? Maybe. But he won’t play much at Leeds, so hopefully he stays. He’s enjoying himself — and that’s what matters most.”