Middlesbrough Appoint Kim Hellberg as New Head Coach

Middlesbrough have officially announced the appointment of Kim Hellberg as their new head coach, following Rob Edwards' recent departure to Wolverhampton Wanderers. The 37-year-old Swede joins Boro from Hammarby, a top-flight Swedish club, where he guided the team to successive second-place finishes in the Allsvenskan.

Hellberg's appointment comes after Edwards' controversial exit earlier this month, just five months into his three-year contract with Middlesbrough. Edwards, who took over at Premier League strugglers Wolves, explained his decision by stating he didn't want to miss out on his "dream job". He acknowledged the disappointment of Middlesbrough fans but emphasized his long-held ambition to manage Wolves.

Kim Hellberg had also been in discussions with Swansea City, another Championship club, but ultimately chose to join Middlesbrough. He will be joined by his assistant, David Selini, while Adi Viveash will remain part of the coaching staff. Viveash will remain in charge for the home game against Coventry City on Tuesday. Hellberg is expected to officially take over later in the week, with his first official game in charge being the home fixture against Derby County.

"I'm delighted to have been appointed as Boro's head coach and I'm very proud to be here," said Hellberg. "A lot of things make Boro the perfect choice for me. The way they play and want to play, together with the crowd, suits me and how I want to work". He added, "I want us to play quick and aggressive football, and to try to win the ball as quickly as possible if we don't have it. I want us to be quick on goal and create a lot of chances". Hellberg also expressed his admiration for the players and their performance this season.

Middlesbrough currently sit second in the Championship, seven points behind leaders Coventry City. The club's hierarchy believes Hellberg is the right person to lead them forward.

Kieran Scott, Middlesbrough's head of football, said that Hellberg had been on his radar for a while. "He's well known in the circles of European football as an up-and-coming head coach that was catching a lot of people's eye and was doing really well at Hammarby," Scott stated. He added that after meeting with Hellberg, along with chief executive Neil Bausor and chairman Steve Gibson, they were impressed and felt his appointment could take the club forward.

Hellberg's journey in football began in the lower leagues of Sweden, where he played before transitioning into coaching. He coached Kuddby IF and IF Sylvia before joining IFK Norkopping in 2020. His first head coach role in Allsvenskan was at IFK Varnamo, where his impressive performance led to his move to Hammarby.