Middlesbrough are on the approach of signing an agreement that will see Hammarby manager Kim Hellberg take over at the Riverside Stadium.
According to new reports from Sweden, Hellberg has verbally committed to taking over at Boro, with the Teessiders apparently beating out Championship rivals Swansea City, who were also interested in hiring him. If the deal is approved, Hellberg would take over as the permanent successor to Rob Edwards, who left last week to lead struggling Premier League team Wolves, completing his brief but successful tenure at the club. After only a few months in command, Edwards departed Boro in second place in the Championship.
According to fresh information from Swedish publication Expressen, Middlesbrough hopes to name Hellberg as their next manager as early as next week, assuming talks go well.
According to reports, one of the main topics of the conversations was Hellberg’s request to bring David Selini, his longtime Hammarby aide, along. Selini’s transfer is reportedly being negotiated separately by the two teams so that the coaching staff can stay together on Teesside.
Adi Viveash is now serving as Middlesbrough’s temporary first team manager while the team finalizes Edwards’ resignation and selects a replacement. Selini’s arrival might result in a reorganization of the coaching hierarchy if Viveash and fellow coach Harry Watling stay on the staff.
Viveash led Boro to a 3-1 victory over Birmingham City in the last game before the international break, with to goals from Hayden Hackney and Dael Fry.
Following the game, the interim manager talked candidly about his future while maintaining the team’s performance as the main focus:
“A glass of red wine and wrapping up this interview are the only things on my mind right now,” he stated. “The players and the fans are the focus of today. The club’s decision-makers will decide what happens next; tomorrow is another day. I hope I handled the chance well, and I’m thankful for it. The fact that we gave the supporters a pleasant conclusion to a difficult week is what matters most.
He went on to compliment the club and its surroundings:
“What a fantastic club. Even before I got there, I sensed that. I had witnessed the commotion and ambiance from the other dugout, particularly on that night of the playoff semi-final. Middlesbrough always had top players when I was growing up. I consider myself fortunate to be employed at a club with such excellent management.
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