The latest on Kim Hellberg’s move to Middlesbrough as they close in on Rob Edwards’ replacement.
Middlesbrough fans are anxiously expecting the appointment of Kim Hellberg as the club’s new manager, as the hunt for Rob Edwards’ replacement nears completion.
Boro have been looking for a new head coach since it was announced earlier this month that Edwards had left to succeed Vitor Pereira at Premier League club Wolves. The Midlands team is in the thick of a relegation battle and are now the favourites to be relegated this season, with only two points after twelve games.
Boro are reportedly close to hiring Hellberg, who is currently the manager of Swedish club Hammarby. Championship rivals Swansea City were also interested in signing him, but it looks Boro are currently well ahead.
The reason for the delay is a work permit.
According to the Football League Paper, Hellberg is still expected to take over at Riverside Stadium. According to the story, work-permit concerns are now holding up any announcement, but agreements have been agreed upon, and an official unveiling is planned in the coming days.
It adds that Hellberg returned to Sweden this week to bid farewell to his Hammarby teammates and staff. TeessideLive claimed on Sunday that Hellberg will be at the Riverside for Tuesday’s match against Coventry City, but Viveash will be in the dugout.
Sporting director’s comments
Mikael Hjelmberg, Hammarby’s sporting director, broke his silence over the impending departure this week. When asked for an update on the situation by Swedish outlet Expressen, he confessed that while he is delighted for Hellberg to take the next step in his career, he is saddened to lose what the club has built in recent seasons.
“Nothing is done yet, but we need to prepare for a future without Kim,” Hjelmberg remarked. “He’s happy. He showed up at the office today. We had a very lovely and enjoyable talk. He expects to end up outside of Sweden.
“I am sad in a manner. We have had a fantastic collaboration. He is an excellent and competent football coach. So, for Hammarby, it’s tragic.
“On a personal level, I’m pleased for Kim. He truly deserves a chance at a prestigious and storied club. “And Hammarby will live on.”
Compensation and Wage
It has also been revealed in recent days that Boro will pay a compensation fee to their Swedish rivals, as well as Hellberg’s planned wage with the Teessiders. According to Fotboll Direkt, Hammarby is expecting to get €460,000.
According to the article, Boro will pay the 37-year-old between £960,000 and £1.2 million. Hellberg is reportedly anticipated to bring long-term assistant David Selini with him to the northeast, while current caretaker manager Adi Viveash will stay on the club’s coaching staff.
xz
