Adi Viveash has been in caretaker command for three games following Rob Edwards’ departure.
Thankfully, this is not farewell, but he deserves our gratitude anyway. That’s because today marks the conclusion of his tenure as caretaker at Boro, during which he came in at what could have been a critical juncture and stabilized the ship in preparation for Kim Hellberg’s arrival.
It feels especially necessary to assure Adi that his efforts are appreciated, given that his tenure in leadership ended in sad and unpleasant circumstances. The 4-2 setback to Coventry City, his former team, felt undeserved.
However, what he stated afterwards makes it feel important to emphasize how much his work and efforts are appreciated. “I felt like I let them down tonight, which is why I went around to the supporters and raised my hands. “I did not want it to end like this,” he stated following the Coventry game.
Middlesbrough injury update after Coventry: Aidan Morris, David Strelec, and Dael Fry
Adi Viveash’s message to Tommy Conway, and how he and the Middlesbrough player will react
It is uncommon for this writer to feel confident or comfortable speaking on behalf of the entire fanbase, let alone the vast majority. But, on this occasion, I am confident that everyone from Middlesbrough would join me in expressing their gratitude for how he handled the matter. In the last three weeks, he has done nothing to tarnish his already excellent reputation among Boro fans.
To be clear, he let no one down on Tuesday evening. Boro was dealt a harsh defeat, and the way in which it occurred was particularly painful. In overall, Boro outperformed a team that is now ten points clear at the top of the league for a reason.
The outcome did not go their way on the night, but it should not, and I am confident will not, reduce the appreciation felt for Adi, both internally at the club and outside among supporters, for his efforts in recent weeks.
In particular, his contribution to what turned out to be a memorable day at the Riverside a few weeks ago when he defeated Birmingham City should not be overlooked. Despite the uncertainty and passion surrounding Rob Edwards’ choice, he was the soothing force that kept the ship steady.
Throughout the era, club officials and players could not stop praising Adi. For his professionalism and the manner he carried himself. With so much going on, both on and off the pitch, during his stint as interim head coach, he’s handled himself so well in public, with his press conferences and powerful rhetoric gaining understandable praise from fans.
There’s a reason why club officials were eager for him to stay a part of the incoming manager’s plans. In fact, Kieran Scott went so far as to imply that Kim Hellberg’s desire to incorporate Adi was an extra checkbox when Boro considered their managerial possibilities. That speaks volumes about how highly regarded he is.
He has not let anyone down, and he will remain an important member of the Boro team moving ahead. His championship experience will be invaluable to Hellberg, and it’s especially good that the Swede has acknowledged this publicly. And once again, thank you, Adi.
xz
