Former EFL footballer Sam Parkin claims that the Middlesbrough position is more enticing right now than the Swansea City job, given Kim Hellberg’s impending appointment.
According to reports, the Swede is close to joining the Riverside to replace Rob Edwards, who left for Wolves earlier this month.
The 37-year-old was linked with a transfer to Swansea, but he is reportedly likely to take over the Teesside club instead.
Swansea are looking for a replacement for Alan Sheehan, who was fired at the start of the international break after the club’s 4-1 defeat to Ipswich Town.
Hellberg has astonished many with his efforts with Swedish club Hammarby IF, leading them to second place in the Allsvenskan season, which ended earlier this month.
Middlesbrough is a greater potential than Swansea right now.
According to Parkin, Middlesbrough are a more tempting proposition for a manager like Hellberg right now than Swansea.
He believes it is a fascinating role and is looking forward to seeing what the young coach can do at the Riverside, especially because he is replacing Edwards, who was performing well before leaving Boro to join Wolves.
“It’s really unfortunate for Middlesbrough, and I have sympathy for them in this situation in terms of the scenario that’s been presented to them,” Parkin said on the What the EFL?! podcast.
“But you would definitely agree that Middlesbrough is a better job right now than Swansea.
“So, if he’s going to be the man there, it’s an excellent opportunity for someone to step in.
“I saw that Middlesbrough signed Andy Myers [this week], who previously worked with Adi Viveash at Chelsea’s academy.
“What a fantastic job coming in [for Hellberg].
“I read about his track record and what we anticipate from his teams.
“High pressing, possession-style football, all the buzz words you get with a manager who is coming in — not to modernize, because I think Middlesbrough were playing quite decent stuff in any case — coming in with a large international reputation.
“It sounds like he ticks a lot of boxes, so really excited to see how he goes.”
Middlesbrough remain in contention for promotion to the Premier League this season, sitting second in the table ahead of their return to action this weekend.
Prior to the international window, the Teesside club defeated Birmingham City 2-1, regaining automatic promotion.
Hellberg will only have a few days with the club before overseeing his first game in charge, which will be this weekend.
Middlesbrough’s next match is against Oxford United on November 22, while Swansea are still without a manager ahead of their upcoming match against Bristol City.
The Middlesbrough job is a wonderful opportunity for Kim Hellberg.
Hellberg has never worked in English football before, so hiring him is a significant risk for Middlesbrough and a departure from their usual managerial appointments.
However, he has been associated with a number of teams in recent months, and there is no doubt that there is a lot of expectation surrounding what he can achieve.
This is an interesting potential for both him and Boro since it’s a rare opportunity to take over a squad that’s on the rise.
If he can keep the squad on track for promotion, and even get them back into the top flight, he’ll have shown his decision to join Middlesbrough over Swansea was correct.
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