Former EFL striker Sam Parkin believes the Middlesbrough job is a more enticing option than the Swansea City vacancy, especially since Kim Hellberg is apparently close to a move to the Riverside Stadium. The Swedish coach is thought to be on the verge of replacing Rob Edwards, who left earlier this month to take over at Wolves.
Hellberg has had an outstanding stint in command of Hammarby IF, leading the team to second place in the recently finished Allsvenskan season. His outstanding performance in Sweden has piqued the interest of several clubs, including Swansea, but it appears that Middlesbrough is on the verge of signing him.
Middlesbrough is viewed as the superior opportunity.
The 37-year-old had previously been connected with the Swansea job, with the Welsh club looking for a replacement after sacking Alan Sheehan following a 4-1 defeat to Ipswich Town. According to Parkin, Middlesbrough is a more exciting and ambitious challenge for a manager with Hellberg’s profile.
Hellberg has never worked in English football, therefore his appointment differs from Middlesbrough’s usual managerial picks and carries some risk. Nonetheless, his burgeoning reputation and buzz surrounding his coaching style have elevated him to the ranks of Europe’s most intriguing emerging managers.
Parkin believes that taking over a squad with genuine promotion hopes represents a tremendous opportunity. If Hellberg can maintain Boro’s momentum and possibly guide them back into the Premier League, picking Middlesbrough over Swansea will be the perfect decision.
Parkin, speaking on the What the EFL?! podcast, sympathized with Middlesbrough for losing Edwards despite the team’s recent success, but argued the position remains incredibly appealing.
“It’s really unfortunate for Middlesbrough, and I do feel for them with how the situation unfolded,” stated the player. “But you’d still say Middlesbrough is doing a better job right now than Swansea.” If Hellberg comes in, he’ll have a wonderful opportunity.
Parkin also mentioned the recent hire of Andy Myers, who formerly worked with Adi Viveash at Chelsea’s academy, implying that it reinforces the atmosphere Hellberg will be entering.
“What a great job for Hellberg to walk into,” Parkin continued. “Reading about his methods—high pressing, possession-based football, all the trademarks of a modern coach with a big international profile—he appears to check all the boxes. I’m excited to see how he does.”
Promotion race continues.
Middlesbrough are solidly in contention for Premier League promotion, sitting second in the Championship as they return to action this weekend. Before the international break, they defeated Birmingham City 2-1 to retake the automatic promotion berth.
If appointed in the next days, Hellberg will have little time to prepare before his first match, which is swiftly approaching. Boro play Oxford United on November 22, while Swansea, who are currently looking for a new head coach, prepare for their next game against Bristol City.
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