When Rob Edwards decided to leave Middlesbrough for Wolves, many fans at the Riverside Stadium were understandably angry.
Not only had he traded a promotion push for almost likely relegation with Wanderers, but it had also put Boro in a tough situation.
It’s never easy to find a new manager in the middle of the season, and the new guy needed to get started right away or Boro risked losing their good start under Edwards.
Kim Hellberg has altered Middlesbrough since he arrived.
To make matters worse for Middlesbrough, they weren’t the only Championship club looking for a new manager, so they didn’t have complete control over who they hired.
In the end, Boro hired Kim Hellberg, with Steve Gibson fending off interest from Swansea to win a contract for the Hammarby manager. The Welsh club had made Hellberg their top priority, but Gibson, to his credit, persuaded the 37-year-old to join Middlesbrough’s project.
Of course, there were many risks associated with this job, as Hellberg had never worked outside of Sweden. Furthermore, he was arriving without a pre-season to implement his ideas, which could have been problematic given the special challenges he faces.
However, while it is still early days, Gibson’s risk appears to be paying off magnificently, as Middlesbrough have been a joy to watch under Hellberg, who has definitely pushed the team to the next level since joining.
A four-game winning streak is clearly impressive, but it does not convey the whole story. Boro’s performance at Hull, where they led by four goals at halftime, was a statement of purpose.
They then put on another outstanding performance to defeat QPR, with the Boro players quickly embracing the manager’s philosophy. The way they build from the back reveals patterns of play, and each attack has an intensity and speed that many opponents have struggled to deal with.
Alex Bangura and Alex Gilbert have come out of nowhere to prove their worth, while Hayden Hackney and Morgan Whittaker are among the league’s best players right now, demonstrating Hellberg’s coaching abilities.
Kim Hellberg can lead Middlesbrough to the Premier League.
Even after four games, there will be belief and optimism among Middlesbrough fans that they may return to the top division under Hellberg.
Their record has opened up a seven-point lead over third-placed Preston, and while we know things can change quickly in football, it’s a significant advantage for the Teesside club at this stage of the season.
With January approaching, Hellberg’s start will undoubtedly persuade Gibson that he needs to back the manager in the market, and the opportunity to be a part of the new-look Middlesbrough under the Swede will appeal to potential signings.
Gibson would have been let down when Edwards moved to Molineux, which put him in a difficult position as he attempted to take the club in the correct path. After appraising the circumstances, the owner took decisive action to beat Swansea to Hellberg, which was a bold and brave decision.
We’ll have to wait until May to make a clear verdict, but Edwards’ choice to go appears to be a blessing in disguise for Middlesbrough following Hellberg’s influence.
So, Gibson and the club will be hoping it can be sustained, and if Boro do return to the Premier League under the new manager, it would appear to be a stroke of genius by the owner – leaving Swansea wondering what may have been.
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