Tommy Smith provided behind-the-scenes insight into Middlesbrough’s new manager hunt and the new man’s responsibilities.
Tommy Smith believes Kim Hellberg has an excellent opportunity at Middlesbrough, and that there is enough at Boro to mitigate the risk of the hiring.
Boro are expected to appoint the Swede as their new head coach, after Rob Edwards, who abruptly left for Wolves just four months after taking over at the Riverside. Given Hellberg’s lack of experience in English football, the appointment carries an increased risk.
Smith, who was recently named as the club’s first Loans Manager, was asked about the club’s position from behind the scenes. And, while he couldn’t directly discuss Hellberg because he hadn’t been officially nominated yet, he was able to explain the broader scope of his responsibilities when he takes over on Teesside.
Smith told the 72+ EFL Pod: “Ultimately, for whatever Rob has done over the last week or so, he’s put the club in a terrific position and made this a great job for someone to come into. The next phase is to build on this and, eventually, win more football matches.
“A lot of organizations and teams are so fascinated with all the other aspects that come with it, like xG, possession, passes, and so on. But, ultimately, if you don’t win football games, you know what’s going to happen. You only have to look at Southampton, who, despite dominating the bulk of their games, fired their manager.
“The next person needs to come in, analyze the options, and ultimately figure out how to win more football games. I believe I have a solid idea of what Middlesbrough fans want and want. They aspire to win matches with dynamic football and be difficult to beat. That responsibility will eventually go to the next manager.
The expected appointment of Hellberg represents a significant shift in Boro’s strategy. He will be the club’s second permanent non-British manager and the first that owner Steve Gibson has hired directly from another club. Boro met Hellberg’s release clause in his contract with Hammarby, after the 37-year-old led the Swedish top flight club to straight second place finishes.
Though Hellberg has created a burgeoning reputation for his success in his native nation and appealing style of play, the job carries some risk because it is his first experience outside of Sweden. To bridge that gap, the club intends to keep Adi Viveash on Hellberg’s backroom team, and Smith believes the club’s general structure has advantages as well.
Smith went on to say, “There were several Championship clubs looking for a new manager at the same time.” However, I believe Middlesbrough’s position was exceptional due of Rob’s departure. When a manager is not performing properly, clubs usually replace him. But our management has left.
“So it’s all about who can step in and take the team to the next level, which is obviously the Premier League. So it’s unusual, and I’m sure there was a comprehensive procedure to identify the perfect man. Whoever comes in has an incredible opportunity.
“That much is clear in terms of league standings. It’s an excellent opportunity to seize the club and propel us forward. Every managerial hire at any team carries some level of risk. There are never any assurances. But one thing I can say about the football team is that they have an incredible owner.
“He truly supports his managers, he’s loyal, and he wants the team to succeed – which isn’t always a certainty. I believe that is what distinguishes this opportunity. The ladder above whoever comes in makes this such an excellent opportunity. “That means a lot.”
In terms of the reaction to Edwards’ decision within the club, he said, “Yeah, there’s been disappointment because of how well we’re doing. We are second in the league. Everything appears to be going well until you hear the news. So, how do you react to this?
“Ultimately, what has happened in the past has happened, and while it may be monotonous to say, it is all about what comes ahead for the football club. The victory over Birmingham was a watershed moment for the club, as it demonstrated the solidarity and camaraderie of the players and supporters.
“Adi Viveash deserves a lot of respect for how he handled the entire scenario. Despite the fact that there was a lot of fuss, he and the players deserve so much credit. I’ve been in similar situations throughout the years, and it can go one of two ways. It’s easy to feel sorry for yourself and have a difficult time. It’s been the complete opposite at Boro.”
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