'No hiding from that' - Kim Hellberg sends defiant message after Middlesbrough appointment

Kim Hellberg says Middlesbrough ‘deserve’ to be a Premier League club and is looking to use his experience at the top of the Allsvenskan to help achieve promotion.

The Swedish tactician was unveiled as the new Boro manager on Monday following the shock departure of Rob Edwards to Wolves after just 15 games and less than five months in charge. Hellberg takes over a Boro side that are still second in the Championship table, despite enduring a run of just one win in their last five matches - though they have only lost once during that time as well.

Kim Hellberg has sights set on Premier League return for Middlesbrough

Of course, finishing second is something Hellberg is very familiar with, having guided Hammarby to consecutive runner-up spots in the Swedish top-flight before taking the Boro job. The 37-year-old hopes that experience can help get Boro over the line in the race for promotion, sending the club back where he feels they belong.

“That’s the thing, in Hammarby, we’ve been second two years in a row. Of course, you want to win, but second is enough here to get promoted, so that is something that is of course important,” Hellberg told Middlesbrough’s official website.

“Boro should be in the Premier League and that’s why I am here, there’s no hiding from that. I want to get there (to the Premier League), I know everyone in the club, and the chairman, and the people around it want to get there, and that’s what I will try to achieve over this contract that I’ve signed.”

Kim Hellberg sends message to Middlesbrough fans

The Middlesbrough fans have been key since Edwards left the club, raising the atmosphere at the Riverside Stadium in a bid to boost the players in what has been a difficult period. Hellberg has called upon those supporters to ‘keep working hard’ to help the team, letting them know he’s ‘looking forward’ to joining them pitchside soon. “Keep working hard, keep being at the Riverside,” Hellberg said to the fans.

He continued: “I’m looking forward to meeting you all. I think there are a lot of positive things around the club, and I’ve seen the energy you create in the stadium. I’m looking forward to being there with you.”

Caretaker manager Adi Viveash will remain in charge for Tuesday’s vital clash against promotion rivals and Championship leaders Coventry City, before Hellberg takes the reins against Derby County on Saturday - both matches taking place at the Riverside Stadium.

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