Middlesbrough news round-up amid major Kim Hellberg delay update

Middlesbrough fans are having to wait a little bit longer for the appointment of Kim Hellberg as their new manager, with work permit issues reportedly holding up the announcement.

Boro have been on the hunt for a new boss since Rob Edwards’ shock departure to Premier League basement side Wolves earlier in November, after just 15 games and less than five months in charge. Hellberg’s stock has rapidly increased in Scandinavia over recent years, leading Varnamo to 10th and fifth-place finishes in the Allsvenskan straight after their promotion from the second tier. The 37-year-old then took over Hammarby in January 2024, leading them to consecutive second-place finishes, having not previously finished in the top two since 2003.

Swansea had also been linked with Hellberg before Boro quickly pulled away as the favourites for his signature, but the weekend’s fixtures came and went with Adi Viveash still in temporary charge - helping Boro come from behind to draw 1-1 away at Oxford United to remain second in the table.

But fans need not worry, with the Football League Paper reporting that the delay in announcing Hellberg is simply due to the process of getting his work permit taking a little longer than expected. Viveash will remain in the dugout for Tuesday’s vital clash at home to Championship leaders Coventry City, but it’s hoped Hellberg will then be able to join up before Boro host Derby County on Saturday.

Tommy Smith outlines new manager expectations

Former Middlesbrough defender Tommy Smith recently returned to Boro as the club’s first-ever loans manager. The ex-right-back has been asked about the current situation at the club, including Edwards’ exit and what will be required of the new manager. Though he couldn’t name Hellberg directly, he has been open about the expectations that will be upon him.

“Ultimately, for whatever has happened with Rob over the last week or so, he’s put the club in a great position and made this a great job for someone to walk into. The next step is building on that and, ultimately, winning more football matches,” Smith told the 72+ EFL Pod.

“A lot of clubs and teams are so obsessed with all the other bits that come with it - xG, possession, passes, all that type of stuff. But ultimately, if you’re not winning football matches, you know what’s coming. You only have to look at Southampton who, for all they’ve dominated the majority of their games, have sacked their manager.

“The next person needs to come in, weigh up what’s what, but ultimately just find a way to win more football matches. I feel I have a good understanding of what Middlesbrough fans want and what they like. They want to win matches playing progressive football and being hard to beat. Ultimately, the next manager will have that remit.”

Smith went on to state that returning to the Premier League for the first time since 2017 is the ultimate remit, and that Boro’s excellent league position gave them the edge at a time when multiple Championship rivals were also looking for a new boss.

He added: “There were a few Championship clubs all looking for a new manager at the same time. But I think it was a unique situation at Middlesbrough because of how Rob left. Normally clubs replace managers when not doing so well. But our manager has left. “So it’s all about who is the man now to come in and grab the club to lift them to the next level - which is obviously the Premier League. So it is unique, and I’m sure there’s been a thorough, thorough process to find the right man. Whoever comes in has got an unbelievable opportunity.

“That much is obvious in terms of league position. It’s a real opportunity to really grab the club with both hands and take us to that next step. There’s always a risk with any managerial appointment at any club. There’s never any guarantees. But the one thing I’d say about the football club is they have an unbelievable owner.

“He really backs his managers, he’s loyal, he’s desperate for the club to do well - which unfortunately isn’t always a guarantee either. I think that’s what makes this opportunity so unique. That ladder above whoever comes in, makes this such a fantastic opportunity. That counts for a hell of a lot.”

Darragh Lenihan update after latest setback

Darragh Lenihan has suffered wretched luck over the last two years as he battles against a serious ankle injury, with Transfermarkt now tallying his games missed for Boro at 100 and counting. The Republic of Ireland defender thought he was over the worst of it when he came off the bench in the final moments against Sheffield United in August, before going the full 90 minutes against Preston North End after the subsequent international break.

However, he hasn’t been seen since, after suffering another setback with his ankle the following week. There’s no chance of him featuring against either Coventry or Derby this week, with no return date in mind for Lenihan. In fact, rather than looking at getting him back out onto the pitch, Viveash is prioritising the player’s mental wellbeing, especially given the pressure of the 31-year-old’s contract expiring at the end of this season.

“Darragh’s still quite some way from being at a stage that he’ll be ready for training," said the interim boss. "He’s unfortunately had different injuries through a very sustained period. "When I talk about the importance of talking with players, Darragh is someone who me and him went and had a couple of walks, and they were important. "I’ve been in that position - I broke my leg twice and was out for nearly two years, so I can understand.

"I’ve really enjoyed getting to know Darragh the person. We didn’t really talk about football. We just walked for 40 minutes talking about family, life and how you deal with these ups and downs."

Viveash added: "As we know, life has changed. Mental health in football is important to acknowledge. "The care here is really special to see. It’s one of the examples of why this is such a special club. The care for players, the care for each other and care for individuals.

"I know Darragh feels that as he’s going through a really difficult period. He had a smile on his face when he was in the defender's meeting on Tuesday, so I took that as he’s okay. He’s a soldier. "He’s got to keep going because he’s got a family, young children, and hopefully, he deserves to have the light shining brightly on him again in the future."

Lenihan is joined on the sidelines by fellow defenders Dael Fry and George Edmundson, while Matt Targett was forced off at half-time against Oxford with a calf problem. Abdoulaye Kante is a major doubt, and goalkeeper Seny Dieng won’t be back in action until mid-January, leaving Boro light on options for Tuesday’s monumental challenge at the Riverside.

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