I'm a loyal man ... if powers that be are things move forward, so be it

STAND-IN COACH ADI READY FOR ROLE IN NEW REGIME

- By CRAIG JOHNS

(NIGEL RODDIS / GETTY)

WHILE Adi Viveash insists his full focus is on Middlesbrough's clash with Oxford United this weekend, it was pretty clear that he’s hoping to stay at the club once Kim Hellberg is appointed.

Viveash has been placed in caretaker charge of Boro after Rob Edwards made the decision to join Wolves.

He will lead the side this weekend against Oxford, and possibly next week against Coventry City too. Hellberg will become Boro’s new head coach eventually, but Viveash is leading things until the final few hurdles are cleared to make that official.

Though Hellberg is bringing long-term assistant David Selini with him to the Riverside, Viveash has impressed the Boro hierarchy with his conduct in recent weeks and is expected to remain at the club as part of Hellberg’s coaching team. The Swede is said to welcome Viveash’s expertise and experience as part of his backroom team.

As for Viveash, while he couldn’t say directly whether or not he would still be at the club after a new head coach is appointed, he was pretty clear in his enjoyment at working for the club, while he also described himself as ‘loyal’ in suggesting he would be sticking around if that’s what was wanted.