Change is coming as Hellberg gets ready to really make mark

KIM Hellberg has hinted that big changes could be coming at Middlesbrough this summer, with pre-season his opportunity to really put his stamp on the team.

- By CRAIG JOHNS

Arriving at Boro last November, Hellberg had just two days before taking control of his first match, against Derby County.

Though Boro’s style was transformed under the Swede, it was always clear there was more he'd like to do to have the side exactly how he'd like it.

That he didn’t in the time at the club was partly due to arriving in the middle of the season, meaning there was a reluctance to change too much with such little time on the training pitch to do so.

There was, of course, the inherited personnel to consider, too.

Hellberg took a group of players who were put together for Rob Edwards, who played a vastly different style to Hellberg.

As such, the Boro head coach attempted to get the best out of what he had.

Now, with a summer transfer window to strengthen the squad and potentially add more suitable options such as hard-working Hull striker Kyle Joseph, Hellberg will be able to mould Boro into the team he wants them to be.

“It’s very good to be back,” Hellberg said. “I was excited to get back here and to start work. I feel energised by the break and now looking forward to what's ahead.

“I'm looking forward to getting a pre-season with the players to try and develop the way we want to play.

“It was a special time to come - just two days before the first game. And from there, you're quickly moving on.