Middlesbrough appoint Hellberg as Edwards' successor

Middlesbrough have announced Kim Hellerg as their new head coach following the departure of Rob Edwards.

Hellberg has joined from Swedish side Hammarby to replace Edwards, who left after just five months and 14 Championship games at the helm.

Middlesbrough have not announced the length of Hellberg's deal, but the 37-year-old will officially take over later in the week, with interim boss Adi Viveash remaining in charge for their match against Coventry City on Tuesday.

Hellberg, who had one year left on his contract in Hammarby, had led the club to two consecutive second-place finishes in the Swedish Allsvenskan.

"I'm delighted to have been appointed as Boro's head coach, and I'm very proud to be here," Hellberg told the club's website.

"A lot of things make Boro the perfect choice for me. The way they play and want to play, together with the crowd, suits me and how I want to work.

"I want us to play quick and aggressive football, and to try to win the ball as quickly as possible if we don't have it. I want us to be quick on goal and create a lot of chances.

"I've been very impressed with the players and how they've worked so far this season, and I'm looking forward to getting to work with them."

Hellberg won 35 of his 60 league games in charge (D11 L14), averaging 1.9 points per game and leaving with a 58.3% win rate.

Boro are currently second in the Championship, having lost just two of their opening 16 matches of the season, and are seven points behind leaders Coventry heading into this week's meeting.