[themaclad]

Photo Arne Museler

https://www.mfc.co.uk/

MANAGER

Kim Alexander Hellberg (born 1 February 1988) is a Swedish professional football manager and former player who is the current head coach of EFL Championship club Middlesbrough.

He played as a midfielder in Sweden's lower divisions and began coaching during his playing career. In 2018, he led IF Sylvia to promotion to the third-tier Ettan. He was appointed assistant manager of Allsvenskan club IFK Norrköping in 2020, and at the end of the following year was named in his first top-flight head coach job at IFK Värnamo. He led Hammarby IF to consecutive runners-up positions in 2024 and 2025.

FORM



BORO 13 PNE 8

Dip in form at the moment, whilst Boro seem to be buying players like it's going out of fashion.

THE BOSS

Paul Heckingbottom is expecting an entertaining encounter ahead of Preston North End’s trip to Middlesbrough on Saturday.

PNE led twice when the two sides met earlier this season but were ultimately forced to settle for a draw.

After defeat against Hull City last time out, the Lilywhites’ boss is hoping for a positive reaction from his squad next time out.

“The reaction to the second half's performance is important to me,” said Hecky.

“That can't guarantee a result, but I've said many times I just want to enjoy what I see and be really proud of how we perform and how we play.”

Brad Potts entered the field of play with 15 minutes left to play against Hull but was forced off after going down with an injury.

Speaking ahead of our trip to the Riverside, Hecky provided an update on the 31-year-old’s situation.

“Just a knee issue, so hopefully we can settle that down quickly,” revealed the manager.

“Nothing that we're too concerned about. We'll get a second opinion on it. It could result in a little clean-up of his knee, which would put him out for a few weeks.

“It could be a little bit less if everyone's happy with it. We'll just let the symptoms settle down.”


Heading into the contest, Middlesbrough sit second in the Championship standings, trailing league leaders Coventry City by just six points.

North End’s boss believes that the match should be an entertaining one and hopes that PNE’s travelling support can provide his team with an excellent atmosphere once again.

“We'll prepare for them at their best,” stated Hecky. “It's really clear how he's set his team up and to prepare for that is good. I think it's going to be an entertaining game.

“Our away support has been fantastic and it's another good venue to go to.

“The atmosphere will be good anyway. They're getting right behind their new manager and with them being at the top it's a good atmosphere over at the Riverside.

“It'll be a good one for our fans to enjoy regardless, so hopefully if we can get the result and performance to match, then everyone's happy.”