The Steve Gibson decision that could seal Middlesbrough a Premier League return - Swansea will be watching | OneFootball

Steve Gibson's decision to appoint Kim Hellberg at Middlesbrough is looking like a masterstroke after they saw off competition from Swansea.

When Rob Edwards made the decision to leave Middlesbrough for Wolves, it understandably left many at the Riverside Stadium angry.

Not only had he swapped a promotion push for an almost certain relegation with Wanderers, but it had left Boro in a very difficult position.

It’s never easy searching for a new manager mid-season, and there was a need for the new man to hit the ground running, otherwise Boro risked throwing the positive start they had made under Edwards away.

Kim Hellberg has transformed Middlesbrough since his arrival

To make matters worse for Middlesbrough, they weren’t the only Championship club on the lookout for a new boss, which meant they didn’t have a free run at whoever they wanted.

In the end, Boro did appoint Kim Hellberg, with Steve Gibson fighting off interest from Swansea to secure a deal for the Hammarby chief. The Welsh side had made Hellberg their number one target, but, to his credit, Gibson convinced the 37-year-old with the project at Middlesbrough.

Of course, there were plenty of risks to this appointment, as Hellberg hadn’t worked outside Sweden. Plus, he was joining without a pre-season to implement his ideas, which could have been a problem considering the specific demands he has.

Yet, whilst it’s still very early days, it looks like Gibson’s gamble is going to pay off spectacularly, as Middlesbrough have been a joy to watch under Hellberg, who has clearly taken the team up a level since his arrival.

A return of four wins from four is obviously outstanding, but even that doesn’t tell the whole story. The performance at Hull, where Boro were four goals up at half-time, was a statement of intent.

They then produced another brilliant display to blow QPR away, with the Boro players immediately buying into what the manager is all about. You can see patterns of play with the way they build from the back, and there is an intensity and speed to every attack that many opponents have been unable to deal with.

Alex Bangura and Alex Gilbert have come from the cold to show they can contribute, whilst the likes of Hayden Hackney and Morgan Whittaker are among the best players in the league right now, highlighting Hellberg's ability as a coach.

Kim Hellberg can take Middlesbrough to the Premier League

Even after four games, there will be a belief and optimism around Middlesbrough that they can return to the top-flight under Hellberg.

Their form has opened up a seven-point gap to third-placed Preston, and even though we know things can change very quickly in football, it’s a healthy advantage for the Teesside outfit to have at this stage of the campaign.

With January fast approaching, Hellberg’s start will have surely convinced Gibson that he needs to back the boss in the market, and the chance to be part of the new-look Middlesbrough under the Swede is going to appeal to prospective signings.

Gibson would have felt let down when Edwards made the move to Molineux, and it put him in a very difficult position as he looked to steer the club in the right direction. After assessing the situation, the owner then acted decisively to beat Swansea to Hellberg, in what was a bold, brave decision.

Ultimately, we will have to wait until May to make a proper judgement, but, right now, Edwards’ decision to depart is looking like a blessing in disguise for Middlesbrough after Hellberg’s impact.

So, Gibson and the club will be hoping it can be sustained, and if Boro do seal a Premier League return under the new boss, it will look like a stroke of genius by the owner - and it will leave Swansea wondering what might have been.