Former EFL striker Sam Parkin has suggested that the Middlesbrough job is currently a more appealing opportunity than the vacancy at Swansea City, especially with Kim Hellberg reportedly closing in on a move to the Riverside Stadium. The Swedish coach is believed to be on the verge of replacing Rob Edwards, who departed earlier this month to take over at Wolves.
Hellberg has enjoyed a standout spell in charge of Hammarby IF, guiding the club to a second-place finish in the recently concluded Allsvenskan season. His impressive work in Sweden has drawn attention from multiple clubs, including Swansea, but it now appears that Middlesbrough are set to secure his services.
Middlesbrough seen as the better opportunity
The 37-year-old had previously been linked to the Swansea role, with the Welsh club searching for a replacement after dismissing Alan Sheehan following a heavy 4-1 loss to Ipswich Town. However, according to Parkin, Middlesbrough represents a more exciting and ambitious project for a manager of Hellberg’s profile.
Hellberg has never worked in English football, making the appointment a departure from Middlesbrough’s typical managerial choices and carrying an element of risk. Even so, his growing reputation and the buzz around his coaching style have made him one of the most intriguing emerging managers in Europe.
Parkin believes that taking over a squad with genuine promotion aspirations presents a huge opportunity. If Hellberg can maintain Boro’s momentum—and potentially guide them back into the Premier League—choosing Middlesbrough over Swansea will prove to be the right decision.
Speaking on the What the EFL?! podcast, Parkin sympathized with Middlesbrough for losing Edwards despite the team’s positive form but insisted the vacancy remains highly attractive.
“It’s really unfortunate for Middlesbrough, and I do feel for them with how the situation unfolded,” he said. “But you’d still say Middlesbrough is a better job right now than Swansea. If Hellberg is the one coming in, it’s a fantastic opportunity for him.”
Parkin also highlighted the recent appointment of Andy Myers—who previously worked with Adi Viveash at Chelsea’s academy—suggesting it strengthens the environment Hellberg would be stepping into.
“What a great job for Hellberg to walk into,” Parkin added. “Reading about his methods—high pressing, possession-based football, all the hallmarks of a modern coach with a strong international profile—he seems to tick every box. I’m excited to see how he gets on.”
Promotion race continues
Middlesbrough remain firmly in the hunt for Premier League promotion, sitting second in the Championship as they return to action this weekend. Before the international break, they secured a 2-1 win over Birmingham City to reclaim an automatic promotion spot.
If appointed in the coming days, Hellberg will have only a short window to prepare before taking charge of his first match, which arrives quickly. Boro face Oxford United on November 22, while Swansea, still searching for a new head coach, prepare for their next fixture against Bristol City.
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