Kim Hellberg's journey to Middlesbrough head coach began in a London hotel where director of football Kieran Scott spent five hours discussing tactics and vision. With Rob Edwards suddenly leaving for Wolves, Scott had identified the Sweden native from Hammarby as the perfect successor, impressed by Hellberg's attacking philosophy and data-driven approach that matched Boro's needs.

The meeting went so well that Steve Gibson and chief executive Neil Bauser were convinced within days. Hellberg won his first four games and sparked a five-match winning streak, including a 4-0 play-off semi-final thrashing of Southampton. His attacking methods transformed Boro's offense, lifting them into the final despite missing automatic promotion by four points.

A mid-season slump cost seven straight games, but Hellberg steadied the ship for the play-offs. Middlesbrough face Southampton this weekend in the first leg, with a Wembley final against Millwall or Hull potentially awaiting them if they can overcome the Championship's form team.