Middlesbrough head coach Kim Hellberg is absolutely buzzing, talking openly about his huge admiration for former Boro boss Tony Mowbray ahead of their first ever meeting in the dugout. This isn’t just another game, folks; this is a clash with history and serious respect.
Mowbray’s Journey Back to the Touchline
Look, Mowbray’s story is incredible. The 62-year-old, born in Saltburn, played nearly 350 league games for Boro over an 11-year run and even managed the club he grew up supporting from 2010 to 2013. But here’s the real gut punch, back in February 2024, Mowbray was diagnosed with bowel cancer. He had to quit as Birmingham City boss to get treatment. Since then, his only job in football was a quick four-month stint at West Brom early in 2025. He spent much of his time just following Boro’s drive for promotion, which heartbreakingly fell short last season. Hellberg clearly knows Mowbray’s been watching, telling BBC Radio Tees, “I know he’s seen a lot of games and probably enjoyed a lot of things we have done on the pitch and how we’ve played.” He even thinks they’re “similar in the way we look at the game.” You gotta love that mutual respect heading into a big match.
Blackburn’s New Look and Boro’s Challenge
Now, Mowbray’s side, Blackburn, heads into this game after a wild opener against Wolves. They were denied an eye-catching win by a last-gasp equalizer, but Hellberg wasn’t focused on the result. He was blown away by their play. “The impressive thing about it wasn’t the result, though I think they deserved three points, it was how they played, how brave they were,” Hellberg explained. “That comes from the manager and how he gets that into the players to express themselves. He’s done a brilliant job.” Contrast that with Boro’s last trip to Ewood Park in March, a goalless draw in the middle of a seven-match winless streak that absolutely nuked their automatic promotion push. Hellberg remembers, “We had a lot of opportunities but couldn’t get the goal we needed in that game.”
Blackburn has seriously changed things up since last season, rocking a new style of play. Hellberg is expecting “a very good, open football game” and sees them taking “a very attack-minded approach.” Midfielder Aidan Morris is back in the squad, which is a boost. Forward David Strelec is 50/50, but defender Ashley Phillips might be out until September. This Saturday at Ewood Park is gonna be a massive test, a real challenge for Boro, and we’re all looking forward to seeing how they step up!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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