Dean Windass has backed Middlesbrough's promotion push this season, praising the leadership of chairman Steve Gibson and manager Kim Hellberg. The former Boro forward believes the club is well-placed to secure a Premier League return after last season's play-off final heartbreak.
Windass, who spent two-and-a-half years at the Riverside, highlighted Gibson's low-profile style as a major asset. "Steve Gibson is a fantastic chairman," Windass said. "In my two-and-a-half years there, I think I saw him only twice. He does not chase publicity or interfere." He added that Gibson lets the manager build something, a trust he sees in Hellberg's work.
Windass on Gibson and Hellberg
Windass is a firm admirer of the current setup. "I like Middlesbrough. I like Kim Hellberg, the way he plays and the philosophy he has brought to the club," he said. His confidence comes with Boro sitting third in the Championship, having taken 14 points from their opening seven games. That solid start, which includes a recent 2-2 draw with Millwall, underpins the optimism around Teesside.
Club context and recent form
The club's current position is a strong response to last May's Wembley defeat, where a late Oli McBurnie goal for Hull City ended their promotion dream. The summer saw significant change, with captain and academy product Hayden Hackney moving to Everton for a reported £15m. That fee helped fund Hellberg's first full-season rebuild, bringing in Will Lankshear, Ashley Phillips and Sebastian Berhalter.
Those new signings have already made an impact. Lankshear is the team's top scorer with six goals this season, while Berhalter and Phillips both netted in the dramatic 4-3 win over Norwich. Supporters can track the squad's progress on the official squad page.
Windass thinks this blend gives Middlesbrough a genuine shot at the top two. He sees a club moving forward with clear direction from the top. Alfie Jones remains sidelined for the encounter.
More detail at Hartlepool Mail
