Middlesbrough head coach Kim Hellberg has spoken of his admiration for former Boro boss Tony Mowbray ahead of their first meeting in the dugout.<\/p>\n
Hellberg's side head to Ewood Park on Saturday (15:00 BST) to face Blackburn, who are playing the first home game of Mowbray's second spell in charge of Rovers, more than nine years after his first began.<\/p>\n
The Saltburn-born 62-year-old played nearly 350 league games for Boro over an 11-year stay and also managed the club he grew up supporting from 2010 until 2013.<\/p>\n
In February 2024 Mowbray was diagnosed with bowel cancer and quit as Birmingham City boss as he underwent treatment and his only job in football since was a four-month spell at West Brom early in 2025, with much of his time since devoted to following the fortunes of Boro as their promotion push fell narrowly short last season.<\/p>\n
Hellberg told 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.<\/p>\n
"In many ways I think we're similar in the way we look at the game. I am looking forward to meeting him."<\/p>\n
Mowbray's side were denied an eye-catching win at Wolves in their opening game by a last-gasp equaliser and Hellberg added: "I think he's shown many times at different clubs that he's a brilliant coach.<\/p>\n
"The impressive thing about (the Wolves game) wasn't the result, though I think they deserved three points, it was how they played, how brave they were – that comes from the manager and how he gets that into the players to express themselves. He's done a brilliant job."<\/p>\n
Boro dominated a goalless draw at Ewood Park in March in the midst of a seven-match winless streak which derailed their automatic promotion push.<\/p>\n
Hellberg added: "We had a lot of opportunities but couldn't get the the goal we needed in that game.<\/p>\n
"They have changed a lot since last season. They have a new style of play. It's going to be a very good, open football game.<\/p>\n
"They will have a very attack-minded approach to the game. Blackburn showed against one of the favourites how good they can be. We're looking forward to the challenge."<\/p>\n
Midfielder Aidan Morris returns to the squad, forward David Strelec is 50\/50 to be in the squad but defender Ashley Phillips may not be ready to feature until September.<\/p>\n