Boro's positive season recognised with three nominations at annual EFL awards

With just five games remaining, Boro remain firmly in the battle for automatic promotion, currently sitting third on goal difference alone. And while form has faltered of late, it’s a reminder of what has been a really positive season.

That’s been recognised by the EFL’s panel of experts, who have nominated Hayden Hackney for the Player of the Year award, while boss Kim Hellberg is put forward for the manager’s gong.

It is the first time a Boro player receives a nomination for the player’s award since the 2022-23 season when Chuba Akpom’s 28 league goals meant he won the award. But he wasn’t able to fire Boro to promotion, as they missed out after losing to Coventry City in the play-offs.

Hackney, who has been described by Hellberg and many others as the best player in the division, is nominated alongside Carl Rushworth (Coventry City), Femi Azeez (Millwall) and Zan Vipotnik (Swansea City).

Hellberg, meanwhile, receives his nomination despite his late arrival in the division. He’s led Boro to 12 wins in 24 games, completely transforming the style of play into a brand of football many have recognised as the best in the division.

It’s similar to Michael Carrick’s nomination for the same award in 2022-23 as he arrived mid-season to send Boro on an excellent run to the play-offs. He missed out on the award that year to Burnley’s Vincent Kompany.

Hellberg is up for the award alongside Frank Lampard (Coventry City), Alex Neil (Millwall), Sergej Jakirovic (Hull City).

Meanwhile, Boro’s third nomination comes in the EFL Club Employee award category, with head of academy operations Wendy Thomas on a three-person shortlist. Her role oversees the day-to-day running of the non-pitch-based, day-to-day running of the academy.

Also up for grabs on the night are places in the Championship Team of the Season, and the Golden Boot for top scorer. The prestigious Contribution to League Football and Sir Tom Finney awards - given to people who’ve had outstanding careers on and off the pitch - will also be announced on the night.

The annual ceremony is being held on Sunday, April 19, and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football from 8.30pm - the same day that Boro play promotion rivals Ipswich Town at Portman Road.

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