Boro 'have grown' from play-off heartache

Kim Hellberg and Middlesbrough were beaten in the Championship play-off final [Getty Images]

Kim Hellberg says Middlesbrough's play-off dramas could have broken the spirit at the Riverside but insists it has made the whole club stronger and better equipped to push again for promotion.

Speaking to BBC Radio Tees ahead of the new campaign, Boro's manager said losing to Southampton then being given a second shot at promotion, only to miss out to Hull City at Wembley, was a rollercoaster.

But the Swede insisted the club and its supporters have grown together through the experience and collectively are in "a good place" to make a second push for top-tier football this season.

"It is through difficult times that you grow; it's a cliche but it's true," said Hellberg. "It can break you if you don't use it in the right way but I see players and supporters growing together through it.

"It was memories that I will never forget, that we created together and those memories drive you to be in that situation again. I think everyone feels it is possible for us to do something good.

"We were looking at the best season in 10 years and then it didn't go our way. Through that the passion and togetherness [grew]. We know there is a lot of hard work to do but everyone has grown from last season - me included."

Middlesbrough won just two of their last 10 league games, missing out on automatic promotion by four points, then suffered the drama of Spygate .

After Boro were held to a 0-0 draw by the Saints at the Riverside, Hellberg's outfit were beaten 2-1 at St Mary's only to be reinstated when Tonda Eckert's side were thrown out of the play-offs.

Given a second bite of the cherry at Wembley against Hull City, Boro blew their chance, losing 1-0.

"We want to play those types of games again, that stage of fighting for promotion," said Hellberg. "I think everyone feels there is a possibility we can be in those types of battles again and hopefully do even better."

Middlesbrough kick off their campaign on Saturday against newly-promoted Lincoln City at a sold-out Riverside.

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