What Hull City's decision to sack Tim Walter means for Middlesbrough ahead of Riverside clash

Northallerton-born coach Andy Dawson will be in interim charge of Hull City on Saturday at the Riverside after the Tigers' decision to sack head coach Tim Walter.

After a fourth straight defeat on Tuesday evening, Hull's hierarchy made the decision to sack Walter ahead of the clash with Middlesbrough this weekend. For Boro, that could mean a complete change in style to the Hull side they'd have been expecting to face this weekend.

German head coach Walter was known for his expansive style of play which too often left Hull exposed defensively, and would have likely played right into Boro's hands. But with Tigers legend Dawson preparing for a second caretaker stint in charge, it's likely Boro will face a very different, albeit still fragile, Hull City this weekend.

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Names such as Boro nemesis Mark Robins, Ismail Kartal and Ruud van Nistelrooy among the early favourites to take the vacant post at the MKM Stadium, Hull's chiefs have promised 'a thorough recruitment process for a permanent successor' to Walter, with Dawson in charge on Saturday at least.

Dawson assumed the same role for Hull when they sacked Shota Averladze in September 2022. On that occasion, Dawson led them to nine points in his seven games in charge before staying on board as part of new boss Liam Rosenior's coaching setup. Dawson was said to have helped produce an upturn in form after Averladze's exit, steadying the ship for Rosenior's arrival.

As far as Boro's preparations are concerned, they won't have much to go on now, for the opposition-focus of their match-planning. Dawson is likely to once again try and steady the ship at Hull, with defensive frailties a particular concern which Boro would hoped to capitalise on.

Elsewhere, Coventry City have appointed Frank Lampard as their new head coach. The Chelsea legend and former team-mate of Michael Carrick, replaces Robins who was dismissed earlier this month after a disappointing start to the new season.