Tony Mowbray has resigned down as Birmingham City manager, effective immediately. The 60-year-old manager began working at St Andrew’s in January, but stepped down from on-site management duties in February. In March, he went on formal medical leave, and Gary Rowett took over as caretaker. During that period, Birmingham was relegated to League One, where they will play next season. Mowbray explained his choice, saying: “As many will be aware, I am currently undergoing a period of lengthy convalescence following extensive and unexpected surgery earlier this year, which necessitated a period of medical absence.
“Throughout this period, I have watched every Birmingham City game along with every training session, whilst I have remained in positive and constructive dialogue with Tom Wagner, Garry Cook and Craig Gardner.”Over the last few days, it has become clear to me that I will not be fully fit to resume my duties as Manager of Birmingham City in the timeframe required to best prepare the Club for the upcoming season, so I have regrettably decided to step down from my position at this time.
“Once I’ve fully recovered, I want to spend some quality time with my wife and boys before fully committing to work. “I am incredibly thankful to Tom Wagner for his genuine kindness towards me during what has been a difficult moment, not just for myself but also for the club. I am confident that under Tom’s leadership, together with Garry’s football ability, Birmingham City will have a very bright future.
“I would want to thank everyone involved with the Club who has supported me throughout these extraordinary circumstances, particularly Birmingham City supporters, for your affection, kindness, and support in the relatively short time I have been with the Club. While I step down as Birmingham City Manager, I have become a Blues supporter and wish everyone at the club nothing but continued success in the future.
“Once I’ve fully recovered and spent some quality time with my family, I plan to return to football management at the appropriate time. I hope that my family’s and my privacy will be respected during this time. Thank you for your continued support, Tony.” Mowbray is one of the most recognized managers in the EFL, having coached clubs such as West Brom, Middlesbrough, Blackburn, and Sunderland.
He left the Stadium of Light in December 2023 and was replaced by Michael Beale. However, Mowbray was out of employment for only one month before taking over the Blues, after Rooney won only twice in 15 games in command.
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