We look at the favourites to become new Birmingham City manager as Tony Mowbray speaks on his decision to permanently resign.
Birmingham City officially announced on Tuesday morning (21 May) that the 60 year old would not be resuming his managerial duties for them in the upcoming League One season due to his ongoing struggle with a serious illness.
Mowbray joined the Blues in January, shortly after his departure from Sunderland, but unfortunately had to step down from his position within a month of taking charge.
Gary Rowett took over for the time being, but couldn’t prevent the club from relegation to League One.
The Blues started the season with John Eustace in charge, and were up in the playoffs, before rapidly falling into a relegation battle when they sacked Eustace for Wayne Rooney, but with the club in danger, he was axed, which Rooney felt was harsh, then Mowbray came in, picked up their form, only to fall ill and had to leave the club.
We can confirm that Tony Mowbray has informed the Club of his decision to stand down as Men’s First Team Manager with immediate effect.
— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) May 21, 2024
— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) May 21, 2024
FAVOURITES TO BECOME NEW BIRMINGHAM MANAGER
(According to OLBG, 21st May)
Gary Rowett – 1/2
Liam Rosenior – 2/1
Ian Evatt – 5/2
Alex Neil – 5/2
Darren Ferguson – 4/1
Frank Lampard – 5/1
David Wagner – 6/1
Anthony Barry – 13/2
Paul Heckingbottom – 7/1
Chris Hughton – 8/1
Lee Carsley – 10/1
Steve Bruce – 14/1
CLUB STATEMENT:
Birmingham City can confirm that Tony Mowbray has informed the Club of his decision to stand down as Men’s First Team Manager with immediate effect.
Mowbray, who temporarily stepped away from his on-site management duties in February before taking a formal medical leave of absence in March, has decided to focus on making a full recovery from his surgery and spending time with his family.
The 60-year-old arrived at Blues in January and claimed victory in four of his eight matches at the helm, including back-to-back Sky Bet Championship victories over former teams Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland, and securing progression in the Emirates FA Cup.
Birmingham City Owner and Chairman of the Board, Tom Wagner, said: “We are disappointed that Tony will not be coming back to lead the team forward but respect his decision to put his health and his family first. In a short period of time at Blues Tony demonstrated excellent leadership skills and a work ethic that galvanised all around him. He is an outstanding human being and will always be welcome at St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park.”
Birmingham City Chief Executive Officer, Garry Cook, said: “We have been looking forward to Tony returning to the Club and to continue the great work that he started earlier this year. Unfortunately, it is not to be. Preparation for the new season has already begun and Tony told us that, based on his treatment and recovery programme, he would not be able to do the job that is required before the new season begins. I would personally like to commend Tony for informing us of his decision so soon after the end of the season. It provides us the opportunity to undertake a rigorous search process to identify the right leader to take our club forward and have that person in place before the start of pre-season. On behalf of everyone at the Club, and our supporters, I would like to thank Tony for the excellent job that he did for Blues. We wish Tony a full and speedy recovery.”
Tony Mowbray, commented: “As people will be aware, I am currently undertaking a period of extended convalescence following significant and unexpected surgery earlier in the year which required that I take 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 very recent days it has become apparent to me that I will not be fully fit to resume my duties as Manager of Birmingham City in the timescale that would allow the Club to best prepare for the forthcoming season and therefore, I have regrettably decided to step away from my role at this time.
“Once I have fully recovered, it is important to me that I then spend some quality time with my wife and my boys before I fully commit to work.
“I am extremely grateful to Tom Wagner for the genuine warmth that he has shown towards me during what has been a challenging time, not only for me personally but also for the Club. I firmly believe that under Tom’s stewardship coupled with the football expertise that Garry offers, that Birmingham City have a very bright future ahead.
“I would like to thank everybody associated with the Club who has supported me during these unprecedented times, and I would like to especially thank the Birmingham City supporters for your affection, your kindness, and your support in the relatively short period of time I have been with the Club. Whilst I step down as Manager of Birmingham City, I now become a Blues fan and I wish everybody at the Club nothing but absolute success in the future.
“Once I have fully recovered and have spent some quality time with my family, I intend to make a return to football management at the appropriate moment. I hope that the privacy of my family and I will be respected at this time. Thank you for your ongoing support, Tony.”
This is how fans reacted with the favourites to become new Birmingham manager revealed as Tony Mowbray speaks on his decision to permanently resign…
@Realintelligent: Honestly devastated but his health comes first.
@hoggie0589: Dont blame him, he can do better when he has recovered
@MikeyBCFC: Get well Tony. Family time and recovery is more important. The very best #kro #bcfc
@Kingy100193: A ray of sun light after a bleak period, its a shame because he’s a top bloke & very good manager, wish him a speedy recovery and good luck for future
@Andy13946802: Such a shame for Birmingham , but the right decision for him and his family. Did a great job at Blackburn.
@MerchantSeaweed: All the best Tony
@YouBearsssssss: Absolutely gutted but it’s probably for the best for BOTH parties 😪 get well soon Tony 💙
@JoeSmit40807159: I really hope that Tony beats whatever illness he is suffering from. 💙
@artfultodgerr: Get well soon Tony. Health comes first. Gary Cooke needs to realise that Klopp is now available 👀
@JordanMarley22: Real shame. Would’ve kept you lot in the league had health matters not got in the way. Wishing Mogga a sharp recovery.
@Bradley_AJ: Absolutely gutted but his health and well-being has always been more important. Thank you for everything Tony. All the best and get well soon💙
@ByitBx: Disappointed tbh, wish him the best of luck.🙏🏻
@_James_Jones_: This is a very very sobering message this morning. I wish Tony only the very best. Selfishly gutted however health above all else and I wish him the very best moving forward. Thanks Uncle Tone #bcfc to good health!
@Adamsbcfc: Gutted but it’s health and family first. Good luck Tony
@LeeW1875: All the best Tony! Although your time with us was short. You lifted the fan base at a low point. We appreciate your efforts. I wish you all the best and health comes first! KRO 💙
@NotoriousJonnig: Absolutely the right thing to do – spend time with family and get better. KRO
@themdarncats: What a huge shame, but his health comes first. All the best, Tony.
@gcooper100: Sad news but entirely expected. Wish Tony and his family all the best.
@1Dandrews: Wishing Tony a very speedy recovery. Health trumps everything. Keep Right On!! 💙💙
@zdpj_: Was expecting that to be honest, his health comes first. Top bloke and gaffer, all the best Tony 💙
@Richzico10: KRO Tony, your health comes first 💙
@TomCraven93: Gutted for him but the appointment must be spot on!
@roversfan999: All the best to our Mogga. A man who reunited a football club with its fans at Rovers and ultimately disrespected by the Venkys & Waggott who aren’t fit to lace his boots. Get well soon Tony, much love 🔵⚪️
@melcastle1875: It was what we was expecting and very understandable. All the best Tony and wishing you the best of health for the future 💙 KRO
@vivacb2: Real shame. Hope this means he just needs more time to recover. Get well soon Tony.
@KrisONe49781559: Absolutely gutted. Just hope he’s ok and makes a full recovery.
@Bluefox63: Leicester fan here, all the best to Tony and his family.
@Ashleybcfc1: Thank you for everything Tony, gave us hope in a season of gloom. Health is first and can only wish him the best.
@alewillan92: He has to put his health first as that is what matters more than anything. I hope he is ok
@Andyjack83: Gutted but wish TM all the best in his ongoing recovery Keep Right On Tony 💙
@PonsonbyHarry: Heartbreaking. Get well soon gaffer💙
@DarkeCecil: All the very best Tony, you’re an honourable man.
@VinceFish13: Gutted. All the best in recovery TM 💙
@Covbluenose: Sad news and I wish you well Tony ❤️
@BigDHudson: I think it was inevitable! His health is what matters and at least now we have clarity over the situation. We can look for the new manager and build from there.
@Warwickbear94: Wishing you all the very best Tony, and good health going forward. An absolute gentleman and you will be missed. Now continue to rest and recover. KRO! 💙
@SamFowler95: Sad news but appreciate getting a decision at this stage ready for the season, all the best gaffer
@JamieSAFC_: Hope he gets well soon❤️
@TewkesburyBlues: Our best gaffer in years, gutted! All the best Tony
@JonnoHutch: Get well soon Tony 💪🏼
@jackbcfc_: All the best uncle Tone 💙
@brandonjjoneill: All the best gaffer, get well soon 🙏
@Cp1991P: Absolutely gutted. Best of luck uncle Tone. I hope you’re on the mend.
@adam68084749: Get well soon Gaffa!
@jackbcfc75: Rest up gaffer 🫡💙
@SwannyHypno: Horrible to hear, keep fighting Tony whatever it is
@EthanTommoT: Do the right thing now and give it to Gary Rowett. Bring him home
@ShanBcfc: Real shame, health comes first though! Get well soon Tony💙
@Lee_C1996: Top gaffer. All the best TM 💙
@BluenoseSypher: Not going to lie I am gutted. TM would have been the perfect person to drive us through L1 to promotion. But, having said that, your health must come first. Wish him all the best and a speedy recovery.
@croupier80: Good decision Tony
@jord996: Fuck me absolutely gutted but clearly it’s for the best. Gotta get this next appointment right and gotta get it done quickly
@jordichef: Get well soon Mogga UTB
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