Birmingham City confirm Tony Mowbray won't return as manager as hunt for new boss begins
Tony Mowbray has decided to step away from his job as Birmingham City’s manager to concentrate on making a full recovery from illness.
The 60-year-old Teessider, who informed the club of his decision earlier this week, has been on a medical leave of absence since Februrary.
The two parties have reached an agreement over the terms of his exit and now the newly-relegated Championship club will begin its search for his replacement.
Chairman Tom Wagner said: “We are disappointed Tony will not be coming back to lead the team forward but respect his decision to put his health and family first.
“In a short period of time at Blues, he demonstrated excellent leadership skills and a work ethic that galvanised all around him.
“He’s an outstanding human being and will always be welcome at St Andrew’s at Knighthead Park.”
Club chief executive officer Garry Cook echoed those sentiments, adding: “We have been looking forward to Tony returning to the club to continue the great work he started 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 like to commend Tony for informing us of his decision so soon after the end of hte season.
“It provides us with 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 he did for us.
“We wish him a full and speedy recovery.”
Mowbray has previously taken charge of Sunderland, Blackburn and West Brom
Mowbray, who won four of the eight matches in charge before news broke of his illness, said: “I’m undertaking a period of extended convalescence following significant and unexpected surgery earlier this year.
“I have watched every Birmingham City game along with every training session whilst remaining in positive and constructive dialogue with Tom Wagner, Garry Cook and Craig Gardner.
“Over very recent days it has become apparent to me that I will not be fully fit to resume my duties as manager in the timescale that would allow the club to best prepare for the forthcoming season.
“Therefore, I have regrettably decided to step away from my role.
“I am extremely grateful to Tom Wagner for the genuine warmth he has shown towards me during what has been a challenging time, not only for me personally but also for the club.
“I’d like to thank everyone associated with the club who has supported me during these unprecedented times and I would like to thank Birmingham City supporters for your affection, your kindness and your support in the relatively short period of time I’ve been with the club.
“Whilst I step down as manager, I now become a Blues fan and wish everyone nothing but absolute success in the future.
“Once I have fully recovered and have spent some time with my family, I intend to make a return to football management at the appropriate moment.
“Thank you for your ongoing support.”
As Blues begin to prepare for life in League One, there had been an insistence that Mowbray would return to lead a promotion push. However, Blues have now announced that the former Sunderland and Blackburn manager will not continue in his role next season.
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