Tony Mowbray is leaving Birmingham City with immediate effect | News

Birmingham City manager Tony Mowbray is leaving the club with immediate effect following surgery.

Tony Mowbray has informed Birmingham City of his decision to step down as men’s first team manager with immediate effect.

Mowbray, who temporarily stepped down from his on-site management duties in February before taking official sick leave in March, has decided to focus on making a full recovery from his operation and spending time with his family.

The 60-year-old arrived at the Blues in January and has won four of his eight games in charge, including back-to-back Sky Bet Championship wins against former sides Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland and secured progress in the Emirates FA Cup. .

Birmingham City owner and chairman of the board Tom Wagner said: “We are disappointed that Tony will not be returning to lead the team forward, but we respect his decision to put his health and family first. In a short time at the Blues, Tony demonstrated excellent leadership skills and a work ethic that galvanized those around him. He is a remarkable human being and will always be welcome at St. Andrew’s.”

Birmingham City Chief Executive Garry Cook said: “We look forward to Tony returning to the Club and continuing the great work he started earlier this year. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have to be.

“Preparation for the new season has already started and Tony has told us that based on his treatment and recovery schedule he will not be able to do the necessary work before the start of the new season.

“I would personally like to congratulate Tony for informing us of his decision so soon after the end of the season. It gives us the opportunity to undertake a rigorous search process to identify the right leader to lead our club 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 work he has done for the Blues.

Tony Mowbray, commented: “As people will be aware, I am currently undertaking an extended period of recovery following significant and unexpected surgery earlier in the year which has required me to take a period of sick leave.

“Throughout this period I have watched every Birmingham City game along with every training session, while staying in a positive and constructive dialogue with Tom Wagner, Garry Cook and Craig Gardner.

“In 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 timeframe that would allow the club to best prepare for next season and therefore from unfortunately I have decided to step away from my role at this time.

“Once I’ve fully recovered, it’s important for me to spend some quality time with my wife and boys before fully committing to work.

“I am extremely grateful to Tom Wagner for the genuine warmth he has shown towards me during what has been a difficult time, not only for me personally but also for the Club. I strongly believe that under Tom’s leadership, together with the footballing expertise that Garry provides, Birmingham City have a very bright future ahead of them.

“I would like to thank everyone associated with the Club who have supported me through these unprecedented times and I would like to thank the Birmingham City supporters in particular for your affection, kindness and support during the relatively short time I have . been with the Club. As I step down as manager of Birmingham City, I now become a Blues fan and wish everyone at the Club nothing but absolute success for the future.

“Once I have fully recovered and spent some quality time with my family, I intend to return to football management at the appropriate time. I hope my family’s and my privacy will be respected at this time.”

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