Tony Mowbray, a former player for Middlesbrough, discusses his reasons for leaving Birmingham and his future goals.
Earlier in the season, Tony Mowbray, a Middlesbrough legend, had to take a medical leave of absence.
Tony Mowbray announced his resignation as manager of Birmingham City, although he stated that he plans to return to football management once he has fully recovered from the unidentified sickness that had prompted him to resign earlier in the season.
Only eight games into his time at St Andrew’s, the renowned former Boro captain and manager announced that he would need surgery and would need to take a leave of absence from his position. He had won four of his games since taking Wayne Rooney’s place, and he had had a strong start.
On the last day of the Championship season, the Blues were relegated to League One due to their inability to perform well under his long-term assistant Mark Venus. Gary Rowett was then appointed as the team’s interim manager. Mowbray has finally given an explanation for his tough resignation, even though he had hoped to return the following season and lead Birmingham back to the second division.
READ MORE: Following Birmingham’s loss to Middlesbrough, Mark Venus provides an optimistic Tony Mowbray update.
As many may be aware, I am now undergoing a prolonged convalescence following extensive and unexpected surgery earlier in the year, which required that I take a period of medical absence,” Mogga stated in a statement released by the club. I have attended every Birmingham City game and practice during this time, and I have maintained cordial and helpful communication with Craig Gardner, Tom Wagner, and Garry Cook.
“I have regretfully decided to step down from my role as Manager of Birmingham City. It has become apparent to me over the last few days 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.”
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to Tom Wagner for his kindness and support during this trying time, which has affected the Club as well as me myself. I want to express my gratitude to all of the Club’s supporters for their love, support, and kindness during these extraordinary times. In the comparatively short time that I have been with the Club, I have received a lot of support from you all.”
After being as involved in Birmingham City’s operations from home as he could during his recent leave of absence, Mowbray will now continue to recover at home. But the sixty-year-old says he does intend to go back into management when he’s ready.
“It is important to me that I spend some quality time with my wife and my boys after I have fully recovered before I fully commit to work,” Mowbray said. “At the right time, I plan to return to football management after I’ve fully recovered and had some time to be with my family. At this point, I hope that my family’s and my privacy will be respected. I appreciate your continued
“We are disappointed that Tony will not be coming back to lead the team forward, but we respect his decision to put his health and his family first,” stated Tom Wagner, owner and chairman of the board of Birmingham City. Within a little time at Blues, Tony showed great leadership abilities and a work ethic that inspired everyone around him. He is a wonderful man, and St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park will always be happy to have him.
