New manager Tony is a real box of TICKS

BLUES have bagged an experienced Championship manager with a track record for playing possession-based football. The appointment of Tony Mowbray really does tick all the boxes. After the disastrous 15-game tenure of Wayne Rooney, Mowbray has arrived to steer 20th-placed Blues clear of trouble and set about delivering Knighthead’s long-term Premier League ambition.

According to Blues owner

Tom Wagner, Mowbray was the ‘‘standout candidate’’ during a recruitment process far more thorough than the last. Mowbray had to elevate himself above other credible Championship managers, such as Gary Rowett, whereas Rooney was whisked in without competition. Hopefully the club’s hierarchy have learned their lesson. In Mowbray, they have appointed a manager few will quibble about. His record in the Championship speaks for itself. He guided Albion to the title in 2008, 12 months after defeat in the play-off final to Derby.

The Baggies played swashbuckling football that is still regaled at The Hawthorns today. Mowbray was ahead of the curve back then and, even now at the age of 60, has stayed in vogue. The passing, pressing football that every Championship club craves has been his methodology for two decades. Blues weren’t able to play the way Rooney wanted from the outset. Maybe Mowbray will find a more effective way of getting results in the short-term whilst he builds the squad.

His record suggests he will get results. He boasts a win ratio of 41% from over 800 games in management. In addition to his success at Albion, Mowbray very nearly got Middlesbrough and Blackburn into the play-offs. In his 20 years in management, it is hard to say he has done a bad job yet.

Blues might be his biggest yet. Knighthead have grand ambitions and a ruthless streak. But fans can rest assured that Blues are in much safer hands than they were under Rooney.