Mowbray: My 3 steps to heaven with Blues
TONY Mowbray wants to build Blues’ players back up, improve results and excite supporters after being handed the top job by owners Knighthead.
Mowbray was confirmed as Blues’ new manager on Monday after the sacking of Wayne Rooney last week. The 60-year-old penned a two-and-ahalf-year deal at St Andrew’s a month after leaving Sunderland.
He has an impressive CV in the Championship, winning the title as Albion manager in 2008 and competing in the upper echelons of the division with Sunderland and Blackburn in recent years.
“I am excited to be joining Birmingham City at this time. I can’t wait to get back on the training pitch and start working with this talented group of players,’’ said Mowbray.
“My focus is on building their confidence, delivering results and giving Blues’ fans a team they can be excited by and proud of. I know from personal experience how passionate Bluenoses are, home and away, and I’m looking forward to having their full support for the team, starting on Saturday at home to Swansea City.
“Tom Wagner and Garry Cook have outlined the ambition for the club. I can’t wait to get started and play my role in helping to make it a reality.”
Wagner, Blues’ co-owner and chairman, added: “Tony was the standout candidate. His knowledge of, and passion for, the game shone through. He shares our ambition and will bring stability at an important time for our great club.
“We received extremely positive feedback from everyone we spoke to about Tony. I am looking forward to seeing him working with the team and he will get the support needed to bring success to the club.”
Mowbray becomes Blues’ third manager of the season after John Eustace and Rooney. He was sacked as Sunderland boss in December, after 15 months in charge, despite guiding them to the play-offs last season.
Former England captain Rooney was axed after just 83 days at the helm, having replaced Eustace in October.
He managed just two wins in 15 games as Blues slipped from sixth in the Championship to 20th.
Mowbray oversaw his first training session yesterday morning and Blues chief executive Cook added: “We are delighted to welcome Tony Mowbray to Birmingham City. Tony is a widely respected figure in the game and brings a wealth of Championship experience. He knows what it takes to be successful at this level. Tony has rightfully earned a reputation as a manager who delivers results, likes to play attractive football, and gives young players a chance.’’
Mowbray revealed he will adapt to the situation – and the squad at his disposal – when it comes to how he decides his team will play.
“My natural instinct is to play open, attacking football but as I’ve got older I’ve realised that sometimes you have to be a bit more pragmatic and sometimes you just have to try to win a football match,” he said. “I think I’m the same guy. I’m still a romantic, I still want football to be played the right way.
“Expansive football wins leagues, in my opinion. I have always thought it’s a spectator sport. I want the fans of the clubs I am managing to actually want to come to the stadium and know they are going to see a good game of football and their team score goals.”