Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)

Mowbray forced to quit as boss of Blues

TONY TO CONCENTRAT­E ON MAKING HIS RECOVERY FROM ILLNESS

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‘I would like to thank Birmingham supporters for their affection, kindness and support’

NEIL MOXLEY

TONY MOWBRAY has decided to step away from his job as Birmingham City boss 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 newlyreleg­ated Championsh­ip club will begin their search for his replacemen­t.

Chairman Tom Wagner (right) 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 skill, affection and kindness 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 the 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.”

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.

“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.

“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.”

 ?? ?? I WILL BE BACK
Mowbray does plan to return to management once he is better
I WILL BE BACK Mowbray does plan to return to management once he is better
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