Mowbray in the bad books at home
TONY MOWBRAY has admitted he is in the bad books of his Middlesbrough-supporting son after taking the Sunderland job.
The Boro legend’s lad is a season ticket holder at the Riverside Stadium and now faces a dilemma whether to cheer on his team or back his dad’s when Sunderand visit tomorrow night.
And Mowbray says his Boro supporting friends have all texted him congratulations for landing his new role at the Stadium of Light… using the “smiley emoji” about his second game in charge.
Mowbray oversaw a 3-0 win over Rotherham on Wednesday night and said: “My 13-year-old son who sits in the South Stand at the Riverside isn’t too happy but he will come around I am sure.”
He played 350 games for Boro and managed them for three years and added: “My mates are pleased for me. Everyone knows what a football club this is.
“Everyone puts smiley emojis on their texts saying I wish you the best AFTER Monday night next week.
“Our next game is Riverside against Boro. I watched Watford against Boro this week and I think the Championship is looking stronger every week.
“I felt there was a lack of quality in the early weeks but the big teams are now showing their quality.
“Boro will be a big test for us, away in a pretty vociferous atmosphere. Can they stand up to it and fight tooth and nail for every ball?”
Mowbray has been asked to build up Sunderland’s youth ranks and develop talent.
He said: “You can drive young players if they have a growth mindset and look you in the eye and want to play in the Premier League and want to be better.”
The veteran ex-celtic and West Brom boss said: “When you have a club like this and a fanbase like this your stomach feels for the fans. You want the team to score, create, and get the fans having a good night.”