Birmingham City boss Tony Mowbray has sensationally stepped back from his role due to a ‘serious illness’ – just over a month since replacing Wayne Rooney at St Andrews.
Mowbray, 60, has managed just eight games since taking charge on January 8, with players reportedly ‘stunned’ by the shock news after the veteran coach informed his squad during a meeting at their training ground on Monday morning.
A club statement read: Birmingham City can confirm that manager Tony Mowbray requires medical treatment, which will mean he will temporarily step away from the club’s on-site management for a period of approximately six to eight weeks.
“Assistant manager Mark Venus will take temporary responsibility for the team with immediate effect.”
Mowbray said the club was ‘incredibly supportive’ as he confirmed the news – and said he would continue to provide his guidance to the coaching staff.
Birmingham City boss Tony Mowbray has left the team after being struck down with a mysterious ‘serious illness’
‘Following my recent LMA Health Assessment, I have been given a medical diagnosis for which I require treatment. If I undergo treatment I will have to temporarily step back from the technical room as manager of Birmingham City Football Club.
‘Until I return, my assistant manager, Mark Venus, will take temporary charge of the team, supported by coaches Ashley Cole, Pete Shuttleworth and Maik Taylor. I will continue to provide advice and guidance during treatment.
“The club has been incredibly supportive of me and my family and we are very grateful for that. I know everyone will respect our privacy at this time.”
Birmingham City CEO Garry Cook said: “Our thoughts are with Tony, his wife Amber and family. We wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming Tony back to the Club to continue the excellent work he has started. In the meantime, Mark Venus, Ashley Cole, Pete Shuttleworth and Maik Taylor will have all the support they need to lead the Club forward.”