Tony Mowbray, a Birmingham City legend, has stepped down from his position as manager to focus on his full recovery from medical treatment and spend more time with his family.
Mowbray, who took over at St Andrew’s in January, briefly left the club in February before formally taking a leave of absence in March after undergoing surgery in preparation for pre-season.
Mark Venus, the 60-year-old’s assistant and fellow Blues star, took over before Gary Rowett was named interim manager. Birmingham was relegated to League One on the last day of the season.
Mowbray, a former Town captain and coach, has decided to focus on his health and spend time with his family, thus he has left the club with immediate effect.
“As people will be aware, I am currently undertaking a period of extended convalescence following significant and unexpected surgery earlier in the year which required that I take a period of medical absence,” he stated on the Midlanders’ official website.
“Throughout this time, I’ve watched every Birmingham City game and training session, and I’ve maintained positive and constructive communication with [owner and chairman of the board] Tom Wagner, [chief executive officer] Garry Cook, and [technical director] Craig Gardner.
“Over the last few days, it has become clear to me that I will not be fully fit to resume my duties as manager of Birmingham City in the timeframe required to allow the club to best prepare for the upcoming season, so I have regrettably decided to step down from my position at this time.
“Once I’ve fully recovered, I want to spend some quality time with my wife and boys before fully committing to work.
“I am incredibly thankful to Tom Wagner for his genuine kindness towards me at what has been a difficult moment, not just for me personally but also for the club.
“I am confident that under Tom’s leadership, combined with Garry’s football expertise, Birmingham City has a very bright future.
“I would like to thank everyone affiliated with the club who has supported me throughout these extraordinary circumstances, and I would especially like to thank Birmingham City fans for their compassion, kindness, and support in the very short time I have been with the club.
“While I step down as Birmingham City manager, I have become a Blues fan, and I wish everyone at the club nothing but continued success in the future.”
“Once I’ve fully recovered and spent some quality time with my family, I plan to return to football management at the appropriate time. I hope that my family’s and my privacy will be respected during this time. Thank you for your continued support, Tony.”
Wagner said, “We are disappointed that Tony will not be returning to lead the team forward, but we respect his decision to prioritize his health and family.”
“In a short period of time at Blues, Tony displayed exceptional leadership abilities and a work ethic that inspired everyone around him.
“He is an outstanding human being and will always be welcome at St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park.”
Cook added, “We have been looking forward to Tony returning to the club and continuing the wonderful work he began earlier this year. Unfortunately, this is not to be.
“Preparation for the new season has already begun, and Tony informed us that, based on his treatment and rehabilitation plan, he would be unable to perform the task required before the new season begins.
“I’d want to applaud Tony for alerting us about his choice so soon as the season ended. It allows us to conduct a thorough search for the proper leader to guide our club forward and have that person in place before the start of preseason.
“On behalf of everyone at the club and our supporters, I’d like to thank Tony for his tremendous work for Blues. We wish Tony a complete and rapid recovery.
