By Victor Kanayo
Former Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray has been hired by Birmingham City as replacement for sacked Wayne Rooney.
The City club offered him a two-and-a-half year deal.
The Coming Of Tony
On why the club engaged the new coach, its chairman Wagner said, “Tony was the standout candidate in our search for a new manager. 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.”
Also speaking, the club’s chief executive Garry Cook said, “He is the right leader at the right time for our club. He knows what it takes to be successful at this level.
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“Tony has rightfully earned a reputation as a manager who delivers results, likes to play attractive football, and gives young players a chance.”
Coach’s Pedigree
Mowbray, 60, was sacked by Blues’ Championship rivals Sunderland on December 4, 2023.
Mowbray is the City’s third boss this season after they controversially parted company with John Eustace in October with Blues sixth in the table.
Hurdles Before The Blues
Since then, Birmingham have fallen to 20th in the Championship, six points above the relegation zone.
Blues were under caretaker boss Steve Spooner when they drew 1-1 in the FA Cup third round at Hull City on Saturday, when they were denied a morale-boosting win by an 87th-minute equaliser.
But Mowbray, who will have long-time assistant Mark Venus beside him, now starts with two home games.
On Saturday Blues host 16th-placed Swansea City, who are also under new management with former Notts County boss Luke Williams who will also be taking charge of his first league match at his new club.
Birmingham will then face the cup replay against Liam Rosenior’s Hull.
Blues, the Championship’s longest-serving club, are in their 13th season at second-tier level following their third relegation from the Premier League in 2011 – the same year they won the League Cup, the last major trophy won by a West Midlands club.
Floodgate Of Managers
In a bid to rescue the club, Mowbray is the 13th coach in 13 seasons.
He came after Chris Hughton, Lee Clark, Gary Rowett, Gianfranco Zola, Harry Redknapp, Steve Cotterill, Garry Monk, Pep Clotet, Aitor Karanka, Lee Bowyer, Eustace and Rooney
