Tony Mowbray: Birmingham City boss temporarily steps down for medical reasons

Tony Mowbray started the season as Sunderland boss, before being sacked in December

Tony Mowbray has temporarily stepped down as Birmingham City boss as he undergoes medical treatment for an unnamed illness.

Mowbray said he was told he requires treatment after undergoing a recent health assessment.

In a statement, the club confirmed Mowbray will step away “for a period of approximately six to eight weeks”.

The 60-year-old is just in his second month in charge of Blues, having replaced Wayne Rooney on 8 January.

Mowbray, who took the Blues job after being sacked by Sunderland in December, was in the dugout for Saturday’s home win against his former employers.

While he is stepping away from “on-site management” of Birmingham, Mowbray will continue to work with his assistant manager Mark Venus, who will be filling in for Mowbray.

“Undergoing treatment will necessitate that I temporarily step away from the technical area,” he said.

“I will continue to provide advice and counsel while undergoing treatment.

“The club has been incredibly supportive of me and my family and we are very grateful. I know that everyone will be respectful of our privacy at this time.”

Since Mowbray took the job at St Andrew’s, Blues have taken 10 points from a possible 18 and climbed to 15th in the table.

Birmingham chief executive Garry Cook said Mowbray’s temporary replacements will be “given all the support then need” to continue the work started by the former Blackburn, Middlesbrough, Coventry City, West Bromwich Albion and Celtic boss.

“Our thoughts are with Tony, his wife Amber, and family,” Cook said.

“We wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming Tony back to the club to continue the excellent work that he has started.”