CoventryLive brings you Championship news as former Sky Blues manager Tony Mowbray aims to lead Birmingham City to glory after replacing Wayne Rooney.
Following Wayne Rooney’s firing last week, former Coventry City manager Tony Mowbray has been appointed as Birmingham City’s next manager. Mowbray, who was in command of the Sky Blues for 18 months in 2015/16, has negotiated a two-and-a-half year contract to replace Rooney, whose career was cut short after nine defeats in 15 games.
The 60-year-old, who was fired by Sunderland last month despite the club being in or near the top six for the majority of the season, takes over a Blues team that is 20th in the Championship table after 26 games. In his only full season in command, Mowbray led Sunderland to the play-offs last season. They were defeated by eventual promotion winners Luton Town in two legs.
After their failed Rooney experiment, Blues owners Knighthead are hopeful Mowbray can lead them back to the Premier League. Mowbray previously won the Championship as manager of West Bromwich Albion in 2008.
Mowbray guided Blackburn Rovers to promotion from League One and helped them establish themselves in the Championship in recent years. He has led Sunderland to sixth place and Blackburn to eighth place in his last two complete Championship campaigns.
Mowbray stated after his appointment this morning that he wants to rebuild Blues’ players, improve results, and thrill fans, saying: “I am excited to be joining Birmingham City at this time.” I can’t wait to go back on the field and work with this amazing bunch of players.
“My focus is on instilling confidence in them, delivering results, and providing Blues fans with a team to be excited about and proud of.” I know how passionate Bluenoses fans are, both at home and away, and I’m looking forward to having their full support for the team beginning on Saturday at home against Swansea City.
“Tom Wagner and Garry Cook have outlined the Club’s goals.” I can’t wait to get started and contribute to making it a reality.”
