Birmingham City are set to announce Tony Mowbray as Wayne Rooney’s successor following a round of positive talks, according to Football Insider.
The Blues made the shock decision to part with the former England striker after just 15 games, despite publicly stating that Rooney was the man they wanted to lead the team forward in October. Birmingham had enjoyed their best start to a campaign in years under the stewardship of John Eustace, but was axed with the team in sixth place in the Championship following a 3-1 win over rivals West Bromwich Albion.
This coincided with Rooney’s decision to step down as manager of MLS outfit DC United, and the 38-year-old was swiftly appointed. After losing nine of his 15 games in charge, the ex-Manchester United man was looking forward to his first transfer window and the opportunity to bring in his own players, but the Birmingham owners had other ideas.
The West Midlands side played their first game since Rooney’s departure yesterday when they secured a 1-1 draw with Hull City in the FA Cup third round at the MKM Stadium. It now looks as if they will have a new gaffer at the helm in time for next weekend’s clash with Swansea City and the subsequent replay the following week.
According to Football Insider, Tony Mowbray has agreed a deal to take the reins at St Andrew’s after reaching a ‘full agreement’ with the club yesterday. An announcement is expected to confirm the appointment imminently.
Sunderland AFC has this evening parted company with Head Coach Tony Mowbray.#SAFC
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) December 4, 2023
The 60-year-old found himself on the managerial scrapheap last month when Sunderland decided to opt for their own change, eventually bringing in Michael Beale. Mowbray had guided the Black Cats to the play-offs last season in their first season back in the second tier but was sacked following a run of one win in five games, which left them playing catch up in the promotion race.
The former West Brom boss will take over Birmingham with the club sat in 20th, just six points above the relegation places.
Writer’s View
Whilst Mowbray wasn’t the club’s first choice, it is still a smart appointment. He is a manager with bags of experience at this level and had done a good job at Sunderland before his departure from the Stadium of Light.
Many considered the 60-year-old unlucky to find himself out of a job last month, especially because the Black Cats were still well in the promotion hunt. However, the fact that he looks to find himself back in the game almost straight away shows the reputation he has, and Birmingham fans will be hoping he can guide them to safety ahead of their own promotion chase next season.
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