Tony Mowbray has become Birmingham City’s 13th manager in 13 years and will fill the seat recently vacated by Wayne Rooney for the first time when Swansea City visit St Andrew’s on Saturday.
When Mowbray was sacked by Sunderland last month there was a consensus that the much admired 60-year-old would not be unemployed for long and, sure enough, the Teessider swiftly impressed Birmingham’s high-profile American owners Tom Brady and Tom Wagner.
“Tony was the stand-out candidate,” said Wagner. “His knowledge of, and passion for, the game shone through. He shared 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.”
Such sentiments were endorsed by Birmingham’s chief executive, Garry Cook. “He’s the right leader at the right time for our club,” said Cook. “He knows what it takes to be successful at this level. Tony has rightfully earned a reputation as a manager who delivers results, likes to play attractive football and gives young players a chance.”
Mowbray who, against all odds, led a youthful Sunderland team to last season’s Championship playoff semi-finals, has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal at Birmingham and inherits a side 20th in the Championship, six points above the relegation zone.
Since the club dropped into the second tier in 2011, Chris Hughton, Lee Clark, Gary Rowett, Gianfranco Zola, Harry Redknapp, Steve Cotterill, Garry Monk, Pep Clotet, Aitor Karanka, Lee Bowyer, John Eustace and Rooney have all occupied the manager’s office. Its latest resident is optimistic he can transform Birmingham’s fortunes. “I can’t wait to get back on the training pitch and start working with this talented group of players,” said Mowbray, the former Middlesbrough, Celtic and Ipswich central defender. “My focus is on building their confidence, delivering results and giving Blues fans a team they can be excited by and proud of.
During 15 games in charge at Birmingham after controversially replacing the popular Eustace, Rooney managed only two wins. Mowbray will begin attempting to succeed where the former England forward failed against a Swansea side that will also be led by a new manager in Luke Williams.
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“I know from personal experience how passionate Blunenoses are home and away,” said Mowbray. “I’m looking forward to the team having their full support, starting on Saturday.”