Birmingham City manager Tony Mowbray temporarily steps down due to illness

Birmingham City manager Tony Mowbray has been confirmed to be on a temporary leave of absence due to illness, with the club expected to be out for six to eight weeks and possibly missing the rest of the season. Mowbray took over in January and has led the team to a strong start, with Steve Cooper and Will Still being potential long-term replacements.

Birmingham City manager Tony Mowbray has taken a temporary leave of absence from his role due to illness, the club has confirmed. The news has reportedly left the players stunned, with Mowbray expected to be out of the dugout for six to eight weeks and possibly missing the remainder of the season. The announcement was made during a private meeting with players and staff before a training session.

Mowbray took over as Birmingham manager in January and has overseen a positive run of results, with the team winning four and drawing one of their eight matches under his tenure. His decision to step down comes with Birmingham currently sitting 15th in the Championship, six points clear of the relegation zone.

The club is now considering potential long-term replacements, with Steve Cooper, the former Nottingham Forest manager, being tipped as a leading candidate. Cooper, who is also linked with the vacant Sunderland job, could be a key figure in Birmingham’s plans. Additionally, Reim’s boss Will Still is also reportedly in contention for the role.