05 January 2024 , 10:56
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Tony Mowbray looks set to be appointed as Birmingham City's new manager.
The former West Brom, Blackburn and Sunderland boss is talking to the club about taking over from Wayne Rooney, who was sacked after just two wins in 15 games. As first flagged up by Mirror Sport on Wednesday, Mowbray was always near the top of the shortlist.
The two parties are now discussing a contract and, if the terms can be agreed, the 60-year-old could be installed over the weekend. Mowbray has turned down several offers since he was relieved of his duties at the Stadium of Light last month.
But it appears that the prospect of employment at a club with stable ownership, looking to play a progressive brand of football appeals. Mowbray is well-known in the area as he lived in a royal blue heartland during his time in charge of the Baggies and Coventry.
And he comes with a wealth of experience of the Championship, as well as promotion to the Premier League during his time at the Hawthorns. Mowbray could be the second manager to be appointed by Birmingham since Tom Brady became a minority owner and chairman of their advisory board in August. He'll hope to do much better than Rooney.
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The former England captain lasted just 83 days at St Andrew's following his questionable appointment in October. Birmingham sacked Rooney's predecessor John Eustace with the team sixth in the Championship. The Blues are now 20th in the table.
"We are committed to doing what is necessary to bring success to St Andrew's," said Birmingham CEO Garry Cook after axing Rooney. "Unfortunately, Wayne’s time with us did not go as planned and we have decided to move in a different direction."
Wayne Rooney was sacked by Birmingham earlier this week (Getty Images)Who do you think should be the next Birmingham City manager? Let us know in the comments below!
Mowbray is not expected to be in charge of Birmingham's FA Cup trip to Hull on Saturday, even if the appointment is confirmed in time. Interim manager Steve Spooner has prepared the players for that cup tie and spoke at the pre-match press conference.
"I’m treating it as a blank canvas. I’ve got my own ideas on training and the way the team should play," said Spooner. "I’ll do it to the best of my ability, and I’ve told the players to ensure they do that too. I'll certainly be fielding a strong squad for the game."
Rooney has wished Birmingham the best of luck for the future. The Manchester United icon said: "Football is a results business - and I recognise they have not been at the level I wanted them to be. However, time is the most precious commodity a manager requires and I do not believe 13 weeks was sufficient to oversee the changes that were needed.
"Personally, it will take me some time to get over this setback. I plan to take some time with my family as I prepare for the next opportunity in my journey as a manager."