Birmingham City: Tony Mowbray resigns as Blues boss

Although sad to lose the vastly experienced and much respected former Hibernian, West Bromwich Albion, Celtic, Middlesbrough, Coventry City, Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland manager, Blues chief executive Garry Cook expressed his gratitude to Mowbray for coming to such a big decision so soon.

“We have been looking forward to Tony returning to the club and to continue the great work that he started earlier this year,” said Cook.

“Unfortunately, it is not to be. Preparation for the new season has already begun and Tony told us that, based on his treatment and recovery programme, he would not be able to do the job that is required before the new season begins.

“I would personally like to commend Tony for informing us of his decision so soon after the end of the season.

“It provides us the opportunity to undertake a rigorous search process to identify the right leader to take our club forward.”

Rowett is expected to be a prime contender for the job, having lost only three of his eight games in charge after his late-season return.