Tom Brady & Birmingham board handed another managerial headache after failed Wayne Rooney experiment as Tony Mowbray takes temporary medical break

The Blues saw their gamble on Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney backfire after handing him the reins at St Andrew’s, with the experiment brought to a close after just 15 games. Experienced former Sunderland and Celtic boss Mowbray was the man charged with the task of delivering a reversal in fortune.

However, it has now been revealed that Mowbray will be stepping down “for a period of approximately six to eight weeks” due to medical treatment requirements, with assistant manager Mark Venus taking charge of first-team affairs with immediate effect.

Mowbray has told Birmingham’s official website: “Following my recent LMA Health Assessment I have received a medical diagnosis that will require me to receive treatment. Undergoing treatment will necessitate that I temporarily step away from the technical area as manager of Birmingham City Football Club. Until I return, my assistant manager, Mark Venus, will take temporary charge of the team, supported by coaches Ashley Cole, Pete Shuttleworth and Maik Taylor. I will continue to provide advice and counsel while undergoing treatment. The Club has been incredibly supportive of me and my family and we are very grateful. I know that everyone will be respectful of our privacy at this time.”

Birmingham’s chief executive officer, Garry Cook, added: “Our thoughts are with Tony, his wife Amber, and family. We wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming Tony back to the club to continue the excellent work that he has started. In the meantime, Mark Venus, Ashley Cole, Pete Shuttleworth and Maik Taylor, will be given all the support they need to lead the club forward.”

Birmingham sat inside the Championship play-off spots when ex-England captain Rooney was made manager in October 2023, but they have since slipped to 15th in the table – with Brady and Co having much work to do on and off the field in order to deliver on lofty ambition in the West Midlands.