Health concerns for former Celtic manager Tony Mowbray

Concerning news today relating to the former Celtic defender and manager Tony Mowbray who is having to step down for a period as manager of Birmingham City due to medical concerns.

Birmingham City released a statement this morning to announce that Mowbray will be stepping down as manager for a period of around six to eight weeks, citing an unnamed illness as the cause for concern.

The 60-year-old former Celtic manager Wayne Rooney back in January, but will now be taking a break from his job due to his health issue.

New Celtic signing China captain Zheng Zhi (L) attends a press conference with manager Tony Mowbray at Celtic Park on September 25, 2009. PHOTO/Brian Stewart AFP via Getty Images)

It’s unclear how serious a situation this is for Tony, but there is hope that it’s a short-term health problem as Birmingham City confirmed that there are plans for Mowbray to return later this season.

Tony Mowbray had this to say: “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.

 Photo: imago/Colorsport – Celtic v Rangers, Celtic Park. 3rd January 2010: Sasa Papac (L) and Georgios Samaras with coach Tony Mowbray (Celtic) in the background 

“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 City Chief Executive Officer, Garry Cook, said: “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.”

Celtic supporters will join Birmingham’s own fans, and indeed everyone in football, in wishing Tony Mowbray well in his recovery. YNWA Tony!

Help raise funds for Celtic Youth Academy by playing the Celtic Pools Weekly Lottery and you could win up to £25,000. The lottery is £1 per week.

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor David Faulds has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

1 Comment