FOOTBALL
Birmingham appoint Tony Mowbray as Wayne Rooney’s successor
Midlands club turn to veteran manager after falling to 20th in the Championship under former England captain
Mowbray was sacked by Sunderland at the start of December
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Birmingham City have appointed Tony Mowbray as the club’s manager, six days after sacking Wayne Rooney.
Birmingham has agreed a 2½-year contract with Mowbray, who was dismissed by their Sky Bet Championship rivals Sunderland last month. The 60-year-old will take training on Monday.
Mowbray had received interest from other Championship sides, but was swayed by the ambition among the hierarchy at St Andrew’s.
“I can’t wait to get back on the training pitch and start working with this talented group of players,” Mowbray said. “My focus is on building their confidence, delivering results, and giving Blues’ fans a team they can be excited by and proud of.”
Rooney oversaw Birmingham’s slide from sixth in the Championship table to 20th
CRAIG BROUGH/REUTERS/ACTION IMAGES
Rooney was sacked after a stint in charge that lasted 83 days and in which he lost nine
