Birmingham City receive clear response after ‘contact’ with former Celtic boss

Birmingham City are closing in on the appointment of Tony Mowbray as Wayne Rooney's successor. The former Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers and West Bromwich Albion manager has had progressive talks with the Blues hierarchy, with a two-and-a-half-year contract looking set to be agreed.

The 60-year-old's vast experience in the Sky Bet Championship, as well as his attacking brand of football, made him a clear candidate. Former Birmingham boss Gary Rowett was also considered but Mowbray is seen as the more progressive option. The deal isn't done just yet, but it's moving in that direction, reports The Times.

Mowbray has been a consistent figure in the English second tier for a long while having managed Coventry City, Blackburn and Sunderland in succession since March 2015. He was also West Brom's head coach between July 2004 and October 2009, famously guiding the Baggies back to the Premier League as title winners in 2007/08.

His career win percentage stands at 41.26% well above the 13.3% rate Rooney recorded at Birmingham. For comparison, John Eustace managed 33.33%, Lee Bowyer 28.8%, Aitor Karanka 21.1%, Pep Clotet 27.7% and Garry Monk 32.2%.

Birmingham receive clear Mowbray response

Blues supporters have been responding very positively to the Mowbray news, with many excited about the potential Championship play-offs contention he could bring in future seasons. This campaign is unrealistic for that, but Mowbray's record of top-six finishes is accompanied by hope for the St Andrew's faithful.

@Matthewblue1875 said: "Mowbray is perfect for #BCFC right now. He'll consolidate us in the league, get us challenging at the right end of the table, promote youth & implement a progressive brand of football without sacrificing fundamentals. May not be the man to take us up, but he will take us forward."

@mynamesismrjrb said: "I'm actually really excited and 100% behind this Mowbray appointment. Quite the opposite to how I felt when Rooney was appointed. He'll most definitely stop the rot and have us playing some decent football. Let's sell out Swansea and get behind them."

@carlsumner93 said: "Yes it’s not a flashy appointment with a big name in charge. But it’s a smart move with Mowbray. Knows the division well, managed an average Blackburn team near the playoffs and got Sunderland into the playoffs last season. I’m happy with that."

@BluesJack_ said: "Mowbray has done very decent at most jobs he’s been at albeit with not the most amazing squad either. I truly believe he could definitely do something with our current set of players and whoever he may bring in."

@JohnMoroney72 said: "Not that my opinion matters a jot, but Mowbray could be an astute signing. Avg 68-70 points per season! When did we last even get near that. We partied at 50 points the last god knows how long!! Will def keep the squad on their toes inc youth players."

@ToweringZigic said: "I've started to really warm to the idea of Mowbray. Some of the managers on that list would have been a little bit anxiety-inducing - he's the opposite of that. He's not as glitzy as Cooper or Hasenhuttl, but I have a feeling he would very pleasantly surprise us."