'Always welcome back, Keep Right On' - Birmingham City faithful thank Tony Mowbray after announcing exit

Birmingham City supporters have given their best wishes to Tony Mowbray after he and the club announced that he would be stepping down from his role as first-team manager.

Blues and Mowbray made a joint statement on Tuesday that the two would be parting ways with immediate effect. Mowbray has been afforded a period of absence since March and will now focus on making a full recovery whilst spending time with his family.

The 60-year-old in his parting statement to the club believes the club has a 'very bright future ahead'. He was thankful to the club and the supporters for the respect they have shown him during his tenure.

Mowbray said he has now become a ‘Blues fan’ and those alike wanted to wish him well. Below are just some of the messages that supporters sent to Mowbray, as they extend their thanks for his time at the football club.

Twitter user @samcar1989: said: “Gutted, but some things are bigger than football. KRO Tony.

@RoughleySpeakin: Really sad news. But ultimately there are more important things than football and work. Wishing Uncle Tony (and family) all the very best in the future, and leaves BCFC & his career in football with his head held high.

@LukeKiely96: Not the decision we all wanted, but completely understandable. Wish Tony all the best with his recovery, health is the most important thing! Keep Right On, Tony!

“We wish him all the best for the future and a speedy recovery. Kro,” added X user @TopCat7155.

@PeterElson1983 said: “Extremely sad news for the club, but what a man. He’s done absolutely the right thing for himself and his family and will always be welcomed back at the Blues. #KRO.

“Wishing him all the best and hope he makes a full recovery,” said: @lee_bcfc1875. Top manager in his time with us. Thank you for giving us hope during the season that we may have turned it around. Nothing more important than his health. Tony fantastico, Tony magnifico.

@BluenoseSypher: Not going to lie I am gutted. TM would have been the perfect person to drive us through L1 to promotion. But, having said that, your health must come first. Wish him all the best and a speedy recovery.

@_James_Jones_: “This is a very very sobering message this morning. I wish Tony only the very best. Selfishly gutted however health above all else and I wish him the very best moving forward. Thanks Uncle Tone #bcfc to good health!

Birmingham City supporters on Facebook also wanted to send their thanks to Mowbray, sharing the sentiment with those on Twitter, that health is paramount and some things are more important than football.

Jay Watkeys: “Our best gaffer in years. Absolutely gutted. Health comes first though. All the best Tony!

George Williams: “So sad to hear this. I hope he recovers well and takes his rightful place back in the managers dug out. Get well soon, Tony.

Peter Elson: “Extremely sad news for the club, but what a man. He’s done absolutely the right thing for himself and his family and will always be welcomed back at the Blues.

Andy Tomlinson: “Really sad news. But ultimately there are more important things than football and work. Wishing Tony (and family) all the very best in the future, and leaves football with his head held high.

Mark Wilkes: “All the best Tony . Health before football . Wishing you a speedy recovery and good luck for future endeavours.

David Burton: “All the best Tony. Wishing you the best of health and thank-you for what you did for us.

Martin Cunniff: “Good luck Tony. You will be missed. We seen in a short time you were the right person for us. All the best to you and you family KRO!!!”