Tony Mowbray will temporarily step down from Birmingham City job due to serious illness

Championship side Birmingham City have confirmed that manager Tony Mowbray will be temporarily stepping away from his role so he can receive medical treatment.

The 60-year-old, who was appointed by Birmingham in January after Wayne Rooney was sacked following a poor string of results, will take a break for a period of approximately six to eight weeks.

A statement on the club's official website has also confirmed that assistant manager Mark Venus will assume temporary responsibility for the team with immediate effect.

Mowbray has also commented on the news, saying: "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."

He added: “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.”

Garry Cook, who is Birmingham City's Chief Executive Officer, 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.”

Neil Moxley, the chief sports' writer for The Mirror, provided a further update on Monday morning.

He wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "Dreadful news from Blues this morning. Tony Mowbray will be stepping down with immediate effect from duties for six to eight weeks due to a serious illness."