Blues Trust reacts to Tony Mowbray exit with message for Birmingham City powerbrokers
Latest Birmingham City news from BirminghamLive includes a statement from the independent supporters' trust, Blues Trust
The Blues Trust has paid tribute to outgoing Birmingham City manager Tony Mowbray after he stepped down due to illness - and asked owners Knighthead to find a replacement who can 'put the club on firm foundations and build a positive culture'.
Mowbray, 60, has decided to step back from management to continue his recovery with his wife and three sons, allowing Blues to appoint a new manager to lead them into League One. Chief executive Garry Cook says the timing of Mowbray's decision allows Blues 'to undertake a rigorous search process to identify the right leader to take our club forward'.
In a statement sent to BirminghamLive, the independent supporters' trust said: "Everyone associated with Blues Trust, the independent Birmingham City supporters trust, sends their heartfelt appreciation and best wishes to Tony Mowbray on the news of his resignation.
"Despite only being with the club for a short time before his unfortunate health issues, he became a firm favourite with fans and showed himself to be decent and likeable man. His situation has brought into perspective what is really important in life - our health and our families.
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"It appears typical of Tony to have made this decision not to resume his duties as early as possible, giving Birmingham City Football Club the best chance of preparing for what we believe will be a defining season in League 1. We hope his recovery is speedy and full and we look forward to welcoming him back to St Andrew’s in the not-too-distant future. We pay tribute to Tony Mowbray’s service and thank him for his good wishes towards our club.
"It now falls on Garry Cook, Tom Wagner and those holding the levers of power to move heaven and earth, to make our next managerial appointment someone who can put the club on firm foundations and build a positive culture at the club. Someone we can get behind and who can propel us into a bright new future. We believe it needs to be a forward-thinking decision based on footballing pedigree, potential and an ability to develop us into a committed and attacking side. This is a big moment for our club and we trust Knighthead to choose wisely.
"While it is a sad day for the club in many respects, we believe the decision affords us new possibilities and the chance to chart a new course, with a young and exciting team. As ever it will be a long, long road for us fans - but let us look forward to where it could take us, together as a unified fanbase."