Sunderland state their 'immense respect' for Tony Mowbray as he battles illness

Birmingham City boss Tony Mowbray has received a public message of support from former club Sunderland following worrying medical diagnosis.

Sunderland have sent a classy message to former boss Tony Mowbray following his announcement that he is being forced to step away from football for medical treatment.

Mowbray was supremely popular among the Sunderland players and supporters until he left the club in December.

He has since taken over at Birmingham and was in the dugout as the Blues came from behind to beat Sunderland 2-1 last week, a result that saw the sacking of his Black Cats replacement Michael Beale.

'Finger must be pointed firmly at the Sunderland hierarchy,' says former Black Cats star

However, he says he will need to take a temporary leave of absence to fight an unspecified illness.

“All at Sunderland AFC send their best wishes to former head coach Tony Mowbray,” a Sunderland statement said on Monday.

“Earlier today, the 60-year-old announced that he will be temporarily stepping away from the technical area to receive medical treatment.

“SAFC’s Board of Directors, players and staff wish Tony a swift recovery and our thoughts are with him and his family at this moment in time.

“We know these sentiments are also held by our supporters throughout the world, who continue to hold an immense respect for our former head coach.

“Tony, we look forward to soon seeing you back on the touchline doing what you love the most and we are all with you.”

Mowbray insists this will just be a temporary leave of absence from the day-to-day running of the Birmingham training ground, and he will still be exerting some influence in the meantime.

Assistant Mark Venus, who was also with him at Sunderland, will take over in the interim, supported by the rest of the coaching staff.

“Following my recent LMA Health Assessment I have received a medical diagnosis that will require me to receive treatment,” Mowbray said.

Attacking fans and alienating players: Five key mistakes that cost Michael Beale Sunderland job

“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.

“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.”

---

READ MORE SUNDERLAND NEWS

• Sunderland contract situation: Who is nearing the end of their current deal?
• Top Ten: Sunderland's best ever January signings
• Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham names two former Sunderland players as his heroes
• Jordan Willis and seven other Sunderland careers ruined by injury
• Sell to thrive, not sell to survive: The Sunderland 'model' explained - in their own words
• Luke O'Nien and eight other Sunderland players who successfully changed positions