West Brom have confirmed that they have parted ways with Tony Mowbray, just three months after bringing him back to the club in what was an emotional return from illness. The 61-year-old sealed a comeback to the Hawthorns in January, having been given the green light following his bowel cancer diagnosis.
Mowbray had stepped away from his position in charge of Birmingham City FC last May, having taken a leave of absence due to medical reasons. He later revealed that he had been diagnosed with bowel cancer.
He made no secret of his desire to return to management, however, and after consultation with the League Managers Association and club doctors, replaced Carlos Corberan at West Brom at the start of this year. But following a 3-1 home defeat by Derby, leaving his side six points off the playoffs with two games remaining, a decision was made to part ways.
A club statement on Monday evening read: “West Bromwich Albion have today parted company with head coach Tony Mowbray. Assistant head coach Mark Venus has also departed the club.
“The club would like to place on record its thanks to Tony and Mark for their efforts – but has made the decision to part company following a series of poor results. Tony and Mark will forever be welcome at The Hawthorns and their contributions to the club winning the 2007/08 Sky Bet Championship title will never be forgotten.
“Everyone at Albion wishes Tony and Mark all the very best in the future. James Morrison will oversee first-team affairs on an interim basis, assisted by Damia Abella and Boaz Myhill. The process of recruiting a new head coach is now under way.”
After defeat to Derby, Mowbray admitted that West Brom were in a “tough period” following a fifth loss in six games wrecking their chances of promotion.
“Obviously, it’s a tough period for us,” he told BBC Radio WM. “I haven’t seen anything since I’ve been here like the goals we conceded today from the set-plays.
“It’s so unlike us. Two set-play goals from a hard-working, honest team. I thought we lacked courage today, didn’t play enough forward passes, weren’t brave enough on the ball.”
Mowbray had guided West Brom to the Premier League in 2008 and a reunion was billed as quite the coup, considering his impressive body of work in the Championship.
But a nightmare end to the season has caused West Brom to put an end to his tenure as they hope to salvage their season by claiming wins from their final two games against Cardiff and Luton.
