Former Town skipper and coach Tony Mowbray will miss out on a return to Portman Road on Saturday with Birmingham City as he is set to spend around six-to-eight weeks away from the club as he undergoes medical treatment.

Mowbray, 60, took over as boss at St Andrew’s at the start of January following the departure of Wayne Rooney with his fellow former Town defender Mark Venus assisting him as he has at his previous clubs.

A statement on the Midlanders’ official website reads: “Birmingham City can confirm that manager, Tony Mowbray, requires medical treatment which means he will be temporarily stepping away from the on-site management of the club for a period of approximately six to eight weeks.

“Assistant manager, Mark Venus, will assume temporary responsibility for the team with immediate effect.”

Mowbray added: “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. 

“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.” 

Birmingham CEO, Garry Cook, said: “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.”

Photo: Matchday Images

Gdunkdafunk added 13:16 - Feb 19 Nothing but respect for this top man, we wish you well & I know our fans will show this with volume at the weekend
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Billericay12 added 13:20 - Feb 19 He would have had a great reception on Saturday. Will always be held in high regard at our club. I am sure Veno will also be welcomed back to PR. Two great players that served our club well. Best wishes Morgan
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Billericay12 added 13:20 - Feb 19 Mogga !!!
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_clive_baker_ added 13:29 - Feb 19 Some players become legends based on their achievements and contribution to ITFC which Mogga definitely qualifies for. What’s even more important is what a top bloke he is. Had a few interactions with him where he’s gone beyond what you would expect, a real down to earth and humble chap who carries himself with so much dignity. He’s overcome adversity in his private life before that you wouldn’t wish on anyone, I hope he can overcome whatever this is too. I know he has the full support of all Town fans. Stay strong Mogga, you’ve got this

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Orraman added 13:29 - Feb 19 His condition, being discovered in a health check, hopefully means an early intervention will help a speedy recovery. The great man is a real fighter, and his wonderful Wembley goal as well as many outstanding defensive displays put him well into the realm of Ipswich Legends. 1 - 0 to the Tractor Boys ? ? You bet - Mogga’s at Centre Half.
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Marinersnose added 13:36 - Feb 19 Mowbray a great leader and a great man. He was a legend at Ipswich and has proved himself to be an excellent manager of teams and players as individuals. He has rightly earned much respect within the game as demonstrated by the Sunderland fans saddened by his departure. I’m sure Town fans with be signing his name on Saturday. Speedy recovery Mogga.
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warwickblue added 13:43 - Feb 19 Wishing Tony all the best for a speedy recovery.
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OldClactonBlue added 14:05 - Feb 19 Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery Mogga
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blueboy1981 added 14:19 - Feb 19 MOGGA - Ipswich Town LEGEND ! All Best Wishes for a Fast & Full Recovery Tony.
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blueboy1981 added 14:26 - Feb 19 ……. let’s show Mogga how Ipswich Supporters are behind him on Saturday, and what he still means to us all.
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atty added 14:32 - Feb 19 Very best wishes for a speedy recovery Mogga.
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Suffolkboy added 14:52 - Feb 19 The man’s a true hero and legend throughout the game ! Middlesbrough FC fans will well remember all he personally contributed way back when trouble hit ; at ITFC we all loved him to bits and the Wembley goal was quite the most fitting send off to a wonderful player and character . Integrity and dignity alongside discipline and good manners epitomise TM . Simply every possible good wish for a speedy and excellent recovery ! COYB

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Gandj64 added 15:33 - Feb 19 I had the pleasure or meeting him at Jimmy Hills memorial service at Coventry Cathedral. A lovely quiet and unassuming man I mentioned how popular he was as a player and how many fans wanted him back at Portman Road at some point in the future. He thanked me and said that the Town result was one of the first he looked for on a Saturday afternoon. Rest up and get well soon Mogga.

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johnwarksshorts added 15:46 - Feb 19 Best wishes Mogga. You're a top man, hope your treatment goes well. Whenever I see or hear your name I always visualise that moment you leapt like a salmon to firmly plant that cross into the Barnsley goal.
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WestSussexBlue added 16:13 - Feb 19 Legend is a phrase used at any opportunity these days, too much so. Mogga however really is a Town legend, such an inspiration u def Burley. He’ll no doubt receive a great reception next time. Best wishes Mogga and a swift recovery to good health.
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Edmundo added 19:08 - Feb 19 All the best, Mogga. Shows how health screenings are so beneficial. I'd advise everyone to get them done whenever the opportunity arises. Especially if you're North of 45.
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SickParrot added 19:44 - Feb 19 Let's hope that Mogga's treatment is successful and that he's able to resume full duties soon. I'm sure that he can get Birmingham in the playoffs next season. I see that the clueless owners at Sunderland, who unfairly sacked him, have now sacked Beale after just 12 games having given him a two and a half year contract. Madness!
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SoCalTownFan added 19:49 - Feb 19 Venus's Wikipedia page is a riot, every sentence ends with "...following Tony Mowbray's sacking" This however is not quite as funny, football managers get sacked all the time but no one wants to hear this this. Mowbray has a special place in the hearts of town fans, I recall he leapt like a salmon in Wembley in 2000 to restore our hopes after a poor start
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dyersdream added 20:05 - Feb 19 Get well soon Tony
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raycrawfordswig added 08:05 - Feb 20 Good luck mogga wishing you all the best.
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