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

carlgibbs13 added 10:50 - Feb 19 Oh dear, All the best Tony. Not bothered what opponent you manage, you're always a club legend here. Speedy recovery.
42

slade1 added 10:50 - Feb 19 Best wishes to Tony, a top man
26

Guthrum added 10:50 - Feb 19 Best wishes to Mogga for a successful treatment and a swift recovery.
26

GavTWTD added 10:53 - Feb 19 All the best Mogga
19

Paulc added 10:54 - Feb 19 Good luck Mogga, wishing you a speedy recovery.
16

Lightningboy added 10:55 - Feb 19 Hope he's ok and makes a speedy recovery...but boy am I glad he won't be managing them next Saturday.
5

BlueandTruesince82 added 10:57 - Feb 19 Get well soon Mogga, still hope to see you in the Ipswich dug-out one day
9

Bert added 10:58 - Feb 19 That’s awful news for him and his family. Hopefully we will show we care in some way on Saturday.
16

algarvefan added 11:18 - Feb 19 That's really sad news, lovely guy who I respect enormously, wishing you well Tony please get well soon and like Bert I'm sure the fans will do something to show him Town fans care on Saturday.
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Whos_blue added 11:20 - Feb 19 All the best to Mogga and his family. I was looking forward to welcoming him back on Saturday and was hoping we could all give him a rendition of the classic Mogga chant from the late 90s. Maybe we still can?
14

NthQldITFC added 11:21 - Feb 19 Best wishes Mogga. ITFC hero and all round top man.
9

ghostofescobar added 11:22 - Feb 19 That’s not good news. Wishing you a speedy recovery Mogga. Maybe a joint chant of “There’s only Tony Mowbray” on Saturday?
8

ImAbeliever added 11:23 - Feb 19 Sing our song for Tony. What a man, all the best for a speedy one.
8

1RWR added 11:25 - Feb 19 Get well Mogga…….every time I see your name that goal at Wembley goes through my mind, you’re a legend my son, a legend, get well soon.
9

ArnieM added 11:30 - Feb 19 Oh, blimey, poor Mogga. So,e things are just bigger than football aren’t they. Get well soon Tony.
8

USA added 11:32 - Feb 19 “One Tony Mowbray, there’s only one Tony Mowbray” on 60minutes anyone!?
6

Westy added 12:04 - Feb 19 He would have got a warm welcome on Saturday. It would be great if supporters could still show their appreciation and support in some way.
4

BlueWax added 12:09 - Feb 19 Agree with all of the above, this is sad news but our Mogga is a strong character and will bounce back. How about a large banner for him on Sat. Get well soon Mogga x
4

norfolkbluey added 12:13 - Feb 19 This guy is a legend at Ipswich and I am sure everyone who supported IT during his time at this club of ours will want to wish him a quick recovery and all our support to his family. God bless to you all. Amazing memories of his time at the centre of defence and his raised hand indicating that the visitors were off side. Knowing how tough an opponent he was on the pitch whatever his illness is it doesn't stand a chance. Common Tony and good luck.

5

TimmyH added 12:34 - Feb 19 Get back to health Mogga...
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PortmanTerrorist added 12:36 - Feb 19 Get well soon to the best Manager we never (properly) had. Am sure we in the North stand (and hopefully the rest of FPR) will find a moment to sing our thoughts of Mogga on Saturday.
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backwaywhen added 12:49 - Feb 19 Arms up , flags up ……your offside . Speedy recovery Mogga .
4

rugbytomc added 13:05 - Feb 19 Wish him the best and a speedy recovery and wish Venus all the best (apart from when they play us!) he is one of my all time favourite town defenders. Used to bring the ball out with ease and a cracking left foot!
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dirtydingusmagee added 13:08 - Feb 19 top bloke , speedy recovery and best wishes Tony.
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Jugsy added 13:10 - Feb 19 I reckon our fans would have sung for Mogga if he was in the dugout anyway, so this only gives greater importance to cheering the great man and having a singsong. When I see the Beattie statue outside the ground, it reminds me of Mogga's headed goal against Barnsley in the playoff final. An ITFC hero.
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