Tony Mowbray, a well-known football manager, has spoken candidly about his difficult fight with bowel cancer.
In February 2024, the popular 61-year-old temporarily stepped down from his position as Birmingham City boss to focus on battling the illness.
After a grueling 16-month period that he described as “dehumanizing” and during which he feared for his life, doctors finally cleared Mowbray to return to work.
The experienced manager then made a comeback to West Bromwich Albion, the club he famously led to Premier League promotion in 2008.
Mowbray shared the stark reality of his cancer diagnosis with The Times, recounting a conversation with his family: “I had the conversation with my family, and you could see their fear.”
Reflecting on his own emotions, he said, “Was I frightened? My only thoughts were for my family, my three children and my wife, and ensuring they would be alright.”
He further explained the practical steps he took, saying, “I had to put everything in order, and I tried to. My wife saw our banking app for the first time in her life. It’s little things like that.”
“She understood the seriousness of the situation. I felt she needed to know about our finances, including ISAs, pensions, and bank accounts.”
Mowbray recounted collapsing at home and subsequently spending a night in the hospital on an IV drip.
Reliving the distressing experience, Mowbray said, “I remember sitting in bed, and my kids’ eyes were filled with tears. They were scared I was going to die. They were 15, 17, and 19 years old. I could see the fear in their eyes.”
Just ten days after his diagnosis, Mowbray underwent critical surgery. He admitted, “Many thoughts race through your mind. Am I going to wake up?”
“I feel incredibly grateful. I have been cared for by amazing people. I’ve spent considerable time in hospitals, on medication, and undergoing chemotherapy. It`s a powerful treatment for cancer, but it severely weakens your body.”
After initially taking temporary leave, Mowbray officially resigned from his position as Birmingham City manager in May 2024.
His assistant manager, Mark Venus, initially took over, followed by Gary Rowett`s appointment until the season`s end.
Explaining his decision to resign, Mowbray added, “I recall catching my reflection in a glass door and not even recognizing myself. I was a shadow of my former self. My cheeks were sunken.”
“Having lost 4.5 stone and feeling hunched over, I made the decision then. I called Garry Cook [Birmingham chief executive] that day and informed him that I wouldn’t be returning because I needed to recover.”
Mowbray maintained his desire to return to work if his health permitted.
When Carlos Corberan departed West Bromwich Albion for Valencia following Mowbray`s recovery, a dream return to his former club became a real possibility.
In January, he completed a remarkable comeback, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract with West Bromwich Albion.
Upon accepting the West Brom job, a delighted Mowbray stated, “I’m ready to embrace the challenge again. It’s a new challenge.”
“I know I`ve been here before, but it’s a new challenge, a new time, a new era for me at the football club.”
