Charlton Athletic, Leyton Orient and Bolton rivals confirm manager bombshell

Charlton Athletic and Leyton Orient rivals Birmingham City have today confirmed the bombshell news that manager Tony Mowbray has resigned from his position to focus on his health.

The 60-year-old had been on sick leave since February and had been meant to return to the job but will now stand down with immediate effect to help the club's transition to League One football. The Blues were relegated from the Championship in 22nd place this term, missing safety by just one point.

Birmingham City will play third tier football for the first time since 1992 and are already early favourites to bounce back up into the Championship. London clubs Charlton Athletic and Leyton Orient also have promotion hopes and will endeavour to challenge the Midlands side - the Addicks buoyed since the arrival of Nathan Jones and the O's having turned in an impressive campaign on their arrival in League One last time out.

Sharing a statement via the Birmingham City website, Mowbray said: “As people will be aware, I am currently undertaking a period of extended convalescence following significant and unexpected surgery earlier in the year which required that I take a period of medical absence. Throughout this period, I have watched every Birmingham City game along with every training session, whilst I have remained in positive and constructive dialogue with Tom Wagner, Garry Cook and Craig Gardner.

“Over the very recent days, it has become apparent to me that I will not be fully fit to resume my duties as Manager of Birmingham City in the timescale that would allow the Club to best prepare for the forthcoming season and therefore, I have regrettably decided to step away from my role at this time.

“Once I have fully recovered, it is important to me that I then spend some quality time with my wife and my boys before I fully commit to work.

“Once I have fully recovered and have spent some quality time with my family, I intend to make a return to football management at the appropriate moment. I hope that the privacy of my family and I will be respected at this time. Thank you for your ongoing support, Tony.”

Mowbray replaced Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney at St Andrew's in early January and looked to have the credentials to save Birmingham City from the drop by winning four of his eight games in charge before being forced to step down.

Former Blues boss Gary Rowett eventually returned to take the role but failed to keep the side up, despite an unbeaten final four matches.