Tony Mowbray has taken a temporary leave from his position as Birmingham City boss to undergo medical treatment for an undisclosed illness.
Mowbray revealed that following a recent health assessment, he has been advised to undergo treatment.
The club released a statement confirming that Mowbray will take a leave of absence “for a period of approximately six to eight weeks.”
At 60 years old, Mowbray is only in his second month as the head of Blues, having taken over from Wayne Rooney on 8 January.
Having assumed the role at Birmingham after his dismissal from Sunderland in December, Mowbray was present in the dugout for Saturday’s victorious match against his former team.
Although he will be stepping away from the “on-site management” of Birmingham, Mowbray will continue to collaborate with his assistant manager Mark Venus, who will be deputizing during Mowbray’s absence.
“Undergoing treatment will necessitate that I temporarily step away from the technical area,” he said.
“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.”
Since Mowbray assumed the position at St Andrew’s, Blues have accumulated 10 points out of a potential 18 and risen to 15th place in the table.
Birmingham chief executive Garry Cook stated that Mowbray’s interim successors will receive “full support” to maintain the progress initiated by the former Blackburn, Middlesbrough, Coventry City, West Bromwich Albion, and Celtic manager.
“Our thoughts are with Tony, his wife Amber, and family,” Cook said.
“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.”