Breaking: Birmingham City coach Tony Mowbray suddenly steps away from the job.

Just over a month after taking Wayne Rooney’s place at St Andrew’s, Birmingham City manager Tony Mowbray shockingly resigned from his position to receive “medical treatment.”

The players were reportedly left “stunned” by the shocking news after the veteran coach told his team during a meeting at their training field on Monday morning. Mowbray, 60, has only overseen eight games since taking over on January 8.

Mowbray’s diagnosis is unknown, but the team announced he will be out of the game for six to eight weeks.

His last game in charge was a 2-1 win at home to Sunderland on Saturday, his third win since replacing former boss Rooney. Assistant manager Mark Venus will replace him temporarily, alongside coaches Ashley Cole, Pete Shuttleworth and Maik Taylor.

A club statement read: ‘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 said the club had been ‘incredibly supportive’ of him as he confirmed the news – and said he would continue to provide his guidance to the coaching staff.

‘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.’

A number of his former sides have been quick to wish their old boss well and a speedy recovery on social media.

‘Get well soon Mogga, wishing you all the very best from everyone at MFC,’ Middlesbrough, who he managed from 2010-13 – wrote on X.

‘Wishing you a speedy recovery, Tony,’ added Sunderland, where Mowbray took charge of 65 games. ‘We’re all behind you.’