Why Birmingham City turned to Tony Mowbray as sacked Wayne Rooney's replacement

Tony Mowbray was hailed ‘the standout candidate’ after taking over the reins at Birmingham City.

The 60-year-old was installed into the St Andrew’s hot seat just one week after Wayne Rooney was sacked.

Mowbray, who was shown the door himself at Sunderland just five weeks ago, will be hoping to arrest a significant slide down the Championship table. Under Rooney, Brum slipped from sixth to 20th - and now lie just six points above the drop zone.

However, club co-owner Tom Wagner, said his due diligence on the former West Brom, Celtic and Blackburn chief had revealed nothing but praise about the club’s third boss this term after John Eustace was axed for Rooney just three months ago.

Wagner said: “Tony was the standout candidate. His knowledge and passion shone through. He shares our ambition and will bring stability at an important time for the club.

“We received extremely positive feedback from everyone we spoke to about him. I’m looking forward to seeing him work with the team. He will get the support needed to bring success.”

Mowbray will arrive at St Andrew’s with a wealth of Championship experience under his belt - and a promotion to the top flight during his time at the Hawthorns with the Baggies. He most recently spent time on Wearside - where he pushed the Black Cats into the top six last term - and five seasons before that at Blackburn Rovers, pushing them too within touching distance of the play-offs.

Birmingham’s owners Knighthead Capital have already set down an objective to play progressive football - and Mowbray will not need to buy into that philosophy as it has been a trademark of his ever since he entered management at Hibs.

He said: “I’m excited to be joining the club at this time. I can’t wait to be back out on