Former Premier League manager Tony Mowbray has spoken candidly about his difficult experience battling bowel cancer.
Mowbray, 61, a well-respected figure in football, took a break from his role as Birmingham City manager in February 2024 to focus on his health and fight the disease.
After a grueling 16 months that he described as “dehumanizing” and filled with fear for his life, doctors finally gave Mowbray the positive news that he was clear to return to work.
The experienced coach has since rejoined West Bromwich Albion, the club he famously led to promotion to the Premier League back in 2008.
Reflecting on the serious situation following his cancer diagnosis, Mowbray shared his emotional conversations with his family with The Times, saying: “I had the conversation with my family, and I could see their fear.”
“Was I scared? My only concern was for my family – my wife and three children – and ensuring they would be alright.”
Mowbray explained how he took steps to prepare his family for the worst, stating: “I had to put everything in order, and I tried to. My wife saw our banking app for the first time. It’s little things like that.”
“She understood the gravity of the situation. I felt she needed to know about our finances, our savings, pensions, and bank accounts.”
Describing a frightening episode, Mowbray recounted collapsing at home and spending a night in hospital receiving treatment.
Recalling the distressing time, Mowbray said: “I remember sitting in bed in the hospital, and my kids were tearful. They were afraid I was going to die. They were 15, 17, and 19. I could see the fear in their eyes.”
Mowbray underwent critical surgery just ten days after his diagnosis. He admitted: “Many thoughts race through your mind. Will I wake up from this?”
“I feel incredibly grateful. I have been cared for by amazing people. I’ve spent considerable time in hospitals, on medication, and undergoing chemotherapy. Chemotherapy, while necessary to treat cancer, is incredibly tough on your body.”
After initially taking temporary leave, Mowbray officially resigned from his position at Birmingham City in May 2024.
He described the physical toll of his illness and the moment he realized he needed to step back: “I remember seeing my reflection in a glass door and not even recognizing myself. I was a shadow of my former self. My face was gaunt.”
“I had lost a significant amount of weight, I was hunched over, and it was then that I made the decision. I called Garry Cook, the Birmingham chief executive, that day and told him I wouldn’t be returning because I needed to recover.”
Mowbray maintained his desire to return to football management if his health permitted.
Following Carlos Corberan`s departure from West Brom for Valencia and Mowbray`s recovery, a return to The Hawthorns became a real possibility.
In January, he achieved a remarkable comeback, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract with West Bromwich Albion.
Upon accepting the West Brom job, Mowbray expressed his enthusiasm: “I’m ready to embrace this challenge once again. It’s a fresh start.”
“I know I have been here before, but this is a new chapter, a new era for me at this football club.”
