Tony Mowbray, a well-known figure in football, has shared details of his difficult fight against bowel cancer.
In February 2024, at the age of 61, the then Birmingham manager stepped away from his role to focus on battling the illness.
After a grueling 16-month period that he described as “dehumanizing” and during which he feared for his life, doctors finally gave Mowbray the all-clear to return to his career.
Subsequently, the experienced manager made a comeback to West Brom, the same club he led to Premier League promotion back in 2008.
Mowbray recounted his conversation with his family following his cancer diagnosis to The Times, saying, “I had the conversation with my family and you could see they were frightened.”
“Was I frightened? My only thoughts were for my family, my three children and my wife, and ensuring their well-being,” he added.
Mowbray explained how he organized his affairs, including familiarizing his wife with their finances, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
He recalled a particularly poignant moment in the hospital after collapsing at home: “I remember sitting there in bed and my kids’ eyes were watering up. They were scared I wasn’t going to live. How old were they? They were 15, 17 and 19. I could see the fear in their eyes.”
Following his diagnosis, Mowbray underwent critical surgery within ten days. He admitted the gravity of the situation, saying, “Lots of things go through your mind. Am I going to wake up?”
He expressed gratitude and described the harsh realities of cancer treatment: “I feel very humble. I have been in the hands of some amazing people. I’ve spent a lot of time in hospital, I’ve spent a lot of time on medication. I’ve spent a lot of time in chemotherapy. It’s a medicine to treat cancer. It ravages your body.”
After initially taking temporary leave, Mowbray officially resigned from his position as Birmingham manager in May 2024.
He described the physical toll the illness took, recalling a moment of self-reflection: “I remember catching myself in a glass door and I didn’t even recognize it was me in the reflection. I was a shell of a man really. My cheeks were sunk in. I had lost 4.5 stone, I was hunched over and I made the decision then. I phoned Garry Cook [Birmingham chief executive] that day and said I wouldn’t be going back because I needed to get well.”
Despite his health challenges, Mowbray expressed his desire to return to football management if possible.
When Carlos Corberan`s departure from West Brom opened up an opportunity, Mowbray`s dream return became a reality after receiving the all-clear.
In January, he completed a remarkable comeback, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract with West Bromwich Albion.
Upon his appointment, Mowbray conveyed his enthusiasm: “I’m ready to relish the challenge again. It’s a new challenge. I know I’ve been here before, but it’s a new challenge, a new time, a new era for me at the football club.”
Marcus Bellamy