Tony Mowbray, the seasoned football manager known for his stints at Middlesbrough, Sunderland, and Birmingham City, is on the road to recovery after a challenging battle with bowel cancer. The 60-year-old, who stepped down from his role at Birmingham in February, has opened up about the diagnosis that turned his world upside down, sharing his personal journey and his unwavering determination to return to the sport he loves.
The diagnosis hit Mowbray unexpectedly, coming as a shock to him and his family. "It's been the toughest year of my life, or our lives, as we talk as a family. It was out of the blue that my illness was diagnosed," he admitted. "My world came crashing down, really. I'd had a doctor's appointment through the LMA, where you go to Manchester and have a check up. It's like an annual, full body MOT - your hearing, your eyesight. Part of it was having a colonoscopy. I got diagnosed with bowel cancer. It was shattering."
Despite the difficult journey, Mowbray has shown remarkable resilience, highlighting the unwavering support of his family. "When you get an illness like what I got, it's about the family, really. I remember sitting in a hospital bed, my kids had tears in their eyes not sure whether I was going to get through it or not, to be honest. I was very, very ill. Some days, you were feeling great and other days, I would collapse and black out and find myself on the kitchen floor."
The former manager expressed gratitude for the unwavering support he received from his past clubs, Sunderland and Birmingham, particularly during a time when he was unable to work. "Sunderland and Birmingham City have been amazing. A year without work, a year without money, yet those football clubs have looked after me and honoured the contracts I signed. That's humbling, they're almost giving me money not to work. They've been so fantastic to me and my family."
While Mowbray acknowledges that his recovery is ongoing, he's confident that he'll be back on the sidelines in the near future. "I'm hoping that in another couple of months I might be ready for work, once my body settles down after a recent operation, but I do want to go back to work. Football is in my blood, it's what I do. I want to get involved with a group of young men again, talk to them about life and football and what it takes to be a winner, try and inspire them - but I'm not ready yet."
In his candid conversation with BBC Radio Tees, Mowbray stressed the importance of early detection and urged others not to hesitate in seeking medical attention if they notice any unusual changes in their health. "The message from myself, loud and clear, is that if there's something not normal, don't be afraid to go and see a doctor. It's worth it, because it's not only you, think about your family. If you've got kids, they want to see their dad until he's an old man, so they can take him on holiday or push him around in a wheelchair, or whatever it might be."
Tony Mowbray's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing health and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. His unwavering dedication to football and his inspiring message of resilience will undoubtedly resonate with fans and athletes alike.
A Return to the Touchline
Mowbray's journey back to football is far from over, but he is determined to return to the dugout and contribute to the sport he's always loved. While his recovery is still underway, Mowbray's enthusiasm and passion for football remain as strong as ever. With a renewed sense of purpose, he's eager to share his expertise and inspire the next generation of players.
The news of Mowbray's recovery and his desire to return to football has been met with widespread support and admiration. Many fans and former players have expressed their well wishes and expressed their eagerness to see him back in action. Mowbray's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the enduring spirit of a true football legend.
It's been a difficult year for Tony Mowbray, but he's come out the other side with a renewed appreciation for life and a burning desire to get back to doing what he loves. His journey serves as an inspiration to all, highlighting the importance of family, health, and the power of the human spirit. Mowbray's return to football is sure to be a momentous occasion, and fans across the globe are eagerly awaiting the day he steps back onto the touchline and continues to make his mark on the sport he loves.
