Blackburn fans were worried that Mowbray would be removed by their controversial owners, but the former Celtic boss will stay.
Blackburn Rovers manager Tony Mowbray
Blackburn Rovers fans will be breathing a huge sigh of relief following the news that manager Tony Mowbray will remain at Ewood Park for the 2017/18 campaign despite relegation to League One, as confirmed by Blackburn’s official website.
Mowbray took over from Owen Coyle in late February, ending what was frankly a disastrous reign, and under Mowbray’s stewardship, the club lost just three out of 15 Championship encounters, but ultimately the decision to sack Coyle was too late and Rovers went down on goal difference.
However, there were clear signs that Blackburn had massively stepped up their game and improved under Mowbray, but fans were concerned that the controversial Venky’s ownership would strike again and see him replaced for the new season.
It now seems that will not be the case, with Mowbray claiming that he’d now finally met the owners who’d hired him back in February, sat down with them and believes he has their support – both financial and moral – going forwards, and is determined to turn things around at Ewood Park.
“I’m very happy with the discussions that I have had,” Mowbray told the club’s official website. “I’ve met the owners, I’ve met the people that I am working for, and I am very happy to move forward.
“Whilst we were all disappointed with the end of last season I see it as an opportunity to now move the club in the right direction and grasp this opportunity whilst it is there for us.
“The owners were supportive of my ideas and plans, and they have assured me of their financial commitment to help achieve our targets. It was all very positive.”
The only teams to beat Mowbray’s Blackburn were promoted Brighton and Hove Albion, play-off finalists Reading, and a Barnsley side enjoying their best season in the second division since the 1999/2000 season, so if Mowbray can bring in who he wants and keep core players at the club, they should be a great shout for promotion.
Above all else, the fans in particular will be delighted.
While many initially scoffed at Mowbray’s appointment, he has won them round and they will be ecstatic to know they are in extremely capable hands for the new season.
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