Analysis by BBC Radio WM’s Steve Hermon
This is a real emotional return for one of the most well-respected men in English football. The man they call ‘Mogga’.
Just 11 months ago, having already won three of his first six league games in charge, Mowbray had to step away as boss of Birmingham City for health reasons.
Without him, Blues went on to be relegated to League One, by which time Mowbray had stood down completely before then revealing to BBC Tees that he had undergone surgery for bowel cancer.
But he also stated in that same interview his ultimate desire to return to work – and his reappointment is filled with nostalgia for Albion fans who fondly remember the team’s positive style of play under him at The Hawthorns.
It was an eventful time in the club’s modern history too. Two Wembley appearances, both 1-0 defeats, by Derby County in the Championship play-off final in May 2007, then by Portsmouth in the FA Cup semi-final 11 months later.
But, only a month later, Mowbray’s Albion won promotion back to the Premier League, pipping this weekend’s visitors Stoke for the title.
Relegation followed after one season in the top flight, after which Mowbray left in 2009 for Celtic.
Now he returns via five more managerial stints, with his home-town club Middlesbrough, Coventry City, Blackburn Rovers, Sunderland and Blues.
They say you should never go back but you cannot deny the feel-good factor this will generate back at one of his favourite ‘homes’ of football.
He is one of football’s nice guys but he is also an experienced manager, who knows all about this division and what it takes to compete near the top.
Only time will tell if this heart-warming story also has a fairytale ending.
West Bromwich Albion fans were left buzzing with excitement as the news broke that former manager Tony Mowbray was set to return to the Hawthorns as the club’s new boss.
Mowbray, who previously managed the Baggies from 2006 to 2009, was highly regarded by fans during his previous stint at the club. His attacking style of play and commitment to developing young players endeared him to the West Brom faithful, and many supporters were sad to see him leave when he departed for Celtic.
Now, after successful spells at Blackburn Rovers and Coventry City, Mowbray is back at West Brom and ready to lead the team back to the Premier League. With his experience and tactical acumen, fans are optimistic that he can guide the club to success in the Championship and secure promotion back to the top flight.
The appointment of Mowbray has been met with widespread approval from fans, who believe he is the perfect man to rejuvenate the club and bring back the glory days to the Hawthorns. With his return, hopes are high that West Brom can once again become a force to be reckoned with in English football.
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West Bromwich Albion, Tony Mowbray, Hawthorns, manager, return, football, Championship, West Brom, Baggies, EFL, English football, Midlands club, promotion, team, squad, former manager, coaching career, tactics, strategy, match, game, opponent, press conference, interview
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