Tony Mowbray is the new Sunderland manager, so we spoke to Blackburn fanzine 4,000 Holes to speak about his time at Ewood Park.
What is your overall opinion on Tony Mowbray?
I really liked the man. Overall, he did a superb job at Rovers: we were spiralling down the divisions but he turned us around, gave us some great memories and brought us up to being a solid Championship club. He does have his limitations as a manager though and a significant portion wanted him gone well before last season. He’s perhaps too loyal to some players who he’ll fit into the team in strange positions, not proactive enough with substitutions, and has a regular habit of letting promising seasons tail off in spring. Expect the word “frustraaating” in post-match interviews.
What style of play does he like?
This has varied significantly. Formation-wise, a 4-2-3-1 was generally his preferred choice, although during last season’s excellent run we used a 3-4-3 with wing backs. In 2020/21 we were very possession focussed (highest in the league) but didn’t do anything much with the possession. Last season it completely flipped to the lowest possession stats in the league! We became a counter-attacking team with pressing from the front, which had a lot more success.
Our squad has plenty of young players. Does this suit him or will he prefer experienced Championship heads?
You’d perhaps expect a traditionalist like Mowbray to want a bunch of experienced 30-odd-year-olds in his teams but we actually had the second youngest squad in the Championship last season (average age about 24). It may have been enforced because there weren’t the funds to sign many players, but he did do a great job in giving academy stars a chance and many are first team regulars now. He really enjoys working with them and seeing their development.
There are rumours of discontent in the dressing room - will he be able to pull the players together the same way Alex Neil did?
He commands the respect of players and should be able to sort out any disharmony. There were never any big fallouts or player disputes in his whole time as manager at Rovers – even during the tough runs, the squad backed him. Players always appear to really like him and enjoy playing for him.
Most fans see the appointment of Mowbray as an uninspiring choice. What would you say to the doubters?
It’s probably not the most inspiring or adventurous choice, but if you want some stability after getting promotion rather than going gung-ho expecting another promotion immediately, then he’s a good fit. He’ll try to understand the club’s recent history and he has the ability to be inspiring with all his tales of sneaking into Ayresome Park as young lad.
Why did he leave his job at Blackburn?
His contract was up at the end of 2021/22 and it didn’t get renewed. Perhaps it was surprising that there was no new offer after leading the club to its best finish for eight years, but the late downturn in form probably sealed his fate (second place in January to not even making the play-offs was shocking). After over five years at the club, it was definitely time for fresh ideas.
Do you reckon he'll be able to solidify us in the Championship and perhaps push for the play-offs?
He’ll definitely solidify Sunderland – there shouldn’t be any relegation worries – but equally I wouldn’t be expecting any miracles, such as a top-six finish. Mid-table is always a good bet with Mowbray.
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