Birmingham City have made another big managerial decision this week.
With Tony Mowbray still absent for health reasons, his assistant Mark Venus has taken charge of the Blues’ last six games.
However, they have picked up just a single point from those matches since that change.
As a result, Birmingham City have now brought Gary Rowett back to St Andrew’s. The 50-year-old is set to take on an interim managerial role until the end of the season.
Now it seems there is a belief that Rowett has already overcome one major hurdle on his return to the club.
Gary Rowett has Tony Mowbray backing
In the statement confirming that Rowett was returning to Birmingham City, it was revealed that Mowbray had been involved in the decision to bring the 50-year-old back to St Andrews.
That is something Shane Ireland believes is important for Rowett, amid his return to the club.
Speaking on The Keep Right On Podcast about the significance of Mowbray being involved in the selection of Rowett as interim boss, the journalist and Birmingham City fan said:
“We know Mowbray is away from the club at the moment but we’re absolutely not doubting that he is still focused on Blues.
“He has been watching Blues closely and how they’ve been playing and having Mowbray’s input in this is absolutely vital.
“That is a massive tick in the box for me and it should be a massive tick in the box for Rowett and his staff coming in. They’ve got the full support of the manager and he’s been so closely involved in the decision, that was great to see.”
Rowett’s first game back in charge of the club comes after the international break, on the 29th March.
That sees them travel to Loftus Road to face fellow strugglers QPR in a potentially huge game.
Birmingham City have made a smart move here
It does feel as though the Blues have made a sensible decision in bringing Rowett back to the club.
The 50-year-old had a very good record during his previous spell in charge at St Andrew’s.
Indeed, Birmingham City spent a significant portion of that time, competing for a place in the Championship play-offs.
Rowett, has also gained plenty of experience managing in the division with other clubs since then as well.
Throughout that period, he has proven himself to be a manager who can make his teams solid and hard to beat in the Championship.
He does therefore seem like a good man for the job, especially considering he knows the club well too.
Mowbray’s involvement in this appointment is also a good sign, since Rowett is coming highly recommended by another proven manager at this level.
The fact Mowbray has taken part in such a big Birmingham City decision also speaks well to his commitment to the club. That is despite the circumstances he finds himself in.
With all that in mind, this does therefore feel like a welcome positive for the Blues as they battle to avoid relegation.