Mowbray returns for second stint as West Brom boss

Almost 16 years after he left, Tony Mowbray has been reappointed as West Brom’s head coach.

The 61-year-old has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Baggies, returning for his second stint at the club after originally leaving in 2009 to take charge of Celtic.

It is Mowbray’s first job since February 2024 when he stepped down as Birmingham City manager due to health reasons, but after receiving the all-clear, he now replaces Carlos Corberan, who left West Brom to take charge of his boyhood club Valencia on Christmas Eve.

West Brom had reportedly been close to appointing Raphael Wicky last week, but the move collapsed when he could not bring his own backroom staff.

In his first stint, Mowbray oversaw 140 games in all competitions between 2006 and 2009, winning 57 of those (40.71%-win rate). He also led West Brom to the Championship title in 2007-08.

We’re delighted to confirm the appointment of Tony Mowbray as men’s first team Head Coach!

Welcome back to the Albion, Tony!

— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) January 17, 2025

“This is a club I’ve got great affection for. It’s a club I care for; it’s a club I followed before and after my previous time as manager,” Mowbray told West Brom’s media channels.

“It’s a club where it’s always been special whenever I returned with other teams.

“It’s a real family football club and that’s why I had the discussions with the ownership. I’m so excited to be walking back through the doors and helping the team.”

Mowbray’s first game in charge will come against former club Middlesbrough on Tuesday, with the interim team led by Chris Brunt, who was one of Mowbray’s first signings in 2007, remaining in charge for the visit of Stoke City on Saturday.

West Brom are currently seventh in the Championship, just one point behind the play-off places.