D
Deleted member 7993
Guest
All porky pies. He's on about Melton Mowbray. Tony's his evil twin.
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Tony Mowbray - Boro Supporter View
- Thread starter ERIMUS1876
- Start date
Whitburnmakem
Striker
At the end of the day he’s got nee teeth
nandos sonic sauce
Striker
1st I didn't want him, then came round to the idea, and now I'm worried in case we lose him to England!
martinlumley
Striker
At the end of the day your teeth go in a glass beside the bed anyway, so nee bosh.
Whitburnmakem
Striker
surprised Man Utd haven’t come in for him
Roker SOL
Winger
Integrity in itself is a vast improvement on Neil.Firstly, I feel a sense of recognition when "Hank Williams" asks me as a Boro supporter to pass on some views on this messageboard on Tony Mowbray. Such a request from the No.1 closet Boro supporter is the ultimate accolade!
Down to business.
I saw Tony Mowbray make his Boro debut in 1982 (aged 18) at Sid James Park, go on to be our most inspirational captain (appointed aged 22) through arguably the most momentous period in the clubs history and in total saw around 80% of his 400+ home and away appearances for Boro. When he left Boro I followed his playing and later Managerial career which included a term at Boro.
He took over as Boro manager after the dual poor appointments of Southgate and Strachan. We were in a complete mess and heading for League One. He saved us from that fate and made genuine progress. The club didn't even have dossiers on individual players ... Mowbray brought his own with him to the club. I could mention numerous stories about his dedication and commitment to his managerial roles but won't bore you. He was left with a team of journeymen, young lads, has beens and never have beens. Several of these were Scottish players he had previously binned as Celtic manager who Strachan then brought to Boro! He made some quality signings on a shoestring budget and gave the supporters belief back. Most of the loyal Boro fans I know would have him back at the drop of a hat.
He has had a lifetime immersed in football and managed and played at the highest level in England and Scotland. As with all Managers hasn't always had it his own way but has steadied the ship with most clubs and also has gained promotions.
He has a positive track record of developing young players, playing a passing game and has a great eye for a player. Mowbray has a career record of 41% wins (Roy Keane achieved 42% at Sunderland as a comparison).
A North East lad who is astute, proud, genuine, honest and loyal. Mowbray also has very strong personal values and high levels of integrity. Don't underestimate any of these qualities.
He is well respected by many in the game.
What has surprised me is some of the vitriol I have read on this messageboard about him. Clearly not good enough for the vast majority of posters on here who have completely dismissed him as an option whilst some others have resorted to personal insults. Having known and worked with Sunderland supporters for many years, I'll be honest, I thought you were better than that.
Having had the likes of Simon Grayson, Chris Coleman, Phil Parkinson et al managing your club in recent times, someone like Mowbray should be given more consideration instead of being ridiculed.
Come to think of it the question should really be not does Sunderland need Tony Mowbray but does Tony Mowbray need Sunderland? He completed his full 5-years contract at his last club - Blackburn (not many managers do that these days - indeed Sunderland had 7 permanent managers during that time). He achieved promotion from League One in the process and in his last season had a young team challenging for promotion to the Premier League.
I suspect his reservations will be thinking that Sunderland is a club that in the last twenty years have had nearly as many permanent managers and in addition several owners including the current ones who are small-time, inexperienced, inflexible, don't value their manager and haven't invested much money. At least that is as it appears to an outsider.
Believe me Tony Mowbray would be a quality appointment for Sunderland (although it pains me to say that). It would be steady progress to achieve the clubs goals ... probably not quick enough for the twitterati and most posters on here but surely solid foundations, continuity and sustainability are key ingredients Sunderland have been lacking for years.
Tony Mowbray is your man.
I've not been amongst the ridiculers as simply put, I've not been following him that much. However, I do note he did make progress with the Boro with the squad he had available.
He's not the first choice that comes to my mind, knowing Keane is out there. But would Keane come back? I'd have concerns about Keane too as he was mentally not in a great place when he left us, ironically after an away win against Blackburn.
But he would be an improvement over Simon Grayson, Chris Coleman and Phil Parkinson. So we could do a lot worse.
To be fair the current owners did try to persuade Neil to stay. But it's a showing of the person Neil is he's basically ignored them. The move away from Donaldson towards Louis-Dreyfus has seen the board do a little better and this season, Neil was backed in the transfer market.
Given Neil was siting watching Blackburn (not talking to Stoke) Yesterday and not up here doing the job he's still contracted to do tells me he's going. Whether that's to Stoke or he's simply not coming back, I don't know and don't care. Once Neil did that, it should have been the finish though I'm minded sacking him outright means we still have to pay compensation. I'm wondering if he's angling to be sacked before he signs for Stoke to get compensation and avoid Stoke paying us any?
I've seen mentioning of gardening leave, basically suspend him as the new man takes over and let him rot until he makes up his mind or his contract expires. I'm not sure how exactly that would work though and it may be just as easy to sack him and get rid. But he's not welcome back as is evident by the strength of feeling on this board and the main SAFC Facebook groups.
That said, we have Rotherham on Tuesday then Boro the following Monday. I'd rather the new man was in place before Rotherham. If it is Mowbray and he steadies the ship, then all good.
You seem like a knoweldgable supporter, you speak well of him so perhaps we need to give him a chance.
Last edited:
The Shinning
Midfield
4 seasons at this level, 2 top-half finishes. One season winning L1 at a canter (something we could never do!)
admwil
Striker
As said in the rest of the post
DrewC
Striker
I would be happy with a 3 year promotion plan to the PL getting the right players to compete at the highest level….Firstly, I feel a sense of recognition when "Hank Williams" asks me as a Boro supporter to pass on some views on this messageboard on Tony Mowbray. Such a request from the No.1 closet Boro supporter is the ultimate accolade!
Down to business.
I saw Tony Mowbray make his Boro debut in 1982 (aged 18) at Sid James Park, go on to be our most inspirational captain (appointed aged 22) through arguably the most momentous period in the clubs history and in total saw around 80% of his 400+ home and away appearances for Boro. When he left Boro I followed his playing and later Managerial career which included a term at Boro.
He took over as Boro manager after the dual poor appointments of Southgate and Strachan. We were in a complete mess and heading for League One. He saved us from that fate and made genuine progress. The club didn't even have dossiers on individual players ... Mowbray brought his own with him to the club. I could mention numerous stories about his dedication and commitment to his managerial roles but won't bore you. He was left with a team of journeymen, young lads, has beens and never have beens. Several of these were Scottish players he had previously binned as Celtic manager who Strachan then brought to Boro! He made some quality signings on a shoestring budget and gave the supporters belief back. Most of the loyal Boro fans I know would have him back at the drop of a hat.
He has had a lifetime immersed in football and managed and played at the highest level in England and Scotland. As with all Managers hasn't always had it his own way but has steadied the ship with most clubs and also has gained promotions.
He has a positive track record of developing young players, playing a passing game and has a great eye for a player. Mowbray has a career record of 41% wins (Roy Keane achieved 42% at Sunderland as a comparison).
A North East lad who is astute, proud, genuine, honest and loyal. Mowbray also has very strong personal values and high levels of integrity. Don't underestimate any of these qualities.
He is well respected by many in the game.
What has surprised me is some of the vitriol I have read on this messageboard about him. Clearly not good enough for the vast majority of posters on here who have completely dismissed him as an option whilst some others have resorted to personal insults. Having known and worked with Sunderland supporters for many years, I'll be honest, I thought you were better than that.
Having had the likes of Simon Grayson, Chris Coleman, Phil Parkinson et al managing your club in recent times, someone like Mowbray should be given more consideration instead of being ridiculed.
Come to think of it the question should really be not does Sunderland need Tony Mowbray but does Tony Mowbray need Sunderland? He completed his full 5-years contract at his last club - Blackburn (not many managers do that these days - indeed Sunderland had 7 permanent managers during that time). He achieved promotion from League One in the process and in his last season had a young team challenging for promotion to the Premier League.
I suspect his reservations will be thinking that Sunderland is a club that in the last twenty years have had nearly as many permanent managers and in addition several owners including the current ones who are small-time, inexperienced, inflexible, don't value their manager and haven't invested much money. At least that is as it appears to an outsider.
Believe me Tony Mowbray would be a quality appointment for Sunderland (although it pains me to say that). It would be steady progress to achieve the clubs goals ... probably not quick enough for the twitterati and most posters on here but surely solid foundations, continuity and sustainability are key ingredients Sunderland have been lacking for years.
Tony Mowbray is your man.
I thought I’d sign up just to reply to this - I’m a Rovers fan and firstly, would urge you to read the Rovers forum BRFCS.com for further opinion on Tony…Firstly, I feel a sense of recognition when "Hank Williams" asks me as a Boro supporter to pass on some views on this messageboard on Tony Mowbray. Such a request from the No.1 closet Boro supporter is the ultimate accolade!
Down to business.
I saw Tony Mowbray make his Boro debut in 1982 (aged 18) at Sid James Park, go on to be our most inspirational captain (appointed aged 22) through arguably the most momentous period in the clubs history and in total saw around 80% of his 400+ home and away appearances for Boro. When he left Boro I followed his playing and later Managerial career which included a term at Boro.
He took over as Boro manager after the dual poor appointments of Southgate and Strachan. We were in a complete mess and heading for League One. He saved us from that fate and made genuine progress. The club didn't even have dossiers on individual players ... Mowbray brought his own with him to the club. I could mention numerous stories about his dedication and commitment to his managerial roles but won't bore you. He was left with a team of journeymen, young lads, has beens and never have beens. Several of these were Scottish players he had previously binned as Celtic manager who Strachan then brought to Boro! He made some quality signings on a shoestring budget and gave the supporters belief back. Most of the loyal Boro fans I know would have him back at the drop of a hat.
He has had a lifetime immersed in football and managed and played at the highest level in England and Scotland. As with all Managers hasn't always had it his own way but has steadied the ship with most clubs and also has gained promotions.
He has a positive track record of developing young players, playing a passing game and has a great eye for a player. Mowbray has a career record of 41% wins (Roy Keane achieved 42% at Sunderland as a comparison).
A North East lad who is astute, proud, genuine, honest and loyal. Mowbray also has very strong personal values and high levels of integrity. Don't underestimate any of these qualities.
He is well respected by many in the game.
What has surprised me is some of the vitriol I have read on this messageboard about him. Clearly not good enough for the vast majority of posters on here who have completely dismissed him as an option whilst some others have resorted to personal insults. Having known and worked with Sunderland supporters for many years, I'll be honest, I thought you were better than that.
Having had the likes of Simon Grayson, Chris Coleman, Phil Parkinson et al managing your club in recent times, someone like Mowbray should be given more consideration instead of being ridiculed.
Come to think of it the question should really be not does Sunderland need Tony Mowbray but does Tony Mowbray need Sunderland? He completed his full 5-years contract at his last club - Blackburn (not many managers do that these days - indeed Sunderland had 7 permanent managers during that time). He achieved promotion from League One in the process and in his last season had a young team challenging for promotion to the Premier League.
I suspect his reservations will be thinking that Sunderland is a club that in the last twenty years have had nearly as many permanent managers and in addition several owners including the current ones who are small-time, inexperienced, inflexible, don't value their manager and haven't invested much money. At least that is as it appears to an outsider.
Believe me Tony Mowbray would be a quality appointment for Sunderland (although it pains me to say that). It would be steady progress to achieve the clubs goals ... probably not quick enough for the twitterati and most posters on here but surely solid foundations, continuity and sustainability are key ingredients Sunderland have been lacking for years.
Tony Mowbray is your man.
Tony took over Rovers after we’d been left in a relegation battle by Coyle. From memory he had circa 14 games to save us and failed - we where relegated from the Championship. Although our squad was totally ruined by Coyle, so that was forgivable.
He then managed to get us promoted from League One and made some decent signings - although who wouldn’t, he had the biggest budget in League One history and finished second. We would have won the league, but Tony gave up when automatic promotion was confirmed and started playing the second team, a decision which some fans struggled to forgive him for. Mowbray said “a club like Blackburn won’t remember whether we won or came second in League One” which isn’t true and made a mockery of the fans paying to watch. But in the most part, so far so good.
The following seasons in the Championship where some of the most frustrating I’ve ever overseen.
There was a constant change in formations and styles, some extremely odd decisions on the squad and an entirely predictable year-on-year meltdown after Christmas, the now infamous ‘Mowbray Death Spiral’ and towards the end a very sour personality. I’ve commented on each below:
1) Formations - we’ve played them all. Often to this day many fans and local journalists could not quite pin down who was playing where. We often didn’t have a back up plan and played the same formation to death - including last season where we played 5-3-2 even after 7 (would have to check my notes, this become regular) consecutive losses.
2) Styles - every year saw many key positions filled with short term signings either on one year deals or loans eg Lewis Holtby or Harvey Elliott. That meant that every season the ‘style’ was incredibly different. Last season we played counter attacking football often having under 40% possession, the season prior we where a possession based team often having more than 70%. Mowbray has very good relationships with the top clubs for loans (Tosin, Harwood Bellis, Elliott etc), but that means there’s no real long term plan past the current season. The approach of loaning the best talent was half exciting and half predictably frustrating - we saw some great players, but never had any success ourselves from the loans and it hampered our own academy players. Our new manager Jon Dahl Tommasson specified this as a problem and stopped it immediately this season, playing our own youth and not letting loans have such a big say.
3) Odd decisions… including but not limited to:
Bradley Johnson (defensive midfielder) playing false nine
Sam Gallagher (target man striker) playing as a winger
Ryan Giles (left wing back) right forward
Zeefuik (right back) left winger.
When we did work out the formation for the season, the next guessing game was where was playing where. Tony has his favourites and finds ways to keep them in the team, often in my opinion at the detriment of the team. We’ve had odd decisions, frustrating decisions and some that just leave you scratching your head. To this day I still can’t compute what he was thinking on occasion, when the crowd are all thinking the same thing and the manager is seeing something different it led to negativity from the stands which is ultimately why we didn’t offer him a new contract and let him go. Attendances dropped hugely under Tony with many fans getting sick of negative tactics and obscure first elevens being picked.
4) The meltdowns. Every single year, without fail, we would fall off after Christmas. Nobody could work it out but it was entirely predictable. Mid January to mid March we wouldn’t get a result and often would go on the famed “Tony Mowbray Death Spiral” which was anything from 5 to 10 defeats in a row. No changes to the team, no changes to the formation… week on week, loss after loss. And when we where losing, the instruction from the bench was the same every time. More strikers. We often finished games with 4, 5 and even 6 attackers on the pitch trying to chase down a draw. Coventry and Celtic fans told us all about it, so it’s only fair I do the same now.
5) The end of Tony’s time at Rovers. After being second in January and offered funds (which he rejected) to strengthen the squad, we finish eighth last year. Brereton-Diaz got injured and the goals dried up. We didn’t need another Striker in January, Tony said, because they would take a few months to adapt to how we played anyway. Ultimately, this cost him his job. Another death spiral meant that the fans turned, resulting in some very sour press conferences. “I don’t know what the fans expect”, “This isn’t 1995 anymore”, “I won’t burden this team, if they want me to go I will”, it essentially became manager against fans. Sadly.
So, the conclusion. Tony’s a good man. A family man, that’s proud of the North East (especially Boro, you’d think he played for Madrid when he references them) that understood that working town ethos of Blackburn. He got us up from League One at first time of asking - which is a challenge - but to be fair he had more money than anyone else and if he had been ambitious, we would have won the league. He cemented us back as a Championship club and built on that every season, although we had huge changes every year due to a short term mindset, but couldn’t progress us any further than mid table. As fans we saw the same mistakes happen season on season.
Tony was Rovers manager for 5 years. He won our owners trust - which is bloody hard to do - to the point where Tony had influence (allegedly) on the recruitment of the CEO and Director of Football. I’ll let you look through BRFCS.com and make your own decisions on the relationship between Tony, Steve Waggott and John Park.
If he had left after 3 years he would have been applauded away and thanked in the most part. Unfortunately he stayed too long and the cracks became cavities.
Good read mate, which you clearly went to some time and effort to put together!!
Cheers for that.
Sounds like another Steve Bruce
ERIMUS1876
Full Back
As the opening poster I have just had a quick look back at this thread that dated back to a few days before Tony Mowbray was appointed at Sunderland.
It is fair to say my post polarised opinions, reading a selection of the many replies over the next 3 days!
For those that were sceptical, dismissive and in some cases even abusive ... what are your thoughts now, exactly 5 months on?
It is fair to say my post polarised opinions, reading a selection of the many replies over the next 3 days!
For those that were sceptical, dismissive and in some cases even abusive ... what are your thoughts now, exactly 5 months on?
rey mysterio
Striker
Decent …
chuckyroll
Striker
Shocked at how well we play is an understatement. Wouldn't have been my choice but I actually enjoy the football.
Brian Griffin
Striker
It’s as if he’s at the end of his career really and has decided to just say ‘fuck it, attack lads - just defend if you have to like your life depends on it’.
Fair play to him.
Fair play to him.
Alfa
Striker
He’s done a fantastic job. The bloke has had more injuries to deal with in his first few months than most experience in a season or two including a three months spell with no forwards at all.
To have us playing the most entertaining style of football we’ve seen in years, be within touching distance of the playoffs, all with a team that are so young they need a note off their Mam to play night games, is frankly astonishing.
He’s been a revelation.
blf
Striker
hank williams
Striker
He's had more injuries to deal with than a casualty ward
