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Tony Mowbray - Boro Supporter View


ERIMUS1876 said:
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?
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I love him.
 
ERIMUS1876 said:
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?
Click to expand...
I absolutely love the bloke
 
I think Mowbray is a bog standard top two level manager. Steve Bruceish. A good pro but not exceptional.

The point is to have right mix at the right time and that looks not to far away. Good performance and result and with a bit of luck we might have a side that can compete at the top level for a while.
 
ERIMUS1876 said:
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.
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Great Post.
 
ERIMUS1876 said:
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?
Click to expand...

I'm just glad to see that I liked your post at the time and chose not to comment at all. There again, I'm well known on here for my happy clapping.

He's doing the kind of job I expected from him and far more besides.
 
ERIMUS1876 said:
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?
Click to expand...
Hi Erasmus. Fancy seeing you here.
He's doing well marra.
I was a sceptic, and stiill not sure how long term it will be, but hats off to the bloke.
Carricks doing alright anarl .
 
daventry cat said:
'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.'

biggest take away from your post for me exactly the qualities I/we should want from our manager .....always had this impression that he was a genuinely good person
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and here is the truth
 
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I didnt want him, never rated him at WBA or Boro. However I like what he says, working class crack and expects players to do what the fans expect. The football is good. I dont think he has a great deal to do with tactics etc, thats down to venus, dodds, proctor etc. he is doing well no doubt. See what happens after this season but i hope we get in playoffs. For me his biggest charm is his NE working class straight forward crack. And some say boro isnt a local derby.
 
I was fairly supportive and thought it suited the circumstances. I also thought we’d play decent stuff, Mowbray sides have always done so, sometimes to their detriment defensively in fact but I’m still honestly blown away by how good the football is. I honestly think it’s some of the best I’ve seen us play and I’m 50 years old.
hank williams said:
Like a younger version of Mccarthy & warnock knows the Championship inside out
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Get the point you’re making but they couldn’t be more different in terms of style and footballing philosophy!
 
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