Former Celtic boss 'in talks' for vacant Birmingham City job following Man Utd legend's sacking

Former Celtic player and manager Tony Mowbray was relieved of his duties at Sunderland back in December. One month on, however, he could be set to make his return to the manager's hotseat. He is the overwhelming favourite to assume the vacant role at Birmingham City, following the sacking of Wayne Rooney, according to Mail Online.

Mowbray featured for Celtic as both a player and a manager over the course of his footballing career. He played for the Celts between the years of 1991 and 1995, whilst his management stint at Celtic Park came during the 2009/10 season. He lasted just nine months in the role before being sacked in March of 2010 - he'll be hoping for greater success should he given the head coach job at Birmingham.

Who else is in the running for vacant Birmingham City manager job?

While Mowbray appears to be the favourite for the Blues job, he isn't the only high-profile name who has been linked with the vacant post. Former Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch is also thought to be in the mix - as Birmingham's ownership is largely based in the USA, appointing an American manager seems to make a modicum of sense - despite Marsch's limited success in English football.

Steve Cooper, who was recently removed from his position at Nottingham Forest, has also been linked with a move to St. Andrews. He certainly has a strong pedigree in the Championship, after he guided the Trees to victory in the playoffs in the 2021/2022 season, but it is unclear if he is ready to jump back into management so soon after losing his job.

As well as this, managers such as Gary Rowett, Paul Heckingbottom and former Chelsea boss Graham Potter are also believed to be in the running - meaning Mowbray will face stiff competition for the vacant post.