TONY MOWBRAY has been announced as Birmingham’s new manager, just a month after he was sacked by Sunderland.

Mowbray replaces Wayne Rooney at St Andrew's and has penned a two-and-a-half year deal at St Andrew's.

He becomes Blues’ third manager of the season after John Eustace and Rooney.

Mowbray said: “I am excited to be joining Birmingham at this time. I can’t wait to get back on the training pitch and start working with this talented group of players.

“My focus is on building their confidence, delivering results, and giving Blues’ fans a team they can be excited by and proud of.

“I know from personal experience how passionate Bluenoses are, home and away, and I’m looking forward to having their full support for the team starting on Saturday at home to Swansea.

“Tom Wagner (chairman) and Garry Cook (chief executive) have outlined the ambition for the club. I can’t wait to get started and play my role in helping to make it a reality."

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Mowbray was sacked as Sunderland boss in December, after 15 months in charge, despite guiding them to the play-offs last season. He'll come up against the Black Cats at St Andrew's on Saturday, February 17. Before then, Birmingham are due to play Middlesbrough on Saturday, January 27 - but that could be rescheduled. Blues have an FA Cup third round replay against Hull City and if they win, the fourth round tie will take place that weekend

Former England captain Rooney was axed by Birmingham after just 83 days in charge, having replaced Eustace in October.

He managed just two wins in 15 games as Birmingham slipped from sixth in the Championship to 20th.

Explaining the Mowbray appointment, Birmingham City co-owner and Chairman of the Board Tom Wagner, said: “Tony was the standout candidate in our search for a new manager. His knowledge of and passion for the game shone through.

"He shares our ambition and will bring stability at an important time for our great club. We received extremely positive feedback from everyone we spoke to about Tony. I am looking forward to seeing him working with the team and he will get the support needed to bring success to the club.”

Birmingham's CEO Garry Cook added: “We are delighted to welcome Tony Mowbray to Birmingham City. Tony is a widely respected figure in the game and brings a wealth of Championship experience. He knows what it takes to be successful at this level.

"Tony has rightfully earned a reputation as a manager who delivers results, likes to play attractive football, and gives young players a chance. He is the right leader at the right time for our club and I know that our supporters will be right behind him and the team.”