Latest news with #TonyMowbray
The 42
8 hours ago
- Sport
- The 42
4 years ago, he was in the Team of the Year. Now, he's without a club
IN ELITE football, luck as well as talent is key to the success of any player. Being in the right place at the right time can be fundamental to a footballer's progress. In the Premier League last season, two Irish internationals — Jake O'Brien and Matt Doherty — were out of favour at their clubs. In the two cases, a change of manager midway through the campaign changed the fortunes of both individuals, and they became first-team regulars at Everton and Wolves, respectively. A few years ago, James Brown was considered a player of significant potential and might even have had a chance at Premier League football were it not for an unfortunate twist of fate. After starting at Shelbourne, the right-back's career fully took off with Drogheda. In 2020, he helped the club win the First Division title. The following year, he enjoyed another stellar season, earning a place in the PFAI Premier Division Team of the Year, winning Drogheda's Supporters' Player of the Year and being made captain of the club. The youngster's form caught the attention of clubs across the water. In late 2021, he had trials at Blackburn and Bristol Rovers. Brown joined the Ewood Park outfit and made a significant impact. The then-23-year-old initially signed a short-term deal and became a regular for Rovers' reserve team. 'I know a lot of lads that wouldn't take a six-month contract, and I just said: 'Why not?'' he tells The 42. Brown impressed in this new environment to the extent that he was soon rewarded with a two-year extension. Under Tony Mowbray, the club were chasing promotion to the Premier League, and Brown made the first-team bench a couple of times before getting his debut in Blackburn's May 2022 clash with Birmingham, completing the full 90 minutes. The Dubliner looked set for an extended run in the first team. '[Mowbray] told me that I'd be more in the plan next year, because I signed for him in January, and then towards the end, he was very good to me. He constantly had chats with me, saying he was happy with what I'm doing.' Advertisement Unfortunately for Brown, just four days after his debut, Blackburn announced that Mowbray would be leaving as manager after over five years in charge. The club had looked set to secure a place in the Championship play-offs at the very least, but a dire run of one win in nine matches around the pivotal March-April period meant they finished six points adrift in eighth. This decline in form had serious ramifications for Brown as well as the club. 'I think if Tony Mowbray didn't leave, I probably would have got a lot more games the following year,' he says. Jon Dahl Tomasson, the ex-Newcastle and AC Milan striker, took over the reins. The Danish coach had 'different ideas,' and they did not involve Brown. 'That's football,' as the defender pragmatically puts it. Brown knew he needed regular first-team game time and spent the 2022-23 campaign on loan, making 16 appearances in League Two with Stockport County and 17 in the same division for Doncaster Rovers. Stockport narrowly missed out on promotion, finishing fourth and losing the play-off final on penalties. 'They had 22 really good players, which was frustrating at times,' he recalls. 'Because we'd win games and the manager would rotate, and I was on loan, so I wanted to try to play every game, or as many games as possible.' Doncaster were battling down the other end of the table, ultimately finishing 18th, but the fact that they had a 'lighter' squad proved attractive to Brown. 'They didn't finish as well as Stockport did in the league, but I got games in, which is all I wanted that season.' He continues: 'When I went to Stockport, it was hard picking back up fitness-wise. And then I was starting to get rotated, which, in all honesty, I didn't know how to handle. 'When I was in Ireland, I was playing every week, and things were rosy. When I was at Blackburn, I wasn't expecting to play, whereas when I went to Stockport, I was expecting to play.' James Brown of Ross County slide tackles Kyogo Furuhashi of Celtic. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Despite having a year left on his contract, Brown decided to leave Blackburn with no apparent pathway to the first team there. In the summer of 2023, he joined Scottish Premiership side Ross County. In two seasons, the full-back made 58 top-flight appearances, gaining substantial exposure, often playing in front of TV cameras against teams of the calibre of Celtic and Rangers. However, Brown says he was not surprised when the club opted against renewing his contract at the end of last season. Ross County suffered the agony of relegation, losing to Livingston in a play-off after finishing the league season four points off safety in 11th. This outcome resulted in considerable budget cuts, with the Irishman one of the players let go. 'There's been dips in [my] form 100% and then I've had some positive games [since moving to Britain]. '[At Ross County] it's difficult when you're up against it every week. So there are games where you wouldn't push [forward] as much as you would in other games 'It's a harder level over here [compared with Ireland], of course, and demands are higher, and you're playing against better opposition. So it's more difficult, but it's a lot easier to impress in a better team than it is in the team down at the bottom of the league.' During the summer, the PFA (Professional Footballers' Association) runs a 10-week pre-season camp for unsigned players in Britain, and Brown is one of a constantly changing group of around 40 who are part of this setup. The full-back has been in talks with several clubs and had offers, but is still waiting for the 'right' opportunity. 'I don't want to rush into a move that I'm not happy with,' he explains. 'But at the same time, you see the fixtures going on each week, and you'd like to be involved. '[If I'm still a free agent] later on in the window, I'll probably get a small bit more agitated.' Elaborating on why he declined certain offers, he adds, 'It's probably a bit of everything. One, probably the location, and another was the level. And then you have some clubs financially not meeting what you're expecting.' St Patrick's Athletic were one of the clubs rumoured to be interested in Brown, and the defender says he did have offers to return to Ireland. 'I just said the same thing I'm going to say to you — I want to try to stay in the UK. 'The standard is great at home, and it's only getting bigger and bigger, but my priority is to stay in the UK for a few more years, or anywhere [abroad] really.' At 27, Brown is experienced enough to know that he can recover from this predicament, as he has the maturity to cope with setbacks. 'I think everyone gets to a stage where you want success straight away, [but] you're going to have knocks and bumps, where you just have to be patient. I've lost my head a few times when I probably shouldn't have, in my head, not at other people, but being patient and just chipping away, keep working hard [is key]. 'Everyone's human. Confidence is a massive part of it. 'It's a huge amount of luck involved.'
Yahoo
10-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'The best day ever' - Boro legend Mogga surprises long-time fan with a home visit
A long-time Boro supporter had a wish come true when he was reunited with his footballing hero, Tony Mowbray, who visited him at his home. Eric Hughes, a devoted fan of the club for over five decades, was lost for words when Mowbray knocked on his door. The two shared stories, laughter, and memories spanning generations of football history. The emotional meeting was arranged by radio host Paul 'Goffy' Gough, who has been in contact with Eric via his radio shows over the years. Mowbray, a legendary figure in the history of Middlesbrough FC, is not only revered for his time as a commanding centre-half during the 1980s and '90s but also respected for his leadership as the club's manager from 2010 to 2013. Affectionately known as "Mogga" among fans, his deep connection to the club – both as a player and as a manager – has cemented his place as one of Teesside's most admired football figures and a huge ambassador for the club. "It was an absolute honour to meet Tony again," said Eric, whose eyes lit up as he recalled Mowbray's huge authority on the pitch and his dignified leadership around the club. "He's always carried himself with such class, and he's one of us – someone who really understands what this club means to the Boro people. "I only wish he was part of the club now, as we all love him." During the surprise afternoon meeting, Eric took the opportunity to thank Mowbray for making him feel special after Boro had clinched promotion out of Division Three in 1987 – the season when the gates at Ayresome Park had been locked and the club appeared to be on the brink of extinction. Eric had built strong relationships with decades of the club's players by watching them train daily at the old training ground at Hutton Road, and then jumping in the car with various players to head back to the ground. He said: "The players had a special celebration after winning promotion through the play-offs against Chelsea. "When they arrived home, there were thousands of fans there to greet them at the ground. "They had arranged a celebration together at Ayresome Park – and as soon as Tony spotted me, he took me in to celebrate with them all. "I'll never forget that day - the best day ever. "Bruce Rioch, the team and Tony made me feel super special. "We recalled that afternoon and he said it was only right, as I was part of their squad – and that was just magic to hear from him." Mogga was equally moved by the occasion, saying: "It's always special to meet supporters like Eric who have stood by the club through thick and thin. "These are the people who make football truly meaningful. "I'm humbled to have played a part in his life journey. "He was always there at training and at the matches, and when he wasn't around, we missed him. "Long-time fans will remember Eric for his huge radio that he would carry around with him. "Long before mobile phones and rolling sports news, Eric was the man in the know – telling fans the latest team news and scores that had some kind of effect on us." "I just totally get what the Boro means to Eric and the fans – because I am one of them. "I asked Goffy to arrange a visit with Eric, and it was wonderful to reminisce for those few special hours with him." Radio host Goffy said: "We recorded some of the moments of Eric chatting to Tony, and he has watched them over and over again. READ MORE: Luxury housing scheme in North East takes shape with backing of major fund Anger as council propose speed limit increase on 'dangerous' County Durham road Beloved Darlington butchers hits the market after decades of serving the town "The encounter highlights the enduring legacy of club legends like Tony, and the deep emotional ties that exist between players like him and the club's passionate supporters. "In a world where football can often feel commercial and distant, moments like this – instigated by Tony Mowbray – serve as powerful reminders of its roots in community, identity, and loyalty. "To say that Eric was overjoyed would be a huge understatement – it visibly touched him, and it was clear that it did exactly the same to Mogga. "The man hugs they shared will always remain very memorable to me."
BBC News
09-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Bany keen to show Baggies best form after injury
West Bromwich Albion attacking midfielder Tammer Bany says he wants the fans to see what he is really capable of this season after a injury-hit start to his time at The 21-year was signed by then head coach Tony Mowbray in the winter transfer window for £3.3m from Danish Superliga side Randers FC but was restricted to only four substitute appearances because of hamstring fit again, Bany is preparing for his first pre-season with the Baggies, under new head coach Ryan Mason."I'm back trying to be as ready as I can be and to look as good as possible," he told BBC Radio WM at the club's training camp in first arrived at Albion during his old club's winter break, meaning he had not played competitively in nearly three said that was one factor that made getting up to speed with his new team-mates tough."Coming from a break to the Championship was a little bit difficult," Bany said."I got a little overloaded but I was ready for the last two games [of the season] but the staff said 'we want you to be ready for the start of next season' - so that's how it was."I think I managed it OK but I had a small injury and they wanted to be more safe and not play me and me not be ready for the new season." Bany said his enforced absence from the team did allow him to settle into life in England and learn about the demands of the Championship while watching from the sidelines."I got used to everything outside football and also on the pitch - the tempo, everything and, now I've been here since February, it was very important for me to get used to everything."I'm looking forward to showing the best of myself and hopefully the fans will see that I'm not just someone who likes to enjoy playing with the ball, but also without it, I will help the team."With the Baggies taking a new direction under Mason, Bany says the former Tottenham and England midfielder is already making a big impression on the players."He's been very good. He makes it easier to play because he gives us clear instructions and we have some structure to follow," he added."I feel he likes to play the way I play and he's very clear on what he wants you to do but he also wants you to play free."Follow the Albion in Austria diary of BBC WM's Steve Hermon by clicking here.
BBC News
03-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
New Albion boss Mason club's 'top choice'
West Bromwich Albion sporting director Andrew Nestor says Ryan Mason was the club's first choice to be their new head coach after the sacking of Tony was relieved of his duties in April following Albion's home loss to Derby County with the club appointing former player James Morrison as interim boss for the final two games of the a disappointing run of five defeats from their final eight matches, Albion finished the season ninth in the Championship, four points off the play-off have now turned to rookie boss Mason, 34, embarking on his first permanent head coach role after two brief spells as caretaker at Tottenham in 2021 and 2023."We had other candidates but as we got to engage with Ryan and have discussions he became our top choice," Nestor told BBC Radio WM."It was a smooth process once we had the chance to engage with him."Obviously he was very busy with a great Europa League run. Once we had permission, we had a high level discussion around the vision for the club and the vision for his career."We got more granular through that process in terms of the tactics, the day-to-day operations, alignment along the different sporting departments, as well as staff." Albion's poor form at the back end of last season, combined with a style of play which many fans had become disillusioned with, was a key reason behind Mason's appointment and a seeming change in strategy."First and foremost, there's a very clear alignment in our playing model and the kind of squad we want to keep evolving and building," Nestor added."Otherwise he [Mason] wouldn't have been a top choice - there has to be that alignment. We have a very structured process around player recruitment and scouting. Ryan's input is very important to that."For every position, we have a shadow squad - a list of players we like and if there is an outgoing, those are players that we would approach and that continues to change on a daily basis."Myself, [director of football operations] Ian Pearce, [head of technical scouting] Dan Sale and Ryan were all aligned on what the squad needs going into next season. Last season, there was a lot of turnover and frankly we needed that to address the PSR (profit and sustainability rules) deficit."But we also wanted to address the playing style, to get the team younger, start to invest into assets that will have future value but will really impact the first-team straight away and create a better squad balance."BBC Radio WM's Steve Hermon will be joining the Baggies on their pre-season trip to Austria next week and compiling a 'Daily Diary' which you will be able to read here.
Daily Mail
18-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Why Jobe Bellingham is refusing to wear family name as he follows in brother Jude's footsteps at Borussia Dortmund
Jobe Bellingham made his Borussia Dortmund debut off the bench at the Club World Cup on Tuesday night, with the 19-year-old opting to wear his first name on his shirt. Bellingham had followed in the footsteps of his older brother Jude by joining the Bundesliga giants this summer. Jude had starred for Dortmund between 2020 to 2023, before earning a stunning £113m move to Real Madrid. With Jobe earning comparisons to Jude early in his career, having both come through Birmingham City 's academy, the teenager has stressed he is seeking to forge his own path in his career. Having made his Birmingham debut with Bellingham on the back of his shirt, Jobe opted to drop his surname after moving to Sunderland in 2023. Then Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray explained Jobe had made the decision in order not to be seen as living off his brother's name and achievements. 'I think he's trying to create his own identity,' Mowbray said. 'He doesn't want to live off the back of his brother's name, he wants to be the footballer that he is and show people what he can do.' The move required approval from the EFL and was done so the younger of the two brothers could forge his own identity in the sport. Dortmund appeared to make a nod to Jobe's decision when announcing his £32m signing earlier this month. The Bundesliga club shared a video to unveil Bellingham featuring the words 'The name is Jobe'. 'I've been here before, watching games, hearing the fans chant, feeling the power of these colours, this place stuck with me,' Bellingham said in the video. 'Now I'm here again, not to watch and not follow in anyone's footsteps. 'The same city, the same stadium, but the story that's ours to write now.' After joining Dortmund earlier this month, Bellingham was included in their squad for the Club World Cup. The England under-21 international made his debut as a 59th minute substitute against Brazilian side Fluminense. Dortmund were ultimately held to a 0-0 draw in their opening match of the tournament. The German giants will face Mamelodi Sundowns and Ulsan HD in their remaining group matches at the tournament in United States. Bellingham joined following two impressive seasons at Sunderland, who he helped earn promotion back to the Premier League last month. He played 43 matches in all competitions for the Black Cats last season and was named as the Championship Young Player of the Season.
