Tony Mowbray ‘keen to reunite’ with former Sunderland coach as Blackburn return confirmed | OneFootball

Tony Mowbray has returned to Blackburn Rovers for a second spell as head coach, and a former Sunderland colleague has been linked with a place on his backroom staff.

According to Sunderland Echo, Mowbray is keen to reunite with Mike Dodds, currently Oxford United’s assistant, who is under consideration for a role at Ewood Park.

Mowbray, 62, previously led Rovers for five years from February 2017 before moving to Sunderland after Alex Neil departed for Stoke City in August 2022. He steered the Black Cats into the Championship play-offs, losing to Luton Town in the semi-finals.

He left Sunderland in early December 2023 and later had spells in charge of Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion. Blackburn confirmed his return on Friday, ending an absence of just over a year.

Mowbray said the comeback felt like unfinished business, with promotion to the Premier League the target. He added that he is full of energy after a restless spell away and wants to make supporters proud.

Dodds has previously spoken with admiration for Mowbray, highlighting his standards, integrity and the foundations he left at Sunderland after 15 months in charge.

Source: Sunderland Echo