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

Tony Mowbray has returned to Blackburn Rovers for a second spell as head coach, and a reunion with a former Sunderland colleague could follow.

According to Sunderland Echo, ex-Black Cats coach and interim boss Mike Dodds is under consideration for a role at Ewood Park, and Mowbray is said to be keen to work with him again. Dodds is currently assistant manager at Oxford United.

Mowbray previously led Rovers for five years after arriving in February 2017, then took charge at Sunderland in August 2022 following Alex Neil’s switch to Stoke City. He guided the Black Cats to the Championship play-offs, where Luton Town ended their run in the semi-finals.

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

Speaking to the club website, Mowbray said it felt like coming back to finish the job, adding that every Championship side aims for the Premier League. He stressed he has the energy for the role and is eager to meet a squad he hopes are equally driven.

Dodds has previously expressed strong admiration for Mowbray, praising his standards, integrity and the foundations he believes were laid at Sunderland in 15 months.

Source: Sunderland Echo