Outpouring of love proves Tony Mowbray is exactly what he preaches - Birmingham City will miss him

In a jovial conversation at Birmingham City’s training ground last week, Tony Mowbray explained how he has so many bags of Revels that he is starting to dish them out to staff members.

When Sunderland fans got wind of Mowbray’s love for Revels, youngsters would wait at the entrance to the Stadium of Light with a bag of chocolate for him. Mowbray reluctantly accepted their gifts and the tradition has continued into his Blues tenure.

A fan in the Gil Merrick stand launched a bag in his direction following Saturday’s 2-1 comeback win over Sunderland. Revels have been posted to the training ground for Mowbray in such volume that he is running out of drawer space.

It shows the significant impact that the manager and the man, more importantly, has had in his short time in the Second City. Blues have improved tenfold on the field to pull clear of the bottom three with 10 points from Mowbray’s six league games.

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Many managers would have been beating their chest in front of the Tilton after back-to-back wins against two of their former clubs. Instead, Mowbray applauded the fans before making his way backstage, allowing his players to lap up the plaudits.

Mowbray often talks about wanting to work with good human beings. Everything he has said and done in his six weeks as Birmingham City manager suggests he is exactly what he preaches and falls into that category.

His presence on the touchline and his infectious personality around the building will be missed while he takes time away from the club to receive treatment following a medical diagnosis. Mowbray will no doubt be on the phone to assistant Mark Venus, who will stand in during his absence, at every available opportunity.

Health is more important than football or any three points and everyone wishes Mowbray the best with his treatment and recovery. For the last six weeks, it has felt like Blues have finally stumbled upon the right manager, hopefully we see him back in his natural habitat on the touchline very soon.