Tony Mowbray has stepped down as Birmingham City manager following a ‘significant and unexpected surgery’.
The 60-year-old joined the Blues in January following Wayne Rooney’s miserable run as manager.
However, he only coached the side for eight matches, as he took a formal medical leave of absence in March after undergoing surgery for an unknown issue.
In his absence, Birmingham were relegated to League One by just one point, despite their final day victory over Norwich City.
The club and Mowbray in statements have confirmed that he has stepped down as manager with immediate effect.
Tony Mowbray has stepped down from his role as manager of relegated Birmingham City
Mowbray said: ‘As people will be aware, I am currently undertaking a period of extended convalescence following significant and unexpected surgery earlier in the year which required that I take a period of medical absence.
‘Throughout this period, I have watched every Birmingham City game along with every training session, whilst I have remained in positive and constructive dialogue with Tom Wagner, Garry Cook and Craig Gardner.
‘Over the very recent days, it has become apparent to me that I will not be fully fit to resume my duties as Manager of Birmingham City in the timescale that would allow the Club to best prepare for the forthcoming season and therefore, I have regrettably decided to step away from my role at this time.
‘Once I have fully recovered, it is important to me that I then spend some quality time with my wife and my boys before I fully commit to work.
The Blues looked to be on a good path with Mowbray, who claimed victory in four of his eight matches at the helm and also secured progression in the FA Cup.
Gary Rowett stepped in as interim manager for the final eight games of the season, and took victories over Preston, Coventry and Norwich.
However, draws against also-relegated sides Huddersfield and Rotherham proved costly, with Plymouth finishing one point clear after they also won on the final day of the campaign.
Birmingham’s chief executive officer, Gary Cook said: ‘We have been looking forward to Tony returning to the Club and to continue the great work that he started earlier this year. Unfortunately, it is not to be.
‘Preparation for the new season has already begun and Tony told us that, based on his treatment and recovery programme, he would not be able to do the job that is required before the new season begins.
‘I would personally like to commend Tony for informing us of his decision so soon after the end of the season. It provides us the opportunity to undertake a rigorous search process to identify the right leader to take our club forward and have that person in place before the start of pre-season.
‘On behalf of everyone at the Club, and our supporters, I would like to thank Tony for the excellent job that he did for Blues. We wish Tony a full and speedy recovery.’