Tony Mowbray has returned to West Brom as head coach, nearly 16 years after his initial departure. The 61-year-old has agreed to a two-and-a-half-year contract with the club. Mowbray first left in 2009 to manage Celtic. His last role was with Birmingham City, which he left in February 2024 due to health issues. Now cleared, he succeeds Carlos Corberan, who moved to Valencia.West Brom had been close to hiring Raphael Wicky recently. However, the deal fell through because Wicky couldn't bring his preferred backroom staff. Mowbray's return marks his second tenure at the club, where he previously managed 140 matches from 2006 to 2009. During that period, he achieved a win rate of 40.71%, securing victory in 57 games and leading the team to the Championship title in the 2007-08 season.

Mowbray expressed his deep connection with West Brom upon his return. "This is a club I've got great affection for," he shared with West Brom's media channels. He described it as a family-oriented football club and noted how special it felt whenever he returned with other teams. His enthusiasm for rejoining and aiding the team was evident.

Upcoming Matches and Team Status

Mowbray's first match will be against Middlesbrough on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Chris Brunt, one of Mowbray's initial signings in 2007, will lead the interim team against Stoke City on Saturday. Currently, West Brom holds seventh place in the Championship standings, trailing by just one point from the play-off spots.The appointment of Mowbray brings a sense of familiarity and optimism to West Brom fans and players alike. His previous success at the club adds hope for a promising future as they aim for promotion this season.