The ex-Sunderland head coach had intended to return to the dugout at St Andrew’s to lead their fight for an instant return to the Championship but said his rehabilitation means he would not be able to oversee the club’s preparations for the upcoming campaign.
Mowbray has indicated his ambition to return to management in the future but says he would only do so after completely healing and spending time with his family. The former Middlesbrough and West Brom coach, though, posed for a selfie with Sunderland supporter Mal Dickenson at The Open last month.

Mowbray took in Middlesbrough’s game against Swansea City at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday and was presented to the crowd at half-time. Mowbray formerly played for and coached the Teessiders and originates from Saltburn-by-the-Sea.

Mowbray claimed he felt “really emotional” when fans sang his name, adding: “It’s been the toughest six months of my life. I’m simply a boy from Redcar who gave his all in red and white. To have so many people care so much about my life is humbling and means the world to me.”

After the magnificent gesture to have Mowbray at the Riverside Stadium, Sunderland supporters have urged on owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and decision-makers at the club to welcome Mowbray to the Stadium of Light this season.

Philip West remarked on social media: “After the impact he made at Sunderland and the way he embraced the club and the fans, how good would it be to see him invited to a game at the Stadium of Light this season? Surely something worth contemplating, @SunderlandAFC.”

Steven Cook said: “I’d love to see it, hopefully the relationship with the hierarchy isn’t destroyed to stop it happening.”

John Oliver added: “Absolutely one of us totally got the club and supporters and have not met anyone who does not like and respect him.”

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