Rowett returns to Birmingham due to Mowbray's medical leave

Find the biggest stories from across the soccer world by visiting our Top Soccer News section and subscribing to push notifications.

Former Birmingham manager Gary Rowett has returned to the club as interim manager after Tony Mowbray was granted extended medical leave.

Mowbray succeeded Wayne Rooney at St Andrews in January, but a month later he temporarily stepped down to undergo medical treatment, with a view to returning in six to eight weeks.

However, Mowbray will now be absent until the start of pre-season, paving the way for Rowett to return to the club where he had a two-year spell in charge between 2014 and 2016.

The Blues sit outside the Championship relegation zone only on goal difference with eight games remaining.

"Based on Tony's decision to take some additional time away, we agreed it is in the club's best interests to appoint Gary Rowett to lead the team forward from the touchline for the final eight games of the season," said Birmingham's co-owner and chairman Tom Wagner.

"Gary is an experienced leader and has our full support."

Rowett, who has also previously coached Derby, Stoke and Millwall will take charge for the first time against fellow strugglers QPR on March 29.