The worrying news about Tony Mowbray that emerged on Monday quickly took the shine off what had been, all round, an excellent afternoon at St. Andrew’s on Saturday. Talk about joys and sorrows. But it was a timely reminder of what is truly important in life, and I’m sure every Blues supporter will want to join me in wishing Tony all the very best for a full and speedy recovery. Our thoughts are with him and his family at such a difficult time.

The news was particularly difficult to take because in only a short space of time the team, under Tony’s leadership, has improved significantly. Results and performances have both been lifted, and I’m sure most fervent Blues supporters have, like me, gone from feeling decidedly uncomfortable to relatively relaxed. I’m in no doubt that the transformation and overall feeling of well-being is down to Tony Mowbray.

Not only have Blues acquired a very thorough footballing manager with the knowledge to match, the club may just have found the missing piece of the jigsaw in the quest for Premiership football. Quietly but very surely, our new manager has arrived and already plotted three victories in six Championship matches. Including two against his former clubs. No easy task. He has taken a team which had been stuttering big time and straightened it out, reigniting fans aspirations for next season. We should count our blessings in my view, and hope that he is back fit and well very soon.

Moving on to our next game against Ipswich Town on Saturday and the chance for a hat trick of league wins. Why not? It is certainly possible given the improved confidence of the players after two successive wins, and despite the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the manager. Mark Venus has been at Mowbray’s side for many, many years so we should have no concerns about him leading the side at Portman

Listening to TM on his regular interviews emphasises just how simple his thoughts are for being the better player on the pitch. What has particularly intrigued me are his comments to the players about being the best individuals, pre-professional, whilst at school and county level. Something that resulted in them being destined for a career in football. A simple philosophy reminding them that they were most likely the best in their class, and therefore no reason why that shouldn’t continue against opponents on match days in this demanding Championship.

As a supporter it is very uplifting for me to hear these interviews and the thoughts of our new manager. They make me realise just how fortunate our players are to be under his leadership.

Next season is the real test at our club, with the promise of funding to match sensible strides towards the ultimate goal of a place in the top league. Tom Wagner and co. look to have rectified a previous hiccup with the astute signing of Tony Mowbray, resurrecting fans hope and belief that success is not far away. Perhaps closer than we realise

Mitchell Bray