Key Player statement following Sunderland’s dismissal of “good man” Tony Mowbray

Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick was asked about Sunderland’s decision to part company with Tony Mowbray

 

While expressing his gratitude to Tony Mowbray, Michael Carrick said that he was disappointed to learn of the Middlesbrough legend’s dismissal from Sunderland this week.

Despite Sunderland making the playoffs the previous season and being three points short of the top six this one, Boro icon Mogga was fired on Monday night after less than a year in the Stadium of Light.

Wearsiders, who have grown to like the former Boro manager and captain, have reacted to the news with uncertainty and dismay despite his ties to Teesside. Carrick, the manager of Boro, sympathised with a colleague manager who was losing their job, even if it was understandable that he refrained from condemning Sunderland club authorities.

Carrick said: “In the position I’m in, it’s never nice to see a fellow manager or head coach lose their job for whatever reason. I know Tony and I’ve spoken to him over a period of time from being here. We’ve played against him a few times and he’s a good man.

“It’s unfortunate. It’s part of the business now and the sport but it’s never nice. I don’t know what’s going on there, and it’s not for me to comment, but I wish Tony all the best in whatever is next for him.”

underland’s search for a new manager continues, with coach Mike Dodds looking likely to take charge of Saturday’s home clash against West Brom. There have been suggestions that the Sunderland hierarchy’s desire to move in a different direction was behind their surprising decision, with names currently being linked to the vacant post largely young coaches from the continent.

The BBC chose to show Boro’s match against Aston Villa at the Riverside at 5.30pm on Saturday, January 6 as one of their live games from the third-round draw; likewise, Sunderland’s match against Newcastle United has been selected; it will take place on the same day at 12.45pm. In the meantime, both Boro and Sunderland have rescheduled their FA Cup third-round matches for broadcast purposes.