Birmingham City have appointed Gary Rowett as interim manager for the remaining eight games of the season as current boss Tony Mowbray takes medical leave, the Championship club said on Tuesday.

Mowbray temporarily stepped away from the job in February to receive treatment for an unnamed illness and will take a formal medical leave of absence until the start of the 2024-25 pre-season, Birmingham said.

"The decision was taken (...) in conjunction with Mowbray who played a role in the identification of Rowett as the right manager to take the team forward till the end of the season," the statement read.

"The medical leave of absence will allow Mowbray to focus 100% on being with his family and making a full recovery following his recent health challenges."

Assistant manager Mark Venus will also take a leave of absence with immediate effect and rejoin the club at the same time as Mowbray, Birmingham added.

"The team is in a challenging position. A strong leader is needed to guide the players through to the end of the season ... Gary Rowett was the number one choice," said Birmingham CEO Garry Cook.

Birmingham, who are 21st in the standings with 39 points from 38 games, are winless in their last six league fixtures, having lost five of them.

They next visit Queens Park Rangers, who are 20th in the table, on March 29. REUTERS