Pundit backs 63-year-old for Birmingham City job if Tony Mowbray does not return | OneFootball

Birmingham City are still somewhat left in the dark as to who will take charge at the beginning of next season.

After enduring a chaotic season which included six permanent or interim managers or head coaches, Blues were eventually relegated to League One for the first time in 29 years, despite a final day victory over Norwich City at St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park.

Many would also argue that the club potentially needed to use relegation as a chance to rebuild and regroup, despite the ambitious plans American owner Tom Wagner has put in place since his takeover last July.

Therefore, supporters will be hoping that clarity on the managerial position is given sooner rather than later, with pre-season coming up. And one man with previous connections to the club has expressed a potential interest.

Carlton Palmer issues mixed feelings on Steve Bruce reports amid Tony Mowbray situation

That's because, according to Football Insider, sources have informed the publication that former Blues boss Steve Bruce would be keen on making a return to B9, if the role comes available once again.

Of course, this is dependent on Tony Mowbray's situation, with the former Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland boss still recovering, having been on medical leave since February, just weeks after he initially replaced Wayne Rooney in the Second City.

FLW have spoken to former England midfielder Carlton Palmer, with the pundit giving mixed feelings on the potential situation.

"Birmingham City are considering what to do next season after being relegated from the Championship into League One," he began. "They've made it clear that Gary Rowett will not be kept on beyond the end of the season.

"They're waiting to find out about the news regarding whether Tony Mowbray is likely to return or not, the reports coming out are that he may not return to manage Birmingham having been away on medical grounds, so he may not be coming back in the short term.

"Birmingham City might have to appoint a new manager, and one of the people who've thrown their name in the hat has been Steve Bruce.

"He's keen on a return to management, he's still keen on getting back into work. I'm a big fan of Steve Bruce, I think he's a fantastic bloke first and foremost, and I think he's a very, very good manager, that is for sure.

"If Tony Mowbray is not fit to return to work - which I'm really sad to hear about, as I think he did a fantastic job at Sunderland and was treated harshly, and for this ill health to strike, hopefully he returns to football one day - in the short term, if Birmingham are to move forward, I think re-appointing Steve Bruce would be a good appointment."

The latest reports on Tony Mowbray's potential return to the dugout

The latest report regarding Mowbray's situation came from Alan Nixon via his Patreon account last weekend.

Nixon states that the 60-year-old is awaiting advice from medical experts as to whether he can make a swift return to the dugout following his absence, having said to be in the final phase of his recovery.

The report states that both he and Birmingham City are holding on at present, awaiting a potential start date in this regard.

Steve Bruce would be a good Tony Mowbray replacement

Whilst nobody would like to see a scenario where Mowbray is unable to make a quick return to management, Bruce would be an ideal replacement given his similar traits of man-management and being able to galvanise a squad to earn promotion.

And although he has since managed bitter rivals Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion, Bruce already has a pre-established connection with the Birmingham supporters, having made 73 appearances for the club as a player, as well as being the first manager to take the club into the Premier League back in 2002, as well as doing so again in 2007 in between some respectable seasons in the top flight.

It remains to be seen whether this development comes to fruition, but Blues must get their house in order as soon as possible to provide the foundations for a successful League One campaign.