Ipswich Town legend and current Birmingham City boss Tony Mowbray will step away from the sidelines for medical treatment, it has emerged today.

Mowbray, part of the famous Town team who won promotion to the Premier League at Wembley back in 2000, will be absent from the touchlines for six to eight weeks.

SIGN-UP! Get five months of ALL our Town content for just £5 - or 30% off a whole year!

That means he'll miss bringing Birmingham to Portman Road to face his former club this Saturday afternoon (3pm), with fellow former Town player Mark Venus - his assistant boss - taking charge instead. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Tony Mowbray will miss six to eight weeks for treatmentTony Mowbray will miss six to eight weeks for treatment (Image: PA Images)
In a statement put out by the club, Mowbray said: "Following my recent LMA Health Assessment I have received a medical diagnosis that will require me to receive treatment.

"Undergoing treatment will necessitate that I temporarily step away from the technical area as manager of Birmingham City Football Club. 

"Until I return, my assistant manager, Mark Venus, will take temporary charge of the team, supported by coaches Ashley Cole, Pete Shuttleworth and Maik Taylor. I will continue to provide advice and counsel while undergoing treatment. 

“The club has been incredibly supportive of me and my family and we are very grateful. I know that everyone will be respectful of our privacy at this time.” 

East Anglian Daily Times: Former Town player Mark Venus will fill in for Mowbray while he has treatmentFormer Town player Mark Venus will fill in for Mowbray while he has treatment (Image: PA Images)
Birmingham CEO Garry Cook added: "Our thoughts are with Tony, his wife Amber, and family.

"We wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming Tony back to the club to continue the excellent work that he has started.

"In the meantime, Mark Venus, Ashley Cole, Pete Shuttleworth and Maik Taylor, will be given all the support they need to lead the club forward."