Mark Venus has explained whether Tony Mowbray will be in the Sunderland dugout for tonight’s game.
Speaking in the pre-match press conference, the assistant coach admitted he was ‘hopeful’ that the manager would return this evening.
Tony Mowbray has been an ever-present figure on the touchline for Sunderland this season, while Mark Venus has spent much of the last 20 years alongside his former Ipswich Town teammate.
However, the 56-year-old could be forced to take charge tonight on his own after he confirmed that Mowbray was suffering from a chest infection. Venus hosted yesterday’s press conference in the gaffer’s absence, but is confident that they well reunite in the dugout against Huddersfield Town.
Speaking to the media, Venus said: “We’re hoping he’ll be able to take charge tomorrow.
“He’s got a chest infection but I think he’ll be there, we obviously need him. We know how he wants to work and what he wants so it hasn’t impacted us in terms of the build up and the preparation too much. If he’s not there it won’t be for the want of trying, but we’re hopeful.”
Tony Mowbray works brilliantly with our young squad, so it will be a huge loss if he misses out on tonight’s Championship match.
We are also likely to see a few changes made to the starting line-up, and those newcomers may well be looking to the manager for some guidance as they look to bounce back from a disappointing defeat to Plymouth.
However, Mark Venus is a very experienced coach and will be very prepared if he does have to take charge on his own. It could also mean the likes of Dan Neil and Luke O’Nien stepping up even further.
How important is Tony Mowbray to what Sunderland are trying to do?
Mowbray’s potential absence could well prove to some people how important the 60-year-old is to this team.
The side’s recent form has left some fans taking to social media to address their concern over Mowbray and whether he should be sacked.
While we are admittedly going through a rough patch, to consider letting him go is absolutely bonkers. Without Mowbray, this young squad would be far from the quality they are now. It is thanks to him that we have transformed so many inexperienced young players into stars in demand.
You can guarantee if you asked the Sunderland team whether Mowbray is the man for the job, every one of them would say he is. He is well loved and it is ridiculous to think any other man would do better.