Tony Mowbray breaks silence on Sunderland exit and issues emotional message to supporters

Tony Mowbray has thanked Sunderland's support for their 'truly special' support during his time in charge of the club.

Mowbray left the club last Monday and has this morning issued a statement via the League Manager's Association reflecting on his spell at the helm. He says that he believes the club in a positive place both on and off the pitch, and thanked fans for helping to build a bond with him that he 'genuinely appreciated'.

Mowbray also thanked Kyril Louis-Dreyfus for the opportunity to manage such a 'historic' club, and players and staff for their work during his time. The former Sunderland head coach also made clear that he has unfinished business in the game, saying he is 'energised and enthusiastic' for his next challenge.

Tony Mowbray's statement in full

"After fifteen eventful months my time at Sunderland has come to an end. I would like to thank Kyril Louis-Dreyfus for entrusting me to lead such a historic and significant Football Club.    

"I believe that I leave the Club in a positive place in terms of both league position and also with a strong and unified dressing room. 

  "To the players, thank you. You have been a pleasure to work with. You are a special group with humility being a core value within the dressing room. Thank you for embracing our methods and I hope that you enjoyed the journey.   

"I am grateful to the senior professionals who acted as role models and mentors for their young team mates and also thankful to the young players who thrived under the style of play.   

"To all of the support staff at both the training ground and the stadium, thank you for creating such a positive environment in which the players flourished. 

  "Finally, I would like to thank the most important people at any football club, the supporters. I will forever be grateful for the amazing support that you gave to the team but also to me personally. As a native Teessider, the warmth that I received from Wearside was truly special. It is a bond that I genuinely appreciate.   

"The atmosphere that you created at the Stadium of Light was inspirational and to those of you who travelled in your many thousands supporting the team around the country your support was phenomenal.  I leave energised and enthusiastic for my next challenge. 

"Thank you for the memories."