Mowbray honoured with top North East award

A highly respected North East football figure is set to be recognised for his impact on the game and the wider community at one of the region’s most prestigious and longest-running sporting awards.

Tony Mowbray has been named North East Personality of the Year by the North East Football Writers’ Association. 

The award, presented in association with The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, recognises individuals who use their position in football to make a positive impact beyond the pitch, with last year’s honour going to Newcastle United defender Dan Burn.

Originally from Saltburn-on-Sea, Tony has strong ties to both Middlesbrough and Sunderland, having played for and managed Boro before later managing Sunderland, and is widely regarded as a figure who transcends club rivalries.

A former Ipswich captain, he has also managed Hibernian, West Bromwich Albion, Celtic, Coventry, Blackburn and Birmingham during a long and successful career in the professional game.

Tony will receive the honour at the 46th annual North East Football Writers’ Association Awards, taking place at Ramside Hall Hotel in Durham this Sunday (March 1). 

He said: “I’m so honoured to receive this special award and so proud to have been moulded in the North East and brought up with the values that people of this part of the world bring to supporting their football club.

“I first experienced Ayresome Park as a seven-year-old with my dad, smelling the Bovril and watching Jack Charlton’s amazing team of the mid-70s.

“St. James’ Park was where I made my league debut in 1982 against Kevin Keegan and Mick Channon up front for Newcastle and, of course, I had an amazing experience managing Sunderland at The Stadium of Light, feeling the warmth and incredible support that the supporters gave the team and indeed myself.

“I feel very lucky to have experienced the huge passion and emotion football brings in our part of the world, not just in the stadiums, but in our communities, too.”

The event, sponsored by H. Malone and Sons as part of its centenary celebrations, highlights achievements from the 2024/2025 season.

The evening will also raise funds for The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, supporting construction of the £30 million Sir Bobby Robson Institute at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle. 

More than £20 million has already been raised towards the project, with further support now crucial to raise the final funds to complete and fully equip The Sir Bobby Robson Institute by 2027.

Other award winners include Sunderland AFC’s Dan Ballard, Katie Kitching and Katy Watson, as well as Newcastle United’s Lewis Miley, with additional recognition for Spennymoor Town and Middlesbrough FC Women.

Special awards will also be presented in honour of journalists Bob Cass and John Fotheringham, recognising outstanding service to North East football, with recipients revealed on the night.

Colin Young, secretary of the North East Football Writers’ Association, added: “Tony was an extremely popular choice for this award. 

“He’s a man from and for the North East, and someone we can all be proud of.

“Whether he’s speaking passionately about the game, supporting community initiatives and charities, or showing immense courage in facing his own health issues, he conducts himself with an honesty and humility that inspires us all.”

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