BIRMINGHAM'S players were reportedly left stunned by the news Tony Mowbray is temporarily stepping down as manager.
The Blues boss is taking time away from the role due to illness, the club have confirmed.
Mowbray is set to be out of the dugout for six to eight weeks and may not return before the end of the season.
According to the Mirror, his players were shocked by the news after being told on Monday morning,
Players and staff were informed during a private meeting before training.
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Birmingham have won four and drawn one of their eight matches since Mowbray's appointment in January.
The former Sunderland boss replaced Wayne Rooney as manager just a month after leaving the Black Cats.
He steps down with the Blues 15th in the Championship, six points above the relegation zone after beating his old side on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Steve Cooper has been tipped as a potential long-term replacement at St. Andrew's.
The 44-year-old is available following his exit from Nottingham Forest in December.
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He is also amongst the favourites for the vacant Sunderland job, though, after Michael Beale's sacking earlier on Monday.
Reims boss Will Still is also understood to be a leading contender for the role.