Coventry City make huge Mark Robins decision after Derby County defeat

Coventry City have sacked manager Mark Robins after seven years in charge following their defeat to Derby County last night.

The club confirmed in a statement this morning that they have terminated his contract with immediate effect in a decision that was "not taken lightly". Robins oversaw incredible success with the Sky Blues as he guided them from League Two to the Championship winning the League One title on the way and reached the FA Cup semi-finals last term. But after losing 2-1 to Derby last night, ironically managed by his old pal Paul Warne, Coventry were left 17th in the table.

Owner Doug King is set to address fans at a forum next week and in the meantime will appoint an interim head coach to take charge of the team for Saturday's game against Sunderland.

The club said: "Coventry City Football Club has made the difficult decision to terminate the contract of Mark Robins as manager with immediate effect.

"Since 2017, Mark has overseen the resurrection of Coventry City Football Club from the depths of League Two, to Champions of League One and to a hairs breadth away from both the Premier League and a second FA Cup Final, whilst competing in the Championship for a fifth consecutive season.

"Mark masterminded and built several team over that time that outperformed their budget, outperformed their infrastructure and brought back a playing style, credibility and belief to our City that had been lost and eroded over many years. These achievements will never be forgotten by those who witnessed such deeds and the broader community that once again began to rekindle their affection for our Club.

"There is no doubt that Coventry City today would not be where it is today without the inspired actions of Mark and his team. The club is well aware that this is a difficult moment after over seven very successful years at the helm and this decision is not taken lightly. The performance of the team over an extended period however have just not been good enough and as such the board of the club has decided to make an immediate change in leadership.

"The club will take its time to appoint a successor to Mark, although the position will be that of Head Coach working within the new structure set up by the club over the last two years. The club will shortly appoint an ‘Interim Head Coach’ who will take charge of the team against Sunderland on Saturday.

"The club will also be organising a “Fans Forum” next week where the Chairman of the club will answer any and all questions on this subject and other affairs/concerns. The details of this will follow in due course.

"Mark’s achievements at the Sky Blues, often against a backdrop of uncertainty and financial restrictions, will see him remembered and lauded as one of the Club’s greatest ever managers, who was able to galvanise players, staff, fans and the Club as a whole to incredible feats. We all wish Mark the best of luck for the future."

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Should Robins have been sacked? Have your say HERE.