Former Derby County trio tipped among contenders for Coventry City job after shock sacking

Former Derby County managers Frank Lampard, Liam Rosenior and Gary Rowett are among the bookies' contenders for the Coventry City job.

Mark Robins was axed by the Sky Blues yesterday after losing to Derby County on Tuesday night which came as a shock given his achievements over a seven-year spell in charge. Robins led Coventry to promotion from League Two, banked the League One title reached a Championship play-off final and was one game away from reaching the FA Cup final last season.

Rhys Carr has been appointed interim manager in the short term while Coventry looks for a permanent successor, with current Wycombe boss Matt Bloomfield the current favourite at 5/6, according to Sky Bet. Bloomfield has led the Chairboys to the summit of League One and has done a fantastic job of leading them to the top of the table ahead of big-spending Birmingham City.

Lampard, who was close to leading Derby to the Premier League in 2019, is 4/1 while Rosenior, currently managing Strasbourg after being sacked by Hull City, is 10/1. Rowett, who is free after leaving Millwall, is currently priced at 25/1.

Explaining their decision to sack Robins, Coventry said in a statement: "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."

Join our new Whatsapp community! Click this link to receive daily Derby County content and breaking news. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice

Were Coventry right to axe Robins? Have your say HERE.