“I feel like I’ve lost a family member" - "Heartbroken" Coventry City claim made after big Mark Robins decision | OneFootball

Coventry City fan pundit Neil reacted to the news that Mark Robins has been sacked by the club.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Coventry City have confirmed that Mark Robins has been sacked following their 2-1 defeat at home to Derby County on Wednesday night.

The 54-year-old had been in charge of the Sky Blues for a second time since 2017, and the club have enjoyed many highs in the past seven years.

Under his guidance, Coventry went from League Two to the Championship, whilst they were just a game away from the Premier League after losing the play-off final to Luton Town back in 2023.

There have been other memorable moments, with the Midlands outfit playing out an all-time classic FA Cup clash with Man Utd earlier this year, where they were a tight offside call away from reaching the final after an incredible comeback.

Coventry City sack Mark Robins

However, an inconsistent start to this season, with Coventry currently 17th in the Championship, prompted owner Doug King to make a change, as Robins’ exit was announced on Thursday morning.

Naturally, given all Robins has done for the club, his departure was an emotional one for the supporters, and fan pundit Neil admitted it was difficult to hear when asked by FLW about his thoughts on the sacking.

"I feel like I’ve lost a family member to be honest, I’m heartbroken. Granted, last night’s performance was terrible, but we’ve come off the back of a phenomenal performance against Middlesbrough and a great comeback at home to Luton. The timing makes no sense.

"For me, if he has got a game to save his job, you give him Saturday. We’re going into a game away from home to top of the league with an interim head coach. The players are going to be all over the place, and then it’s an international break, and the first game back is against Sheffield United when Callum O’Hare and Gus Hamer return.

"If you’re going to get rid of him, you give him Saturday, you get that out the way, and then you get someone during the break to work with the players. It’s bizarre, he has to have someone lined up. There were a lot of rumours in the fan base that Frank Lampard was in attendance a couple of weeks ago, and that he has been sounded out to take over. I’m not sure I’m a fan of that, we’ll see.

"This could turn out to be a masterstroke if the new manager comes in, turns the club around and we end up in the play-offs, but I highly doubt it. The way the players have been playing for the last few games, it comes as a real, real shock.

"I’ve gone on record and said that even if we got relegated to League One, I would have kept Robins in charge. He has earnt that right with what he has done for this football club over the last seven years, and I’m devastated. I’m apoplectic, I don’t know what to say.

"He is the greatest manager I’ve ever seen us have. He came in when we were rock bottom of League One, there have been four Wembley trips, and some of the best moments of my life have come with that man in charge."

As well as reflecting on what Robins had done for the club, he also looked ahead to the future, and stressed his hope that the new boss is appointed swiftly, ensuring he can use the upcoming break as a chance to get the campaign back on track, with Coventry currently seven points away from the play-off places.

"We now go to Sunderland, top of the league, with no manager. We’re on for a hiding, we then go into the international break in a bit of a lull, and then two old boys will come back to haunt us (O’Hare and Hamer).

"I’m lost for words, and the timing is baffling me more than anything. Someone needs to come in quick, and my only hope is that he has got someone lined up, otherwise this season is going to be written off. The Championship is a relentless division at the best of times, and it doesn’t look like it will be kind to us now."

Doug King must get next Coventry City appointment right

It goes without saying that there is a lot of pressure on King now, as he has sacked a club legend, and someone who has shown he can get results at this level over the years.

So, whoever comes in has big boots to fill, and there will be an expectation that Coventry will push for the play-offs given how ruthless the club has been.

The club revealed that Rhys Carr will be in interim charge for the trip to Sunderland on Saturday.