Mark Robins sacked by Coventry to end reign of Championship’s longest serving manager | OneFootball

Coventry City have sacked Mark Robins to end the reign of the English Football League's longest serving manager.

The 54-year-old returned to the Sky Blues in 2017 for his second spell in charge.

After guiding the club back from League Two and winning League One, Robins took his side to the brink of the Premier League and an FA Cup final.

His exit comes after defeat to Derby County, extending a poor run of just four wins in 14 Championship games with the team left in 17th and level with Plymouth in the relegation zone.

A statement from the club read: “Coventry City Football Club has made the difficult decision to terminate the contract of Mark Robins as manager with immediate effect.

“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.

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Mark Robins (centre right) gives instructions to Coventry City’s Luis Binks (centre left) (Richard Sellers/PA Wire)

“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.

Coventry also confirmed they will take their time to appoint a successor, but emphasised a Head Coach will be hired to work within the new structure set up in recent years.

An interim boss will be appointed before Saturday’s Championship match against Sunderland.