Coventry City news from CoventryLive as Sky Blues boss Mark Robins outlines his biggest achievement to date ahead of a possible return to the Premier League
Mark Robins has paid tribute to the part Coventry City’s fans have played in getting the club back to within one match of a return to the Premier League.
The Sky Blue Army have been instrumental in the club’s rise back up the leagues from the depths of the fourth tier in 2017 to the brink of top flight football after a 22 year absence.
Robins felt the full power of the supporters when a sea of 43,000 fans turned out for the Checkatrade Trophy at Wembley Stadium six years ago. Two promotions on and the club’s motto ‘Rise Again’ couldn’t be more fitting as the manager and players prepare for the biggest game of their lives.
“It’s a special club and it’s special because it has been through so much,” said the 53-year-old, who is starkly aware of the romance of Saturday’s contest between two teams who have plunged the depths and come back stronger.
“We’re going to be playing against Luton Town who have been through a fair amount themselves, but this is a special club and the fact that the fans have got behind us so much is testament to what we do.”
When Robins returned to the club the atmosphere was toxic towards former owners Sisu after years of off-field problems. To go from that to the feel-good factor on the terraces with a song for virtually every player, and even a cheery ditty for new owner Doug King, is a huge turn-around and one that’s not lost on the manager.
“They are behind the players and the biggest achievement that I think I have managed to do is reconnect with the supporters because there was a huge disconnect with the club,” he said.
“They have come back together and it’s been phenomenal. It’s changed beyond all recognition since I walked back through the door in 2017 to now and hopefully we can take that next step, which would be incredible, and I will worry about that when it happens.”
