£2.55 million Mark Robins admits to playing in the playoffs as Coventry City fails to show up at St Mary’s

In a game that could end up costing Coventry City dearly, Mark Robins acknowledges that his team did not show up until the second half.

With five games remaining in the Championship season, City is five points behind sixth-place Canaries, who drew 2-2 at Sheffield Wednesday, then lost 2-1 at St. Mary’s Stadium to their closest play-off rivals, Norwich City.

Haji Wright missed an early penalty as he slipped at the crucial moment, leaving City behind 2-0 at the half.

“Obviously, the scenario would have been different if Haji had not slipped for the penalty, but we just did not play competitively in the first half. They had to make up their minds about whether or not to be challengers because we did not get there till halftime.

“And I believe they determined in the first half that we would not be there and gave them too easy goals. It is regrettable if the first goal is indeed a hand ball, as I have been informed by Che Adams, but there is nothing I can do about it.

“The penalty miss undoubtedly had an effect because, had we scored, we would have gained some momentum—we knew the crowd was nervous. However, we lost the game because we did not give them a single touch for the first forty-five minutes. It is not much comfort, though, that we won the second half.

“But let us be honest, they are a strong squad with players who can move the ball swiftly. If you do not restrict their rotations, they will constantly cause you trouble, which is exactly what happened in the first half. Even if we improved greatly after the break, this is a setback for us.

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Under the direction of Mark Robins, who has led Coventry City to their first FA Cup semifinal since winning the prestigious title in 1987—still regarded as the Sky Blues’ pinnacle of achievement—the team is still creating new history.

Only the second time in club history have City advanced to the final four at Wembley, where they will take on the formidable Manchester United on Sunday, April 21, after defeating Wolverhampton Wanderers about 37 years later in the quarterfinals.

The Coventry Telegraph has created a massive 40-page souvenir publication to commemorate the accomplishment. It included rare interviews with Mark Robins, his dependable assistant, and head coach Adi Viveash, in addition to a look back at the 1987 journey to Wembley.

Hear how former Manchester United striker Robins feels about using his managerial acumen to take on the team he still loves and supports from his playing days. You will also hear how renowned coach Viveash of City helped set up Wolves’ demise and his intriguing strategy for defeating elite Premier League opponents twice. He will discuss strategies, focus, mental exercises, and, of course, one of the most important components of success: believe!

Get your book delivered straight to your door by placing your order now. Available for purchase in a few Coventry independent stores and supermarkets starting on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.