As a devoted, astute, pragmatic, and unapologetically overachievers, Robins deserves this opportunity to lead Coventry to Wembley to play Manchester United.
Joe Mercer, the last manager to do so in Coventry, had died 28 years prior. Over the course of the last six completed seasons, Robins has managed one top-six finish in each EFL division.
That really is a miraculous occurrence. If Doug King’s takeover and, more importantly, Sisu’s absence have put Coventry City in safer hands overall, it was Robins who led Coventry through the divisions when he was the only one keeping the noise at bay. His budgets were modest and were undoubtedly among the lowest in the Championship. He developed, bought low, and sold high.
It hurt like hell to go to Wembley last time. He acknowledges that the team’s lack of output in the first half was a major setback during the play-off final loss on penalties in May of last year. Nevertheless, they had a chance to steal Luton’s fairytale with just two kicks, and they should be commended equally for the parallels in their journey.
This place also entered a new era with the last season. The two individual stars and highest-value assets, Viktor Gyokeres and Gustavo Hamer, were sold off. Robins was able to assemble the team again in their stead. This season, Coventry signed eight players for a total of £2 million or more; in the preceding 22 years, they had only once exceeded that amount.
This season thus got off to a slow start. It takes time for new players, or half of a new team, to get used to each other. Coventry won just three of their first 16 league games, finishing in 20th place by the end of November. This time around, their notable upsurge probably won’t result in the playoffs. How then do you respond? by taking an alternate route to Wembley.
On Sunday, this Midlands city and its league football club have the opportunity to experience something truly unique. Although they don’t expect to, they might not defeat Robins’ former team, Manchester United, but that isn’t really the point. Standing in those red seats, they will declare themselves the savior of something they thought was lost—possibly forever. They once saw no way out. For now, this is their way out.
We would give Robins time to reflect on the scope of his accomplishments while standing by that vibrant green turf and taking a long look toward the Coventry end. He is still their king even though he is not the kind to treat a club like his own fief. All of this is his work: the happiness he has brought to so many people, the promise of young players, and the dependability of senior faces. Though his people will do their best, no amount of gratitude can adequately repay him.
The pomp and circumstance surrounding football management can be easily consumed; it’s a desperate chase of aspirations. Whether Coventry is playing first or after United, Robins undoubtedly wants to play as divisional peers. Offers will be made, and there has been interest. Occasionally, someone will claim that Robins is unfairly passed over for important positions.
That overlooks the fact that since this is now his club, this is his big job. English football in 2024 has a lot to be ashamed of: a culture of desperation, financial disparity, and clubs that are forced to be austere in order to have a chance at reaching their full potential.
Regardless of your stance on the team in question, you can still come across heartwarming stories. The epitome of the breed, Robins is smart, practical, devoted, and overly ambitious. Coventry City will play in front of the whole country on Sunday. He is the one who deserves it the most.
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