Former Reading striker sacked at Coventry City to end run as longest-serving EFL boss

Coventry City have, somewhat controversially, sacked Mark Robins following Tuesday's 1-0 defeat to Derby County.

Robins, who spent time on loan with the Royals in 1997 but failed to score, was in his second spell with the Sky Blues and was their most successful manager for a generation against a backdrop of upheaval.

Taking over with the club in League Two and playing their football in Northampton due to disputes with their owners, the former Manchester United striker took the 1987 FA Cup winners to promotion from the fourth tier to the second tier.

Coventry reached the Championship play-off final in 2023 and the FA Cup semi-final in 2024, coming from three goals down to level against Manchester United before losing on penalties.

Currently sat 17th in the Championship, his departure ends his spell as the longest-serving EFL boss, a title now held by Derby County chief Paul Warne.

Releasing an emotional statement, the club said: "Coventry City Football Club has made the difficult decision to terminate the contract of Mark Robins as manager with immediate effect.

"Since 2017, Mark has overseen the resurrection of Coventry City Football Club from the depths of League Two, to Champions of League One and to a hairs breadth away from both the Premier League and a second FA Cup Final, whilst competing in the Championship for a fifth consecutive season.

"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.

"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 travel to league leaders Sunderland on Saturday.