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Mark Robins speaks for the first time after being sacked by Coventry City

Mark Robins speaks for the first time after being sacked by Coventry City, a decision that left the football world in shock.

The former Sky Blues boss received an honorary doctorate from Coventry University for his contribution to Coventry City and the City of Coventry.

As mentioned, his love of the Championship club’s fans comes across loud and clear, as does his sadness of how it’s ended.

BBC CWR’s Clive Eakin joined him asking what it meant for him to receive the doctorate.

Mark Robins: “It’s a lovely, humbling experience, and a real surprise since, it came out of left field a few weeks ago and, what a nice left field experience.

“So they’ve really looked after me brilliantly and went through every part of the process, Really well organised, and I’m delighted to get this in recognition of all the work that’s gone on over the last nearly 8 years. And, you know, I think this is, testament to everybody who’s played the part, you know, players, supporters, staff, mostly supporters because they’ve just been incredible, the lifeblood of any football club. And to them, I just wanna say thank you.”

Clive: “Sort of confirms you as a doctor in Coventry then, isn’t it?”

Mark: “Pretty much. Yeah. But I think that was a long time ago. I think to be to be back in Coventry just a short time after I had lost my job was, was something that I hadn’t sort of contemplated. But to see how these people have looked after me and and and have spoken, and obviously, this is this is humbling because you’re going through there’s hundreds of people out there who just picked up the, the degrees that have that have worked really hard for it, and then this has been bestowed upon me. And and that’s why it feels very, very humbling.”

Clive: “It’s been quite an emotional day and part of the supporters here to say hello to you as well.”

Mark: “It’s an emotional day. Yeah. I mean, it’s it’s been emotional a few weeks to be fair, but it’s, it’s something that you, over time, start to come to terms with. And starting that process and and, you know, just move on, look forward to what comes next, and, obviously, enjoy this day. This was this was what it was all about, really, today.”

Clive: “Has it been a difficult process to to start on coming to terms with it?”

Mark: “Look. I I think whenever whenever you lose a job, it’s it’s tough. And the the fact that it opened here for so long, it it was, it was it was really tough to take, but it it is what it is. You’re in football management. You know at some point, things come to an end. And whilst it was sooner than than I wanted, you know, at the end of the day, it is what it is. But, again, then there’s time to talk about that later on. Today is to celebrate this, this golf trip and to say thank you to to everybody and especially especially our supporters.”

Clive: “But you’ll be aware of the last couple of weeks of all the love that’s been expressed about you by by the fans. That that must be gratifying for you.”

Mark: “I think, really, the the the journey that everybody’s been on has been an immense one. I’ve loved every minute, and, if I could do it all over again, I would. You know, the fact is that that we’ve had some brilliant moments and I suppose to have been special and played a special part in that. I can’t thank them enough. Without them, you can’t achieve anything, and they’ve been absolutely magnificent, from from many ones.

Clive: “You’ve had Dave Boddy here with you today, and you and Dave did set about building that relationship with the fans, didn’t you, from from the start?”

Mark: “It’s good. I mean, obviously, we keep we kept in touch and, and we’ll continue to do that. Not only was he brilliant for the football club, he was brilliant for me, but he’s a brilliant human being, and, he’s good to spend time with him. So I’m delighted he’s, been able to make it today, and we’ve had a little bit of a catch up, and we’ll do so in a little while as well. But, yeah, there’s a lot of good people, and, I wanna thank everybody.”

Clive: “Yeah. I mean, you haven’t had the chance to to sort of thank the fans, have you? That’s the way the way things go. Is that something you’d like to be able to do?

Mark: “I will do. At some at some point in the near future. I’ll be able to say my thanks to them and to other people as well who’ve played significant part in the Coventry City story over the last, like I say, almost 8 years.”

Clive: “And the players as well. If you didn’t get a chance to speak to them collectively, did you?”

Mark: “They’ve contacted me independently, and, you know, they’re, they’re obviously brilliant, brilliant players, and and they just need a little bit of time to settle down. Time’s the commodity that you want and time’s the commodity I’ve got, but you still look for more. But, yeah, I’m disappointed, but, like I say, things are things have changed, and, everybody moves on.”

Clive: “And what now, Mark? Do you plan to take a little bit of extended break, or are you keen to get back on the way?”

Mark: “I’m really open minded. I’m really open minded, but I definitely lit a fire under me. So, yeah, I’ll be back.”

Here’s how fans reacted as Mark Robins speaks for the first time after being sacked by Coventry City…

@quinney1971: Should still be manager, think he’s prob got out at the right time, non football people making football decisions,

@Muncomagic: What we’ve lost will never be replaced. Our loss will end up being some clubs gain. I’m just pleased we had him , and the City of Coventry had their chance to celebrate him. It’s a shame the club he saved didn’t give him time like he gave them.

@Jamesr02_: He’d be a good manager for you lads imo

@peteringlove: After looking at the shortlist for the new head coach role, maybe ask this chap to apply? I heard he’s achieved a few promotions and turned some £1 million players into £20 million world beaters? Might be worth a punt

@ChrisCOB_OB: I still don’t get this. On the brink and he saved you promotions, finals , trips to Wembley, a kick away from the premier league and then he gets honoured by the club and city for his services. Make it make sense. He’s such a top manager as well.

@SkyBlueBen: The one way I’d like to see MR honoured at the CBS would to see the East Stand renamed The Mark Robins Stand. I know we don’t own the ground but would be a nice touch from Frasers. North, South, East and West are such boring stand names #PUSB

@jongaunt: Doug King @Coventry_City needs to admit he got it wrong and beg Mark Robins to come back before he completely wrecks the club. No decent manager will work under a Chairman who wants to pick the team. Show some humility Doug you have f#cked it up

@essjayarr: Really nice interview with Mark Robins on CWR. 🫶🏻🩵

@JakeRuss1000: Honestly what this man has done for our club and city should not be understated. He’s a legend in my eyes, and will forever be one. 🩵

@SampsCaroline: I still can’t believe this is happening. It’s a nightmare. These have been magical years, and I didn’t want it to end. Good to see Coventry University honouring someone who has done so much for my home town. #PUSB

@lee_marlowe: Love this man and what he did for our club. Class act and wish him every success in the future 🤴 👑 only 1 MR #PUSB

@HealyMarr: I’m pleased Mark Robins has been given some recognition for all he has done for Coventry and it’s people. I still feel he deserves more #PUSB

@2022BenjiC: The next ‘elite coach’ will have a long way to go to have this sort of relationship. Let’s hope they arrive hitting the ground running #PUSB

@mrtjnss:
Nearly 8 years of service.
That man dragged us from the brink.
He deserves a statue and nothing less.

@Anthony_Kav: Heard he’s a good manager and we need one

@skybluecurtis91: Seeing Mark Robins and Dave Boddy back together is brilliant. Perhaps the last bastions of the Coventry City we’ve all grown closer to over the last few years. #PUSB

@2022BenjiC: Mark Robins he wants to go straight back into management 😭😭😭😭😭😭 Gunna see him up the cbs again this season ain’t we

@jonnyboyeighty7: A fitting tribute for a man who reunited a despondent fanbase with its club and ignited a exponential improvement both on and off the pitch. Dignified and accurate in the face of the cruel and undeserved departure he has been given. I only hope Mr King knows what he’s doing

Doug King explains why he sacked Mark Robins and gives update on new Coventry manager search

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