Following a dismal start to the season, another Championship team has decided to fire their manager.
Coventry City, Pompey’s Championship rivals, has decided to fire manager Mark Robins.
After their most recent loss to Derby County on Wednesday night, the Sky Blues decided to part ways with the former Manchester United defender. He departs the East Midlands team in 17th place in the Championship standings, just outside the relegation zone on goal differential.
“Coventry City Football Club has made the difficult decision to terminate Mark Robins’ contract as manager with immediate effect,” the club said in a statement.
“There is no question that without Mark and his team’s inspirational acts, Coventry City would not be where it is now.
“After more than seven incredibly successful years in charge, the Club is well aware that this is a challenging time, and this decision is not made lightly.
“The team’s performance over a long period of time has simply not been good enough, and as a result, the Club’s board has decided to make an immediate change in leadership.”
Only Simon Weaver of Harrogate Town and Pep Guardiola had spent more time at their respective clubs than Robins, who was the third-longest serving manager in the English Football League. He led them from League Two to the Championship during his seven years, eight months, and one day on the job.
He turned the team around and nearly led them to the Premier League, but they lost to Luton Town on penalties in the 2023 Championship play-off final. In the FA Cup semi-finals this year, Coventry lost to Manchester United on penalties as well.
According to their statement, Coventry will “take their time” in selecting Robins’ replacement, but the position will shift from manager to head coach. For their matchup with Sunderland this weekend, a temporary head coach will be named.
Coventry is six points ahead of Pompey in the basement division, and the two teams will play on Saturday, December 21 at Fratton Park. Before they leave for the South Coast, Coventry has more than a month to find a replacement.
