20 Mar 2024 10:50:14
There has been lots of conversations about whether ETH needs to be replaced in the summer, and whilst my opinion is he shouldn’t, I thought I would take some time to discuss a manager who I think could be a good candidate and may be very overlooked. Funnily enough, we are going to face his Coventry side in the FA cup semi-final.
Being from Coventry, its hard to not see and admire the Mark Robins effect. For those who aren’t aware, Coventry have been a club with more off-field drama than Manchester United. Over the last ten years, Coventry City has navigated a series of off-field issues, including financial struggles, relegations, points deductions, ownership disputes, and challenges related to their home ground. A notable issue has been the ongoing dispute over the previous Ricoh Arena, leading to ground-sharing arrangements, first with Northampton and later with Birmingham City. These situations have impacted the club's finances and relationships with fans.
Since 2017, Coventry City has experienced a remarkable ascent from League Two to the Championship. In the 2017-18 season, they secured promotion from League Two via the playoffs. The following season (2018-19), they stabilised in League One, finishing 8th. Their momentum continued into the 2019-20 season, winning League One and earning promotion to the Championship, where they have been competing since. Last year Coventry reached the play-off final, narrowly losing to Luton. This year they are back in the race for a play off place and have reached the FA cup semi-final, all with the second lowest wage budget in the league.
All of this, has been achieved with Mark Robins at the helm. He has proven himself as a skilled and adaptable manager capable of overcoming various challenges. Coventry will have been to Wembley four times since 2017. His tenure at Coventry, marked by a long-standing managerial partnership with Adi Viveash, showcases not only his tactical acumen but also his dedication to long-term development and he forges strong connections between the club, its players, and the fans. Coventry always lose key players, but almost always bounce back with their replacements playing fluid and attacking football as seen against Wolves. Whatever the situation, Mark Robins still manages to achieve success.
Given his Manchester United background, understanding of the club's ethos as an ex-player, and demonstrated managerial prowess at Coventry amidst ownership struggles and logistical challenges, Mark Robins for me presents an intriguing option for a managerial role at a larger club for a managerial role at a larger club, with the potential to bring a blend of tactical knowledge, resilience, and club identity understanding that could resonate well with Manchester United's aspirations and values. Its a wonder why he hasn't been approached by Premier League clubs already.
20 Mar 2024 11:30:49
Interesting post and candidate Kurtis. I personally feel ETH should be given another season with the new management change coming. I know some disagree and Ed is convinced ETH will be replaced at the end of this season. The worrying thing for me is Southgate being considered, allegedly.
20 Mar 2024 12:44:03
I quite like De Zerbi. I think he may get a top job soon enough.
20 Mar 2024 13:54:54
Good post kurtis. indeed Robbins has done an amazing job at Coventry.
His next move if he makes one will be crucial. There are a lot of prem clubs that could do a lot worse.
Probably the best young English manager outside of howe who had a very similar rise through the league often under difficult circumstances.
It would be a big risk for united to take a chance on him but he is possibly one to watch for the future. I'd love to see him get Coventry up it would be a real fairy tale story.
20 Mar 2024 13:58:07
I like de Zerbi but not overly convinced a top team would take him. For every incredible result and top performance they put in, a stinker is just round the corner with some pretty awful results this season. Probably the result of Brighton playing in Europe and the lack of depth, as often happens when clubs have a blinding season then find themselves in with the big boys. Maybe I'm completely wrong on him though.
20 Mar 2024 14:07:59
I think eth should be given time and backed properly with a summer window. He was never given a Ferrari to start with and takes time to build a great team. We have seen glimpses of what he can do but injuries and player related issues have made his job very difficult this year. The fact that they are talking about everything but nothing on backing him publicly is not a good sign.
Unfortunately, its Southgate the more I think about it given his relationship with the new ownership and DOF and also being available contract wise.
20 Mar 2024 16:11:02
Southgate? Lol. West Ham maybe.
20 Mar 2024 17:57:18
Robins has a lot of qualities, been watching him for a while, sensible when talking, smart tactically. If he doesn’t get Coventry up, somewhere who stayed up in the Prem could or should consider him.
For our job, if ETH goes, I would still like Simeone to be considered.
20 Mar 2024 18:56:32
Redman
The likes of Simeone and Zidane would never take a united job if they don't have a major say in who comes in and who goes. Simeone at Athletico it is his way or the highway and he would never come, no chance.
They are too established to be playing second and why do it at this point in their careers. These are guys who will dictate terms if you want to get them and not the other way round especially given the managerial vacancies coming up.
21 Mar 2024 12:37:17
Simeone has to be up there with some of the worst shouts. His sides play mind numbing football I would rather take Mourinho back.