Coventry City have made the surprise decision to sack Mark Robins, with the Championship club’s board unhappy over “the performance of the team over an extended period” despite describing the 54-year-old as one of the Sky Blues’ “greatest ever managers”.

Robins was the longest-serving manager in the second tier and third longest-serving in the top four divisions, having been appointed in 2017, and he oversaw two promotions from League Two to the Championship. Robins also nearly guided Coventry back to the Premier League, having lost the 2022-23 Championship playoff final on penalties to Luton Town, and was again unfortunate at Wembley last season in the FA Cup semi-final loss to Manchester United, another shootout defeat.

One of the leading contenders to replace Robins at Coventry is Wycombe Wanderers manager Matt Bloomfield. The 40-year-old has led the Chairboys to the top of League One which has attracted the interest of Championship clubs. Bloomfield spent the entirety of his professional playing career at Adams Park, spanning almost two decades before being appointed Colchester head coach in September 2022. He soon returned to Wycombe, taking over from Gareth Ainsworth, where Bloomfield has built a reputation as one of the most exciting young coaches in the Football League.

Coventry lost 2-1 at home to Derby County on Wednesday night, leaving them 17th in the table but still just seven points from the playoff places. The decision to sack Robins looks even more surprising given that prior to the Derby defeat, Coventry had enjoyed an upturn in form in the two previous games, a 3-2 home win over Luton and a 3-0 away win at Middlesbrough. The Sky Blues have a challenging run of fixtures with a trip to Sunderland on Saturday before matches against Sheffield United and Burnley later this month. Coventry “will shortly appoint an interim head coach” to take charge at Sunderland.

“Since 2017, Mark has overseen the resurrection of Coventry City from the depths of League Two, to champions of League One and to a hair’s breadth away from both the Premier League and a second FA Cup final, while competing in the Championship for a fifth consecutive season,” read a club statement.

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“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.

“Mark’s achievements at the Sky Blues, often against a backdrop of uncertainty and financial restrictions, will see him remembered and lauded as one of the club’s greatest ever managers, who was able to galvanise players, staff, fans and the club as a whole to incredible feats.”