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How Sir Alex Ferguson backed Mark Robins just days before Coventry City axe fell
Mark Robins and Sir Alex Ferguson have history. Popular legend has it that Robins “saved” Sir Alex’s skin during what would become an epic managerial stint at Manchester United.
It was in January 1990 that Robins scored the only goal of United’s 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the third round of the FA Cup. Reports at the time suggested Ferguson’s job was on the line after more than three years at Old Trafford without a trophy - and the Reds would go on to triumph in the Wembley showpiece.
Never has the phrase “and the rest is history” been more apt as Fergie’s Red Devils went on to sweep all before them at home and abroad over the next 20 years or so.
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While the two men may not swap Christmas cards, there is a mutual respect there - and no doubt the legendary Scottish boss was dismayed to see one of his former players suffer the sack.
But in the days before Sky Blues owner Doug King opted to fire Robins, Fergie was part of an illustrious panel that honoured City and their then boss.
After a poor start to the season, the Sky Blues kicked-off their revival by staging a remarkable fightback to beat Luton Town 3-2.
As the LMA report of the game states: “City were 2-0 down at half-time, but an incredible second half performance saw Ellis Simms strike first, before Victor Torp levelled with 15 minutes left. Then, into injury time, Wright scored from close range to complete the turnaround and secure the points for City.”
It was a stunning success that saw Robins and his team win the LMA’s Utilita Performance of the Week trophy, which was later handed to the City boss.
Their citation read: “The League Managers’ Association’s panel, comprising LMA chairman Martin O’Neill OBE, Sir Alex Ferguson CBE, Chris Hughton, Rachel Yankey OBE, Les Ferdinand MBE, Clare Tomlinson, Jess Creighton, Stuart Pearce MBE, and Barry Fry has determined that the Utilita Performance of the Week Award should go to Coventry City for their performance against Luton Town on Saturday, October 26.”
If anything, an even more impressive win was to follow a week later when the Sky Blues went to Teesside and beat in-form Middlesbrough 3-0, but they followed that up with a home defeat at the hands of Derby and Robins was shown the door soon after.
The 54-year-old had taken charge of the Sky Blues for a second time in 2017, leading them to promotion to League One in 2018 before reaching the Championship in 2020. They then made it to the Championship play-off final in 2023, but missed out on promotion to the Premier League after losing on penalties to Luton.
City also enjoyed a thrilling FA Cup run last season, going within touching distance of reaching the final after recovering from three goals down against Manchester United before ultimately losing the last-four tie on penalties.
