FOOTBALL – Coventry City owner Doug King admits ‘hugely unpopular’ decision to sack Mark Robins was ‘difficult and painful’
DOUG King acknowledged the decision to sack Mark Robins was ‘hugely unpopular’ and ‘extremely difficult and painful’ for him to make.
Coventry City’s owner and chairman addressed Sky Blues supporters in his matchday programme column ahead of City’s 2-2 draw against Sheffield United.
It is the first time King has addressed the subject of Robins’ dismissal since speaking at a fans forum event earlier this month.
King wrote: “I was formally approved to own this great institution on January 10th 2023, when our club was in 14th position in the Championship. Our goal was to reach the play-offs on three out of every five seasons.
“To invest in and improve the infrastructure of the football club and to invest in the playing squad to try and remove any risk of relegation and the upheaval that comes with that. In short, to try and give the manager and the club a real shot at reaching the Premier League.
“Having come so far, I am well aware the next chapter to try to rejoin the Premier League is our hardest task. More money is at risk. Competitors are strong and our league remains distorted by the parachute payments given to the newly relegated clubs.
“The last two years have given us all some incredible moments – the best moments possibly for a generation and we have come so close to reaching that goal.
“The decision taken by me two weeks ago was extremely difficult and painful. To see our manager reach the promised land with a fairytale ending was absolutely my goal and my dream.
“I also realise looking back on the 141 years since our creation that this institution, this football club, is bigger than all of us and that what matters most is that it thrives, it showcases our great city, it gives its fans great experiences and reasons to support and be invested in its success and it re-positions itself as one of the premier footballing cities of our land.
“The legacy of Mark Robins’ achievements will forever be etched in the club’s history. He was that man at that time who salvaged this club from the dying embers and rebuilt trust and belief again with the community.
“His award this week of an Honorary Doctorate from Coventry University was richly deserved and rightly acknowledges his huge efforts and impact there.
“I know this was a hugely unpopular decision, but I am also acutely aware that this club cannot risk squandering the launchpad that has been created by him. I do not intend to do that.
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