Mark Robins, the new manager of Stoke City, praised his old club Coventry City during his unveiling today.
The former Sky Blues manager, who led them from League Two to the Premier League, has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with the Potters.
Robins discussed the old days with Sky Sports before starting his new role against Plymouth Argyle at 12.30pm on Saturday.
When asked about the fury among fans over his sacking and the “dignified silence” he maintained after being shown the door by Sky Blues owner Doug King, he said: “I honestly have nothing but good thoughts, feelings, and experiences from Coventry City.” I loved the place and the people.
“To be honest, I got to meet a lot of people, a lot of the supporters, and there was some fantastic help at that time, for which I will be eternally grateful. That chapter is one I’ll never forget. But this one is new. I’m excited to get started with the Stoke community and Stoke City supporters.”
During his tenure as manager, Robins guided Coventry to two promotions, a Championship play-off final, and an FA Cup semi-final. However, his new role adds a twist to that record.
Robins’ sacking as Coventry City manager began with a 1-0 defeat at the bet365 Stadium on the first day of the season. And with his move to Stoke, he becomes the club’s ninth first-team manager since the beginning of 2018, when his Coventry side, then in the basement league, knocked the Premier League Potters out of the FA Cup, prompting Mark Hughes’ dismissal.
Coventry will visit Stoke in the reverse fixture on March 8, matching new manager Frank Lampard against the man he replaced at the CBS Arena, although Robins was eager to downplay the significance of the game.
He continued, “I honestly think any emotion was dealt with throughout the six weeks that I’ve been off. I’m not saying that gets it completely out of your system because it doesn’t; you still have those ideas, but my allegiances and everything have altered.
“I’ve got 100% focus on Stoke City and making my tenure here as successful as I possibly can do.”
When asked what a good season would mean for him at Stoke, he explained: “Well, I think we’ve got to try and follow on from what (caretaker manager) Ryan Shawcross has set out with his team over the last two games (a victory over Sunderland and a draw at Burnley).” We need to strive to improve that and take it forward. That is all you can do.
“I’m not going to make any wild predictions for the season. I believe we must strive to perform as well as possible, accumulating points on a regular basis and being competitive in a highly competitive division.”
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