History is against City bouncing straight back
COVENTRY City will play in the fourth tier for the first time in over 50 years, but how have other teams responded to the drop?
Relegation to League Two was confirmed after a draw with Charlton Athletic on Good Friday, but Sky Blues supporters will be hoping that Mark Robins can get it right first time around.
However, history is not necessarily on his side, with almost as many teams dropping out of the Football League in their first campaign in the fourth tier in recent years as have managed to claw their way back up to League One.
We take a look back at the previous seasons to see how teams have fared since dropping into League Two.
The four sides that were relegated from League One last season have had mixed fortunes.
hold a two-point lead at the top of League Two, having already clinched promotion. If they can hold on to top spot, they will be the first side to win the league having been relegated the previous season since Swindon Town back in 2012.
will be hoping to cement their sixth place and try their luck in the play-offs.
despite lying in 12th, still have an outside chance of making the play-offs, while sit in 17th position and could fall into the relegation zone should Cheltenham reel in a five-point gap in their last two games.
Of the four relegated sides in 2014-2015, only finished in the top half. They ended the season in eighth, just outside the relegation zone. and all narrowly avoided dropping out of the football league, finishing 17th, 19th and 20th respectively. Of those relegated in 2013/14,
bounced straight back up to League One, finishing second behind champions, Burton Albion,
lost in a play-off semi-final to Southend.
meanwhile, finished in 20th, just two points clear of the drop zone. But there was no such luck for who suffered back-to-back relegations after finishing bottom. COVENTRY City manager Mark Robins says he wants to build a team that will play entertaining and winning football in League Two.
In a letter to existing season ticket holders, the Sky Blues boss has told supporters that he wants to put a smile on their faces and assured them that he’ll stick with the club for “as long as it takes” to get the club as high as possible.
Robins also praised the club’s academy, describing it as a “beacon of hope for us all” and thanked support- ers who are committing themselves to a new season ticket, which he says is “vital” to helping him strengthen the squad.
“I was extremely pleased and proud to return to Coventry City as manager,” he said.
“Our performances on the pitch have improved, and I want us to take this momentum on to next season as we aim to bounce back to League One.
I want to create a side playing entertaining and winning football to put a smile on the faces of all supporters.
“As we saw at Wembley, this club has a tremendous fan base and incredible support which I hope the players and I will be able to draw inspiration and confidence from next season. “That support is why we do it and why we all love football. “I would like to thank in advance every single supporter who commits their time and hard earned money to a season ticket, which is vital Mark Robins in a letter to existing season ticket holders in providing the support I need in the upcoming transfer window and the backing the team thrives on.
“I want to create a side playing entertaining and winning football to put a smile on the faces of all supporters, and a club that you can identify with and be proud of.
“It is important each player knows what it means every time they pull on a Coventry City shirt.
“I want to galvanise this club and for us to move forward together – as we can’t do it without your support. We will need to rebuild this squad for the demands of League Two, and we will have a busy summer ahead of us.
“I know where I need to strengthen