Talks begin to tie up No 2 Viveash on new contract
ROBINS REJECTS SUNDERLAND INTEREST AND TELLS FANS: I LOVE IT HERE AND THERE’S SO MUCH MORE WE CAN DO
COVENTRY City have begun talks with Mark Robins’s assistant Adi Viveash in a bid to secure the former Chelsea coach on a new deal.
Robins has stressed the importance of his right-hand man’s role at the club, insisting the 50-year-old has made him a better manager since coming in just over two years ago.
Robins himself has just agreed a new and improved “rolling” contract after City rejected advances from League One rivals Sunderland and the hierarchy are keen to keep the management duo together for as long as possible.
Asked how important is it to have Viveash signed up as well, Robins said: “It’s huge.
“Initially, everyone knows that when Steve (Taylor) had his brain haemorrhage that was a big loss and had a huge impact on not only him and the club, but also on Adi because he came in initially on a short-term contract to fill in.
“And then it became clear that Steve couldn’t fulfil his role and it was really difficult for Adi but he stepped in and stepped up.
“He’s an outstanding coach, so yes, it’s a big thing for me to get resolved and one that hopefully we can do as quickly as mine was done.
“But it has to be right for him. It may take a little bit longer, it may take 24 hours to get that sorted out but he’ll be focused on the job.”
The pair had been team-mates during their playing days at Walsall and asked if Viveash has made him a better manager, Robins said: “Yes, 100 per cent.
“I think there has been a hell of a lot of learning gone on and his coaching and understanding of systems of play and training of people, having worked at the level he worked at Chelsea for the time he did, and also managing Cirencester for a spell has undoubtedly helped him, along with his playing career.
“So he understands the needs of the players, which is great. And there’s a good rapport and working relationship between him and I and the rest of the staff as well.” COVENTRY City manager Mark Robins has explained his reasons for turning down the opportunity to speak to League One rivals Sunderland.
The 49-year-old, who left the Sky Blues when he was head hunted by Huddersfield Town in 2013 during his first spell at the club, admits that experience had a bearing on his decision when the Black Cats came calling.
They are searching for a new man to replace Jack Ross, who was sacked earlier this week.
But Robins’ decision to stay has been the perfect boost ahead of tomorrow’s League One home game against Tranmere Rovers (12.00).
Asked if he was tempted by Sunderland’s interest, Robins, who has agreed fresh terms with Coventry, said: “I can honestly, unequivocally, say that I’m totally happy here. Totally happy.
“I’ve agreed a new contract – not signed it yet, but absolutely delighted to have agreed – and I’m thankful to the club for moving so quickly. We can put everything to bed and concentrate on the game on Sunday. “I’m invested in the job. “Everyone knows what happened in 2013 when I left, and when I was told about the interest from Sunderland that was something that came into my mind, but also the fact that I love it here and the supporters are brilliant with me.”
Robins joined City first time round in September 2012 but lasted just five months until Huddersfield lured him to the Championship in February 2013 after he’d transformed the fortunes of the Sky Blues.
But he had just one full season with the Terriers before exiting, eventually joining Scunthorpe United back in League One.
“We have done pretty well since I walked through the door and I couldn’t have left,” said Robins.
“And I am just delighted that the club have nipped [any speculation] in the bud so quickly and we can just get on with things
We have done pretty well since I walked through the door and I couldn’t have left... I’m invested in the job.