It’s all under control at City, says pundit
COVENTRY City’s rise to the automatic promotion places has made Mark Robins’ men the talk of League One.
The Sky Blues have been steadily building a head of steam with an outstanding ten-game unbeaten run that’s seen them pick up 26 points from a possible 30 after securing eight wins and two draws in the division.
City have lost just once in the league since mid October – a 2-1 blip at Shrewsbury Town the only stain on their promotion form with 14 games to go, including games in hand over their rivals.
That has all been achieved despite the backdrop of a divided fanbase, brought about by the club’s groundshare at St Andrew’s.
And former Irish international and Premier League midfielder Keith Andrews firmly believes the Sky Blues are heading back to the Championship this season after perfectly timing their promotion push by “navigating” themselves through their fixtures.
Interviewed on the Sky Sports EFL podcast this week, presenter Jonathan Oakes asked the former Wolves, Blackburn Rovers, West Brom and MK Dons star how impressed he is with job Mark Robins is doing in controlling the controlables?
“I’m very impressed,” said the 39-year-old.
“He’s used his experience from his many clubs now and he’s controlling factors that he can deal with, and I’m sure that’s a message that’s coming across day to day because the run they’ve been on has been very impressive indeed.
“They’ve got a tough game away on
He’s used his experience from his many clubs now and he’s controlling factors that he can deal with. Keith Andrews
Saturday at Rochdale and then they’re at home to Rotherham in a top of the table clash next Tuesday.” Andrews believes Robins has got the best out of his impressive squad which has real strength in depth and game changers on the bench.
“One of the points I’ve heard is the rotation that’s been very evident in recent weeks, that he’s just tried to navigate himself through the fixtures by resting one or two of them at a time,” said the ex-pro, who knows the value of experience in a young side.
“And touching on the type of talent they have, the experience is going to be crucial because Kyle McFadzean at the back has been very impressive as well.” So where does he think they’ll finish? “I fully expect them to finish in the top two,” he said.
“I think they have snuck up at the right time and the style of football and the way they play, I think they’re on a very important run at the moment that will see them get automatic promotion.”