MARKS & SPARKS
ROBINS: Fergie said I scored because Psycho pushed me and it helped me put the ball in the net
MARK ROBINS will have no qualms about ending Mark Hughes’ Stoke reign – despite the former team-mate teeing up his most famous goal.
Robins and Hughes were both at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson in the early days of the Scot’s reign.
Fergie was famously on the brink of the axe, until youngster Robins popped up to head in Hughes’ cross in an FA Cup third round tie at Nottingham Forest in 1990 (above).
United went on to win the FA Cup that year (right) with ex-trainee Robins also netting against Newcastle and then Oldham in the semi-finals.
It ensured Ferguson lifted his first silverware, before going on to create a fabled dynasty, including 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups and two Champions League trophies.
But striker Robins says there will be no old pals’ favours this afternoon, despite Hughes being on the verge of the sack at the Premier League strugglers. Robins, boss of League Two Coventry, said: “He (Hughes) crossed it with the outside of his right-foot.
“But I put in loads of good crosses for Man United, and none of them get remembered, so I share his pain.
“People talk about that goal for obvious reasons.
“Fergie put in his book that normally I would have flicked it and missed but, because I got pushed in the back by Stuart Pearce, it took me on to the ball and carried it into the net.
“I had a fairly productive FA Cup tournament that year and thought it was going to be the norm. But little did I know...
“That was nearly 30 years ago now and I have had very little contact with Mark since I left the club. He is managing at a different level than I have been.
“So, the primary concern for us, is trying to put on a performance that is worthy against difficult opponents.” Coventry are coming into the game in good form after four wins in their last five matches. The pitch at the Ricoh Arena is also in dire condition, due to ground-sharing with rugby club Wasps. Experienced Sky Blues midfielder Michael Doyle admits the conditions could lend themselves to an upset. Doyle, in his second spell at the club, said: “The pitch won’t be up to the level they are used to playing on in the Premier League. “We share the pitch with the rugby side so, this time of year, ours is not great for football. “It might be better for rugby because there isn’t much grass on it and it does cut up. “Gradually, with the rugby and the weather, it has taken its toll. “It is a beautiful stadium, but they might be a little but disappointed with the pitch, because Stoke like to pass the ball and play out.”