Robins calls on spirit of ’87 glory
MARK ROBINS has tapped into the spirit of ’87 in search of another Wembley triumph for Coventry City.
The Sky Blues chief has taken soundings from former manager John Sillett and has asked goalkeeping coach Steve Ogrizovic to lead out the team alongside him this afternoon as the League One strugglers try to create their own slice of history.
Sillett was in the dug-out and Ogrizovic between the posts 30 years ago when Coventry upset the odds to defeat Spurs 3-2 in the FA Cup Final, landing their only major honour to date.
They will be backed by more than 43,000 fans, despite hurtling the wrong way through the Football League – a slump that may well see them compete in the bottom tier in August.
But Robins (above) – the club’s fourth manager this season – has nodded to the greatest afternoon in the Sky Blues’ history as his inexperienced side attempt to upset the form book.
He said: “I saw John after the game against Bristol Rovers and got a little bit of feedback from him about Wembley. “He’s passionate about the club and wants it to succeed and it’s certainly been helpful to tap into him. And I’ve also asked Steve if he could walk out with me ahead of the team, which is only right. He’s part of the fabric of the club – and it’s a tribute to him too.” Social media has been awash with suggestions from fans keen to publicise their anger towards club owners SISU about potential demonstrations. They have ranged from turning their backs on the game during the ninth minute – the number of years the hedge fund has been in control – to holding up placards bearing the word “potential” in a bid to highlight their plight to potential investors. Robins says he is aware of the situation, but feels the relationship between his players and supporters remains intact. He said: “The connection between the supporters and the players is still there. They are desperate to get behind us and we need to deliver for them. “And that relationship can take you such a long way. “That has probably been disrupted in terms of the turbulence that is out there. But the relationship is still there. “I don’t think they aren’t proud of their team, but they have been frustrated and disappointed. “And if the players give me everything at Wembley, that’s all anyone can ask.”