Robins on SoL clash as Sunderland plan overhaul of coaching staff

Coventry City boss Mark Robins has delivered his verdict on the opening day clash against Sunderland.

Sunderland are set to face Coventry City at home in their first game back in the second tier in five years. The clash at the Stadium of Light is a lunch time kick-off on Sunday July 31, and will be the first time the two sides have met since March 2020.

“We’ve got a difficult trip to start with against Sunderland, but it’s one that will excite everyone I’m sure and it’s a brilliant game to start with,” Robins said.

“Then we play Rotherham, Millwall and Wigan, which means we play the three promoted teams in the first four games which is interesting.”

Robins also revealed how Coventry had missed out on signing former Sunderland loanee defender Jake ClarkeSalter.

The former Chelsea man endured a tough spell at Sunderland during their illfated 2017/18 Championship season. Clarke-Salter played just 11 times for Chris Coleman’s side, but was shown two red cards during his time at the Stadium of Light.

“We missed out on Jake Clarke-Salter which was disappointing,” he said. “There are other players were trying to pursue and we have specific targets and that may change but we’ve got the positions we need to fill.I need to carry a slightly smaller squad, but I want more quality where ever I can.”

*Sunderland are poised to confirm an overhaul of their coaching staff ahead of the club's Championship return.

It's understood that goalkeeping coach David Preece and first-team coach PhilJevons,whowe reappointed last season, are set to depart following their role in the club's promotion at League One.

Preece was appointed early last season after joining the club for their pre-season preparations after Lee Butler, appointed by Phil Parkinson, left. He played a key part in Anthony Patterson's rise to No.1, with the youngster excelling in the closing weeks of the campaign.

Jevons was brought to the club by Lee Johnson and worked closely with the club' s forwards. Michael Proctor and Mike Dodds also supported the coaching group in tandem with their U23 responsibilities.

Neil is now likely to put his owns tampon the coachinggroup having arrived with former Hamilton team-mate Martin Canning.