Old comrade inflicts final blow on Hughes
IT WAS this weekend 28 years ago that Mark Hughes set up Mark Robins to score the goal that saved Sir Alex Ferguson’s skin at Manchester United.
Another FA Cup third-round tie brought these two back together — but this time the match resulted in the manager under pressure losing his job.
Stoke announced last night that Hughes has been sacked.
‘Stoke City can confirm that the contract of manager Mark Hughes has been terminated,’ the club said on their official Twitter feed.
On a quagmire of a pitch, Jordan Willis opened the scoring and although Charlie Adam equalised from the penalty spot, Jack Grimmer produced a fine winner.
‘I’m proud,’ said Robins. ‘Regardless of the current troubles at Stoke, we acquitted ourselves really well. We went toe-to-toe with them.’
Hughes understood perfectly the wider importance of this game and picked his best available team.
Stephen Ireland returned after 20 months out with a broken leg. His deft chip to Mame Diouf in the 11th minute created Stoke’s first chance and Willis had to be alert to clear off the line.
Ireland then tried himself when set up by Diouf’s knock-back but shot wide.
Stoke, though, were failing to exert control, and in 24 minutes Coventry scored. Jordan MaguireDrew only joined on loan from Brighton this week but his deep corner triggered a routine that looked age-old. Grimmer nodded back and Willis beat Diouf in the air to head down and in.
The Coventry fans erupted and Hughes rose from the dugout to survey the scene in a bid to work out what on earth was going on.
Not much to favour Stoke, it transpired. They created only two more openings in the half and both times Diouf put his header over.
In fact, Coventry could well have gone in at the interval further ahead. Tom Bayliss won possession high up the pitch and threaded a pass to Marc McNulty, who rounded Jack Butland but cut his finish too fine.
Max Biamou then sent McNulty through again and this time his shot required Butland to save and Geoff Cameron to clear off the line.
In the 54th minute the Premier League side were level, Ramadan Sobhi reaching top speed and proving too quick for Willis in the area. Martin Atkinson pointed to the spot and Adam fired home the penalty to provide a sense that Stoke could yet escape a nightmare scenario.
Stoke substitute Peter Crouch went close, but then Grimmer emerged to the fore. The rightback advanced to the point where the crowd were encouraging a shot and then acquiesced, taking Butland by surprise at his near post for 2-1.
Stoke threw everything at their hosts in response and Diouf spurned two excellent chances. But by the final whistle Robins could shake his old team-mate’s hand knowing his side had earned their win.