David Prutton: Mark Robins exceeded expectations at Coventry

Mark Robins has “exceeded budget and exceeded expectations” during his time as Coventry City manager, says former midfielder David Prutton.

Robins was sacked by the Sky Blues on Thursday after more than seven-and-a-half years in charge during his second spell at the club.

Prutton, 43, spent a spell on loan at Coventry City in 2014 and now works as a pundit for Sky Sports.

“When I played for Coventry they were dark days, so what Mark Robins brought to this football club was just brilliant light and illumination,” Prutton told BBC CWR.

“He has the same attitude, win, lose or draw, that allows the team to climb the mountains they did.”

The Robins leave Coventry with a winning percentage of around 41% and two wins from their last three games.

“The fact that it exceeded budget and expectations year-on-year is another feather in its cap,” Prutton added.

“He had a player under the tutelage of Victor Giokeres, who scored a hat-trick against Manchester City last night. He bought it for around £1 million and sold it for £24 million, which is why it ticked so many boxes for the fans. watch, enjoy, love and off the pitch for the bean counters who want to make the football club a viable financial asset.

“We can all get into the metrics and statistics, but if anyone thinks Mark Robins’ tenure was a failure, I would say it speaks to a fundamental misunderstanding of what football means to people who love the game and are passionate about their club.”