Mark Robins toasts historic promotion for Coventry

Posted Tuesday, May 29, 2018 by PA

Mark Robins has promised to enjoy becoming the first Coventry manager to win promotion since 1967.

The Sky Blues beat Exeter 3-1 in the Sky Bet League Two play-off final at Wembley to earn an instant return to League One thanks to second-half goals from Jordan Willis, Jordan Shipley and Jack Grimmer.

They become the first Coventry side to win promotion since Jimmy Hill’s team of 1966-67, stopping a worrying slide down the divisions.

WE ARE GOING UP! #PUSB pic.twitter.com/t7dWDFLaPP
— Coventry City (@Coventry_City) May 28, 2018

Robins will soon turn his attention to trying to continue the rebuilding project and winning another promotion, but only after he celebrates this one.

“I think it’s a great achievement, it has been a really difficult season in a really tough league and I am thankful to get through,” he said.

“It’s a brilliant day for Coventry City and everyone connected with the club. I am so proud.

🙌 @Coventry_City''s changing room is going OFF.
🆙 Welcome to @SkyBetLeagueOne! #PUSB #SkyBlues pic.twitter.com/dk8XgqWSPS
— Sky Bet (@SkyBet) May 28, 2018

“It’s great for the club and we are going to have another go. We will enjoy tonight.

“I am going to enjoy the moment, I am going to promise myself to enjoy this one.

“It’s about uniting the club that was desperately in need of galvanising.

“I am delighted for everybody connected with the club, it finishes on a real major positive for everybody and that is where we can run with it. The supporters will be really happy.”

🍾 pic.twitter.com/Ba1kcIFxXi
— Sky Bet League Two (@SkyBetLeagueTwo) May 28, 2018

The result was never in doubt after three goals arrived in a 19-minute blast after half-time.

Willis superbly curled in from the edge of the area, Shipley’s deflected effort made it two and then Grimmer sent another fine effort sailing into the top corner.

Kyle Edwards got a late consolation for Exeter, but it was a familiar feeling of woe for them as they slipped to a second successive play-off final defeat.

And that could spell the end of the longest managerial reign in the Football League, with huge doubt surrounding Paul Tisdale’s future.

Defenders, apparently…
Stunning strikes from @J2Willis and @JackGrimmer lit up @wembleystadium. 💥 pic.twitter.com/qMYsrZMtMe
— Sky Bet League Two (@SkyBetLeagueTwo) May 28, 2018

Tisdale, who has been in charge since 2006, was served notice on his rolling contract by the fan-owned club 18 months ago, but has since been offered a new deal.

The 45-year-old declined the chance to commit with a firm answer.

“We will have to see, that’s not a yes or no,” he said.

“Exeter would like to keep me, I believe there is an offer there for me, I am in my rights not to sign that until the end of the season.

“We have to decide how we move forward from here. It’s been something we have built over a long period of time. Now is probably not the right time to discuss my future.”

🔼 @Coventry_City are back in @SkyBetLeagueOne!
💙 A day #SkyBlues fans will never ever forget. #CCFC #PUSB #FeelEveryEmotion pic.twitter.com/TAsIalpgx7
— Sky Bet (@SkyBet) May 28, 2018

If Tisdale, as expected, does leave, with a move to MK Dons mooted, it will see him follow director of football Steve Perryman out of the door at Exeter, following his decision to retire.

That would leave a big hole to fill at the Devon club, not that Tisdale feels too much sympathy.

“Maybe they should have thought about when they made the decision to put me on notice 18 months ago,” he said.

“I would be amazed if Steve wasn’t involved somewhere and he would be very welcome to play a part in my career going forward.

“He has been a true friend to me and he has had a really productive and effective mark on me.”