Robins Receives Honorary Degree, Reflects on Coventry Tenure and Thanks Fans

Mark Robins expressed feelings of being “humbled and proud” upon receiving a degree from Coventry University, noting his departure from school at 16. The former Coventry City manager described the experience as “a humbling experience” during his return to the city to accept the honorary degree, which occurred merely two weeks after his dismissal from the Championship club. Over nearly eight years as the Sky Blues’ manager, a period marked by considerable pressure and transformation for the erstwhile Premier League team, Robins guided the club to four appearances at Wembley and secured two promotions. Nevertheless, the recognition of his dedicated efforts and achievements, in the form of a degree conferred by Coventry University, arrived precisely a fortnight after Coventry City owner Doug King terminated his employment. “This honour came out of left field a few weeks ago,” Robins informed BBC CWR. “And to be back in Coventry such a short time time after losing my job was something I hadn’t contemplated.” He continued, “But it has been a humbling experience. There are hundreds of people here who have just picked up their degrees and worked really hard for them. And that is why it feels so very, very humbling.” Robins concluded, “It’s been an emotional day but then it’s been an emotional few weeks.” In his initial interview since departing the Sky Blues, the 54-year-old, who previously managed Rotherham United, Barnsley, Huddersfield Town, and Scunthorpe United, chose not to speculate on his next professional move but acknowledged that his recent circumstances “had lit a fire in him.” Robins conceded that, despite his personal pride in accepting the accolade, he viewed it as a collective honor shared with everyone who supported the former Manchester United striker during his most successful period as a football manager. He stated, “I’m delighted to get this in recognition of all the hard work that has gone in over the last nearly eight years.” Robins added, “Everybody has played their part. The players, the staff, the supporters. In fact, mostly the supporters. The lifeblood of any football club.” He further remarked, “The journey that everybody has been on has been an immense one.” Expressing his enjoyment, he said, “I’ve loved every minute of it and, if I could do it all over again, I would.” Robins emphasized the positive moments, stating, “The fact is we’ve had some brilliant moments. The supporters have played a special part in that and I can’t thank them enough. Without the fans behind you, you can’t achieve anything – and they’ve been magnificent.” Mark Robins extended an invitation to Dave Boddy, the former Sky Blues chief executive, as his guest for Thursday’s degree ceremony at Coventry University. Robins also paid tribute to Boddy, who had been a key supporter for five years at Coventry and left the club in January, by having him attend the ceremony. Robins commented, “We’ve kept in touch and will continue to do that.” He praised Boddy, saying, “Dave Boddy was brilliant for the football club, brilliant for me and he’s a brilliant human being. It was good to spend time with him and have a catch-up.” Despite reports that Coventry players were advised against using social media during the past fortnight, Robins expressed appreciation for their private messages of support. “The players have contacted me independently,” he revealed. “They just need a bit of time to settle down. Things have changed and everybody moves on.” Robins reflected, “It’s something that, over time, you come to terms with. Whenever you lose your job it’s tough. The fact that I’ve been here so long makes it even tougher but, in football management, you know sooner or later it’s going to end. “Whilst it was sooner than I wanted, at the end of the day, it is what it is.” He concluded with a personal note, “I left school at 16. I’m not an academic. So, to get this bestowed on me is really special. I’m not sure about the hat though.” Mark Robins’ comments were made during an interview with Clive Eakin of BBC CWR.