COVENTRY City captain Ben Sheaf insists former boss Mark Robins is a ‘club legend’ and his dismissal came as a ‘surprise’ to the players.
Sheaf played no part in the Sky Blues 2-2 draw with league leaders Sunderland last weekend due to injury as interim boss Rhys Carr took charge of the side for the first time following the club’s decision to sack former manager Robins.
And Sheaf admits the players feel responsible for Robins’ dismissal and insists the group will stay together over the coming weeks as City try to climb up the Championship table.
Sheaf said: “It was a surprise. Mark Robins has done an amazing job here. We didn’t quite see it coming and when things like that happen you feel responsible for it as players.
“It’s no secret that he’s a legend for the club, and for me personally I’m super grateful and thankful for what he’s done for me.
“I wish him all the best but I am happy that we’ve managed to claw out a result. Things like this happen in football and you’ve just got to learn from it and kick on now.
“It’s not easy and there’s a lot of uncertainty at times like this but for the time being we’re going to stay together, look after each other and that’s all we can do for now.
“We will keep training well and try to grind out results.”
The Sky Blues came from two goals down to rescue a point at the Stadium of Light as Haji Wright and Jack Rudoni both struck after the break to cancel out strikes from Wilson Isidor and Dennis Cirkin.
Sheaf praised City’s character and believes the comeback signifies what the club is about following a difficult week both on and off the pitch.
Sheaf added: “It was a game of two halves. We weren’t quite at it in the first half and then we were much better in the second half, and we fully deserved to get at least a point from the game.
“I’m really proud of the lads and the character they showed and it just shows what this dressing room and this club is about.
“I’d have loved to have been involved and played the game but I picked up a knock and it was a bit touch-and-go whether I’d play and we made a late call and it was just too soon.
“I’m devastated about that but I had full confidence in the boys that they would be able to get a result. It’s nothing too serious but I just wasn’t available.”
Coventry host Sheffield United on Saturday, November 23 with kick-off at 12.30pm at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
