MARK Robins is proud to be leading Coventry City out at Wembley in the club’s first FA Cup semi-final for 37 years against Manchester United this weekend.
The Sky Blues will need to produce another upset to reach the FA Cup final for only the second time in the club’s history, following their quarter-final heroics at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
And City boss Robins, who started his career as a player at United, insists he and his players know the scale of the challenge which awaits them in the capital.
Robins said: “I’m excited. It’s a brilliant opportunity for everyone and there’s a lot of excitement around the city and it’s the first time we’ve been in the semi-final since 1987.
“It’s not a normal occasion for us, for Manchester United its normal for them.
“They have some England internationals and other internationals who have played at Wembley and for them it’s an expectation and for their supporters, so for us its slightly different, although we’ve been four times in the last seven years.
“We’ve had an experience of Wembley, varying levels of success, other than last year it’s been very positive, and we look forward to this weekend.
“We know the challenge and there’s no doubt that’s huge, majorly significant, but we’re looking forward to it.”
Coventry suffered an agonising defeat to Luton Town on penalties in last season’s Championship play-off final.
However, with the club returning to Wembley for their second visit in as many seasons, Robins heaped praise on his players and staff.
Robins added “I’m proud to lead the team out at Wembley again.
“I’m proud of everyone, it’s always a team effort. The fans have been incredible on this journey and the players have been outstanding, as have the staff and everyone behind it.
“It’s been a proper team effort, and it always is. It’s a game where, what can we do to effect it in a positive way and that’s the challenge for me and for Adi and all the staff.
“Certainly, for the players when the whistle goes, it’s down to them to execute a game plan and if they can do that properly, then they stand a chance.
“The game will be a really good game and it’s brilliant for us and our supporters and the world will be tuning in and it’s a great occasion for us and all of our players.”
And Robins wants his side to play without fear at Wembley against a United team who have won just one of their last seven league matches.
He said: “We have to go into this game understanding what the treats are and there are significant ones because they have top players.
“For people who say Manchester United are this and that and concede a lot of shots, you’re talking about a team that are full of talented top international players, that play at that level every week.
“For us, we know they are clearly favourites to win this game, by a million miles and they are expected to win, and we know that and what we are likely to encounter, but we have to play a part in the game.
“We have to understand what the game will be and what the occasion is. There shouldn’t be any fear and it will be one of the biggest games most of our players will have played in.
“It’s only the second time in our history we have reached an FA Cup semi-final, so can we go and take that to another level.
“It will be an interesting game, but one we have to enjoy and give everything we possibly can.”
The semi-final takes place on Sunday, April 21 with kick-off at 3.30pm at Wembley.
