Football League World
·13 November 2024
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·13 November 2024
Adrian Clarke has urged Coventry City to speak to Lee Carsley as Mark Robins successor.
Mark Robins was dismissed by Coventry City, and Adrian Clarke has touted Lee Carsley as a potential successor for the vacancy at the CBS Arena.
Robins was controversially sacked by Coventry after seven-and-a-half years at the club, having guided them back to the Championship from the doldrums of League Two. Coventry were 17th in the Championship at the time of the decision, level on points with Plymouth Argyle in 22nd but only seven points off the play-off spots.
Robins was a beloved figure by supporters, who sought an explanation for his departure after seven years with the Sky Blues. Doug King explained, via Coventry Live, that a breakdown in the relationship between the ex-Coventry boss and a member of his coaching staff, Adi Viveash, played a role in the decision.
He clarified that Robins’ desire to make changes behind the scenes to the coaching team proved difficult to manage, and that he was struggling to bring in a fresh face for the role vacated by Viveash. The Sky Blues’ owner also admitted that the response to the change in manager from supporters caught him by surprise.
They'd had a rough start in comparison to expectations, but this move by the City hierarchy blindsided many. However, King also added that he would like to have Robins' successor in place "within ten days" but that, if an appointment is not made in that time, there shouldn't be any panic.
A draw away at league leaders Sunderland on Saturday probably bought him a bit more time, but the latest update explains how King has stated that over 80 managers have expressed an interest in taking the vacancy, with Frank Lampard among those also linked with the job.
Despite links to Lampard, EFL pundit Adrian Clarke would like to see Carsley take the job at Coventry after he has finished working with England. Speaking via the What The EFL?! Podcast, he said: "It was interesting, the Frank Lampard thing.
"He kind of dismissed that when he said 'I haven't spoken to Lampard, and he hasn't spoken to me'. That doesn't feel imminent.
"The one name, I have got to say, as just a little curveball here on the list of possibles that might fit the brief, because he has said he wants a head coach that is a brilliant coach on the training ground, maybe Lee Carsley.
"Maybe Lee Carsley. He is a name on that list; he's had his crack with England, he doesn't want it.
"He made a bit of a hash of the press, didn't he? That was a bit of a nightmare, but with Thomas Tuchel taking the job now, he is kind of boxed in a little bit at the U-21s.
"This might be his moment to get out and get himself a really good job in the EFL. He's got links to Coventry, he's been there before of course, so he might be someone that they want to talk to.
"Obviously, Carsley is someone who is otherwise engaged for the next week or so, so maybe they buy a little time there.
"If I was in their shoes, I would want to speak to Lee Carsley."
There have been other reports from the Mirror that the former Everton and Chelsea manager is closing in on the vacant position, although King has dismissed those.
A tweet from Coventry Telegraph reporter Andy Turner stated that while interviewing King, the Sky Blues' owner admitted that former Derby County and Chelsea boss Lampard had thrown his hat in the ring for the vacant position by submitting his CV.
The two parties are allegedly yet to speak, but Lampard is interested. The options are therefore wide open to Cov, and perhaps Carsley is someone with the credentials required for the role. Not just in terms of his managerial acumen, but due to his connection to the club and area.
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