Don Goodman Exclusive

Mark Robins SACKED. Your reaction?

DG - “Nothing should surprise you in football but this was really sad. It's the end of an era.

“You would have thought Mark Robins had enough credit in the bank to be given more time in charge. While the expectation was for Coventry to challenge towards the top end of the league, there are still plenty of games to be played and more time for them to turn it around.

“It's sad, really, really sad. It's not been an easy decision for Doug but he needs to be careful what he wishes for. We've seen decisions like this backfire before.

“We just don't know what's happened behind the scenes but I'm disappointed and surprised. Yes, the results haven't been what you would expect and they're closer to the bottom of the table than they are to the top, but they've been unlucky in a lot of games it has to be said.

They've created the fifth highest XG and have missed a lot of chances in key moments. That's why Coventry have struggled to pick up the points that they have deserved.

“I remember when Thomas Frank replaced Dean Smith at Brentford but only won one of his first 10 games. It would have been easy for their hierarchy to get rid of Thomas Frank but they looked at the performance levels and data... and look where they are now.

There are a few underperforming clubs such as Middlesbrough, who should definitely have more points than they do, Coventry are just another one.

“I've said previously that there should be a statue of Mark Robins outside the CBS Arena, that's how much he's done for the club.

“Mark had been at the club for seven years, you must remember where that club was when he took over, what they have done for the club and also in this case under many incredibly difficult circumstances. 

“They were in League Two and had to play home games at St Andrew's and Northampton. Such a divide between fans and ownership is a recipe for disaster but in the face of such adversity, he performed miracles. He took them to within one penalty shoot-out of the Premier League and deserved to have taken them to an FA Cup final just last season.

“Obviously things change behind the scenes and Adi Viveash left in the summer. He was a huge part of the development of the team, so it's difficult to know why that decision was made.

“When all is said and done, I think most of football is disappointed that with the credit in the bank he deserved, he wasn’t given longer to turn things around.”

Frank Lampard odds-on favourite - your reaction? 

DG - “Frank Lampard has had experience managing in the Championship with Derby County but whoever comes in at Coventry City is up against it from the off. They're going to have to get results instantly, so it doesn't matter if it's a big name like Frank Lampard or someone nobody has heard of. The situation remains the same given the popularity of Mark Robins.

“Frank's had it tough in management, particularly at Everton. He'll be desperate to prove that he's capable of managing another big club like Coventry. So if it is to be Frank Lampard, I just hope the fans are patient with him, give him time and accept that he will give everything to get Coventry City to the Premier League.

“Coventry have a squad that should be challenging for a play-off spot and the league is quite congested at the moment. The next 15 games will be decisive for Coventry City and their new head coach. That's when we’ll have a better idea what they could potentially achieve this season.

“It's a great job at a great club with a great fan base and a squad of players really capable of operating in the upper echelons of the Championship.

“Whoever takes over, the hierarchy will be desperate they get off to a good start, as in my opinion, there will be more scrutiny and pressure on them as opposed to the head coach, given the decision they’ve made!

Sunderland top of the Championship. How realistic of a prospect is an automatic promotion for the Black Cats?

DG - “Before a ball was kicked, anyone connected with Sunderland would have snapped your hand off for a guaranteed play-off push. That's what this start has given them.

“Whether they can maintain a challenge for automatic promotion is yet to be seen. There are some good teams chasing them but they've played 15 matches, sit top of the league, look like a really good Championship team and are unbeaten in eight matches.

“They play Middlesbrough away on February 1st and if they're in and around the automatic promotion spots at that point, then they are in business. I think they have a really good run-in, so these next 12-15 games could be critical.

“The Championship is not as strong as last season and there's an opportunity for someone to surprise us. Sunderland would be a surprise after last season and appointing an unknown quantity in Regis Le Bris.

“But there are bigger tests to come. They've only played five games against teams in the top-half compared to 10 games against bottom-half sides. I think they're guaranteed a play-off push but we'll see what's possible after the next 12-15 games with regards to an automatic challenge.”

Jordan Henderson has been linked with an emotional return to the Stadium of Light, what do you make of that?

DG - “Jordan Henderson has started six of eleven league games for Ajax (and involved in ten), so it's not a given he'll leave. But there are so many reasons why he'd be a brilliant addition for Sunderland or any Championship team. 

“He's a Sunderland boy and his leadership and know-how would be absolutely invaluable for Sunderland in their current situation. Such a young group would learn so much from someone like Jordan Henderson. Any potential transfer can only be a positive thing for Sunderland.”

Are Leeds United still your favourites for the title, or have their injury issues changed your opinion?

DG - “Leeds United are absolutely still my favourites for the title despite their injury problems. They've dominated pretty much every game they've played, even the ones they have lost, with the possible exception of the second league game of the season against West Bromwich Albion.

“There's nothing obviously wrong at the moment. The only worry is that they're missing a few chances and are without key players. But look how well Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka have done in the absence of Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu. They've been phenomenal and the rest of the league will be worried by the fact that Leeds are only going to get stronger.

“They're two points off the top and you can't see them getting weaker, so they'd absolutely be my favourite”

Reaction to Dennis Cirkin and Leeds rumours?

DG - “I would love to think that there is no way in the slightest Sunderland would allow Dennis Cirkin to leave in their current situation, especially to Leeds (a definite promotion rival). 

“He's one of the best left-backs in the Championship and scored a great goal against Coventry at the weekend. He would be a brilliant addition for Leeds but I'm not sure I can see it happening.

“After selling Jack Clarke in the summer, it would cause uproar amongst Sunderland fans if they sold another one of their young stars. 

“I can see why Leeds would be interested but, if I was Sunderland, I'd be having none of it.”

Inconsistency still plaguing Middlesbrough. What can Michael Carrick do to change their form?

DG - “Michael Carrick doesn't need to change anything! Without hesitation, Middlesbrough's performance levels are some of the best in the Championship. They create some brilliant chances but have struggled to put the ball in the back of the net at times and have dropped points through silly defensive mistakes.

“But what's encouraging is that they've scored nine goals in their last two games and they could have had even more. They've generated the highest XG in the Championship, which shows how well they're playing. They have an XG of 28 but have only scored 23 goals, so they could have had at least five more goals than they currently do.

“I wouldn't be panicking if I was Michael Carrick. They just need to continue taking their chances and eradicate some of the sloppy errors.

“I wouldn't be giving up on an automatic promotion place at all. They've got to get in the top-six, first of all, but at this stage of the season they are playing so well, so there's no way I will rule them out of finishing in the top two. It would take a significant winning run but have they got the ability to do that? Yes, absolutely they have.”

Do Norwich City need to bring in a free-agent striker with Barnes and Sargent out injured? Kemar Roofe is available…

DG - “Josh Sargent will be a massive miss for Norwich City. It was the same last season. As soon as he returned to fitness in the new year, he was scoring goals at a rapid rate and propelling Norwich to a play off spot.

“He's been key this season, even though it's Borja Sainz who has been scoring the goals. I don't think Norwich City have seen the best of Ashley Barnes, either, which is obviously down to injuries. 

“As a team, Norwich have dropped off. They're only three points off the relegation zone and have failed to win in six. Their last two defeats against Sheffield Wednesday and Bristol City are particularly concerning. It looked to me that they were struggling to create chances, let alone score goals. 

“They're going to have to do something, whether that's explore the free agent market or promote somebody from the youth team. After a tough trip to West Bromwich Albion next, they face Plymouth, Luton, QPR and Portsmouth and will have to take points from that run of fixtures or face being dragged into a relegation battle. Maybe the international break has come at the right time.

“Kemar Roofe has been a decent Championship striker in the past, but I'm a bit concerned that he's been without a club for four months after leaving Rangers. It's a long time to have not played any football. Is he going to be able to get fit and firing before Sargent and Barnes return?

“But, equally, what have Norwich got to lose with signing someone like Kemar Roofe? They could sign him on a short-term deal and almost take him on trial. It would be a win-win for both parties who have very little to lose.”

Having previously expressed doubts about the age of their squad, how impressed are you with the job Paul Warne has done at Derby County?

DG - “I covered their opening game of the season and they were well-beaten by Blackburn Rovers. Paul Warne had said afterwards that his side wasn't 'Championship-ready' before completing their business. “If you look at their transfer activity, it's been really good. Six new players started against Plymouth at the weekend which is half a team.

“Having been relegated on a couple of occasions at Rotherham, Paul Warne would acknowledge that this opportunity with Derby County is his best chance to establish himself as a Championship manager. After 15 games this season, I think he's done a brilliant job to make them competitive.

“Although they're in 12th, Derby are only four points above the relation zone, however. He'll know that they cannot afford to lose focus and rest on their laurels. The next three games against Preston, Swansea and Sheffield Wednesday are massive. If they can pick six points up from those matches, then they'll be sitting reasonably pretty. 

“I think Paul Warne has done an excellent job as it's never easy after being promoted to the Championship, unless you are Ipswich!”

Have you seen enough to say they won't be relegated?

DG - “It's tight down there, there's only one point between third-bottom Cardiff and Coventry in 17th. There are only four points between the relegation zone and 11th place. I've never seen it like that before at this stage of the season!

“There is, at this stage, no way I can rule Derby out of being relegated, though. They struggle away from home having only won one from eight but they've made a really solid start to the season as a newly-promoted club.”

What have you made of Narcis Pelach’s time at Stoke City so far? Clear improvement?

DG - “Seven points from the last three games has really helped Narcis Pelach's cause, as it looked like he was struggling before.

“You can look at Pelach and say 'He's only won three out 10,' which is not going to get you to the play-offs, or say 'He's only lost three out of his10 games,’ which sounds much better.

“However, he was brought in as the hierarchy clearly thought that Stoke City should be challenging for the play-offs. If I'm honest, I really cannot see that happening. Stoke City and Pelach have a lot of work to do if they are to compete amongst the Championship's top sides.

“It's impossible for me to say that he's improved the team, but the last three games have been a lot more encouraging. Had they not picked up those seven points, I don't think the Stoke fans would be viewing Pelach in a positive light.

“There's nothing I've seen from them this season to make me think they can make it into the op six. If Narcis Pelach is a long-term appointment, maybe they could do something next season with more time.

“I see Stoke as a pretty average Championship team at this moment in time. There are at least six better teams and probably more than Stoke so far this year.”

Hull City fans have expressed discontent with Tim Walter. Is it a case of ‘told you so’ after they sacked Liam Rosenior?

DG - “I heard Acun Ilıcalı backing Tim Walter last week but they're only out of the relegation zone on goal difference.

“Although there are some crazy rotations which see centre-backs ending up on the wing and midfielders in defence, there is little evidence that Walter is implementing the attacking and exciting brand of football that was promised by the owner when he was appointed. 

“Should Ilıcalı stick or twist? It depends if he thinks they can turn it around, as it looks like they'll end up in a relegation battle at this moment in time. If he was to sack Tim Walter, it would be an admission of making a catastrophic error of judgment. 

“Ilıcalı said he didn't like Liam Rosenior's style of football but he dragged a team from a relegation battle to the brink of the play-offs. I would have to presume that Hull City would have more points and more wins if Liam Rosenior had been in charge. We'll never know but I'd put my money on it if I was a betting man.

“I thought it was a strange decision in the summer and it's not looking good at the minute. It's a shame as Acun Ilıcalı cares and is desperate to see Hull play in the Premier League but his decision to sack Liam Rosenior and hire Tim Walter is not looking like a good one at this moment in time.”

Surely Omar Riza has to be the next Cardiff City permanent manager? 

DG - “Omar Riza will be frustrated that they've lost their last two games but prior to that they had won four and drawn two. The football has got a lot more positive and the players are enjoying their football but the fact he hasn't been appointed makes me think the hierarchy does not fancy him or that there is someone waiting in the wings.

“It was a perfect audition up until the last two games, so it will be an interesting two weeks during the international break, to see if he's given the job permanently or kept as an interim. I think he's moved the team forwards given where they were before, so it's not exactly a positive endorsement from the board and I'm surprised he's not been given the job permanently. I think he's shown enough to at least, be given the job on a short-term basis or on an 18-month contract.

“I don't think Cardiff can attract a big-name candidate or someone with a brilliant pedigree. I think they must make some kind of announcement over the next two weeks and it will be interesting to see what they do.”

What are your thoughts on Plymouth Argyle’s recent form. Are they showing enough under Wayne Rooney?

DG - “Wayne Rooney has got the support of the ownership and backing of the fans. He's won them around after that shocking display on the opening day at Hillsborough, which was one of the worst I've seen at Championship level.

“The task again for Plymouth Argyle is survival and, at the moment, they are doing that. Yes, it's tight at the bottom of the table but they are well in the mix. They are not five points from safety like QPR. There are question marks about the fact they can have a meltdown away from home occasionally but, aside from that, Wayne Rooney has made Plymouth competitive.

“While he has the backing of supporters and they remain competitive, Wayne Rooney gets a thumbs up from me. I don't think you can be critical of where Plymouth are in the table and the amount of points they've got. It seems he's trying to bring more structure to the way Argyle play.”

Do you see a way back for Pompey? 

DG - “It was almost a must-win for Portsmouth against Preston and they delivered their win. In the first-half, they dominated and the players needed it more than anyone. Yes, they needed points to get within touching distance of teams above them but the players also needed it for their self-belief after a tough start.

“They're now entering a period where, in my opinion, they won't be playing what I’d consider any of the Championships top teams across the next ten games and it will be a defining period which needs to go well for them. if they don't pick up a decent amount of points from that run, I will worry for them.

“Colby Bishop's return will be a huge boost and help when it comes to goal-scoring and creativity. It's gone from doom and gloom to looking a lot more positive.”

Could back-to-back draws have a positive impact on Birmingham City despite dropping points?

DG - “I don't think it does Birmingham City any harm. They are dominating every game of football they play and I'd be worried if they weren't. They're the best team in the league and have the best players in the league. All they need to do is apply themselves.

“The players need to understand that things like Saturday's last-gasp draw against Northampton happen if you don't put away your chances. To me, the last couple of results aren't a concern as I still think the opportunity is there for them to break League One records, Chris Davies just needs to ensure his players remain focused and are clinical when the chances come.

“Birmingham City shouldn't be worried about any other team despite Wycombe's recent form. They just need to worry about themselves as they are the best team with the best players.”

Should Wrexham be worried about Wycombe?

DG - “If Wrexham aspire to join Birmingham in being automatically promoted from League One then, yes, they should be worried about Wycombe Wanderers. 

“They've gone 12 unbeaten which includes 10 wins and six have those have come in consecutive games. They're winning games in different ways, such as digging in against Wigan at the weekend but also blowing teams away with goals at times. 

“From what I've seen, they've got everything you need in a team to form a genuine promotion push. Given their current position in table, I struggle to see a situation where Wycombe aren't involved in a promotion race.”

Paul Mullin has been on the receiving end of criticism to say he’s not good enough for League One. What do you make of that?

DG - “Paul Mullin has only started five games due to injury and when you miss pre-season, it's going to take you time to get up to speed. I think anyone saying he cannot play at League One level is being very harsh.

“Phil Parkinson wouldn't be selecting Paul Mullin if he didn’t believe he was capable of playing at League One level. That in itself is a sign for those who are making the noise. It's way too early for anyone to write him off and it's harsh if you do.”

Are Huddersfield still automatic promotion contenders or is that looking less likely after a horrendous FA Cup exit?

DG - “I think Huddersfield Town have got their act together and I wouldn't judge them on their draw at Crawley as any away game has the potential to be difficult. I wouldn't rule them out based on their FA Cup loss either.

“What makes it difficult is the form of Birmingham, Wycombe and Wrexham. They've given those teams a head start after a run of poor form in September and that's put them on the back foot. What's impressive, however, is their response to that, winning three out of their last five League One games and drawing two of them.

“There is no room for error though. It's going to be a tall order for them to challenge for a top-two spot and they just need to take it one game at a time by continuing their unbeaten run. They need to win most games as opposed to drawing them, too, but I wouldn't rule them out despite looking tough.”

Are Bristol Rovers underperforming in League One? Would you expect better from them? 

DG - “You're looking at a team that has finished 17th and 15th across the last two seasons. I'm not sure anyone can really have expected Bristol Rovers to finish towards the top end of League One this season.

“When looking at their results against the better teams, the deficit in quality is clear too. They've played seven games against teams in the top half, losing six and drawing one. That in itself tells that Rovers are not ready to compete in the upper regions of the third tier.

“They also must improve at both ends of the pitch, having conceded the second-highest XG in League One and creating the third-lowest XG. While it may not sound exciting, the current season looks likely to play out in a similar fashion to the previous two campaigns and in a mid-table finish.

“Whether Bristol Rovers are underperforming, however, depends on the expectations fans had at the start of the campaign. What's overwhelmingly clear, though, is that they do not look ready to compete at the top end of the league anytime soon.”

Do you expect MK Dons to finish in the play-offs under Scott Lindsay?

DG - “I would expect MK Dons to be fighting for the automatic promotion spots under Scott Lindsay. I like him and his style of football very much and with Dons being just three points off Notts County in third, it certainly is a realistic proposition.

“I'd be disappointed if anyone around that does not have the belief that they can be automatically promoted.”

Could this be the year your former team Bradford finally go back up based on what you’ve seen so far?

DG - “Bradford City are still the big fish in League Two, aren't they? They're everybody's cup final as an ex-Premier League club and they will still have strong ambitions. I saw they had 18,200 fans at their last home match against Doncaster Rovers which is so impressive.

“Despite back-to-back losses and being winless in three, they are still only two points off the play-offs.

“When you look at their squad, you can see renowned names and experienced players with so much quality which makes me believe they will come good. 

“For City not to finish in the top seven and have a chance of promotion via the play-offs would be hugely disappointing for me.”

Should Morgan Rogers have been in the recent England squad?

DG - “I was so impressed by Morgan Rogers' reaction to being left out of the England squad in October. He shrugged it off and did the business for England's under-21s side.

“He's been brilliant this season and the fact that he's started all 11 Premier League games is an acknowledgement from Unai Emery that he rates him tremendously highly. He's also impacting games having registered three goals and two assists.

“So it’s brilliant that he has been called up for the November internationals and is a reward for his hard work.

“You can’t think it’s guaranteed that he gets that first cap as he's competing with the likes of Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Jude Bellingham for a place in but he has an opportunity to impress and that’s just a reward for how good he has been this season.

“He absolutely deserves the new contract that is being reported. I openly questioned if he was ready to play Premier League football and I was completely wrong. He clearly was ready and I just didn't see that at Middlesbrough on a consistent basis.

“Since joining at Aston Villa he's grown and just seems to be getting better with every game. He's grown in stature and all power to him, of course, he deserves a new deal!”