Mark Robins Opens Up On Managerial Decision Amid Numerous Links

Mark Robins has reportedly sidestepped the chance to make a quick return to football management.

Robins was sacked by Sky Blues owner Doug King last month after a lacklustre start to the season, but his dismissal still caused surprise in football circles following promotions, a Championship play-off final and an FA Cup semi-final during his seven years in charge.

He has been linked with numerous jobs since his CBS Arena exit, but it appears that Millwall will not be his next destination.

Robins has been linked with both the Lions vacancy and the job at Oxford United in the past week, but reports suggest he has snubbed Millwall in favour of taking an extended break from football management.

South London Press sports editor Richard Cawley took to X to report: “Mark Robins has turned down the chance to talk to Millwall about their head coach vacancy. Wants a break after his Coventry exit. Matt Bloomfield, Alex Neil and Steven Schumacher all ones that are in the mix.”

Ambition and location are likely to be key factors in Robins’ next move, with the 54-year-old keen to achieve promotion and test himself in the Premier League – something he always wanted to achieve at Coventry. As such, both Millwall and Oxford are unlikely to fit the bill for the former Manchester United striker.

MIllwall are looking for a new boss following the departure of club icon Neil Harris earlier this month, and former Stoke City bosses Alex Neil and Steven Schumacher are amongst the leading candidates to replace him.

The Mirror reports that Neil impressed the Millwall hierarchy during talks over The Den vacancy, but says Schumacher and Wycombe boss Matt Bloomfield are also in the frame.

They add: “Neil has been unattached since he was sacked by Stoke back in December 2023, but boasts a wealth of Championship experience from spells with Norwich, Preston North End and Sunderland.

“Millwall have also approached other managers, including Gary O’Neil. The 41-year-old was sounded out over the job, but the consensus is it’s too soon following his departure from Wolves.”