The Sky Blues defender has admitted his surprise at Doug King’s decision to dispense with the manager’s services, revealing that he didn’t see this week’s sacking coming.

The 31-year-old, one of two elder statesmen along with Ben Wilson in a very young current dressing room, is personally disappointed to see Robins go and is backing the experienced manager to find a new club soon.

“I’d imagine he’ll be a wanted man with his track record,” said Bidwell. “It doesn’t need me to explain, there are a lot of clubs who will be in need of his experience and I am sure he will be high on other clubs’ lists, and it will be down to him if he wants to take on another challenge, which I am sure he will do at some point. I’m sure if he wants to do that the challenge will be there for him.”

Turning his attention to today’s match at league leaders Sunderland, where he will be absent due to recovering from a knee ligament strain, Bidwell insists his teammates have to put aside the emotions of the last couple of days and put on a performance for the travelling fans.

“There are a lot of emotions and feeling and people are going to feel different ways about the news but in terms of the lads they have to park it the best they can for a couple of days and go up there and give a performance,” he said.

“Rhys (Carr) has come in to take the team and it’s important everyone gets behind him, and it’s a new scenario for him as well. The fans deserve a performance.”

Asked about Carr’s qualities, he added: “He’s been good, dynamic, got some really good ideas, although he’s obviously only had a day to do a session really.”