The saga to appoint a permanent successor for Coventry City has taken a fresh turn following a statement published by the FA.
Lee Carsley has been among the favourites to succeed Mark Robins, with Wycombe Wanderers boss Matt Bloomfield, Ex-Derby County man Frank Lampard and former Manchester United legend Ruud Van Nistelrooy all tipped for the role.
Ex-Sky Blue Returns To Former Role
Whilst he started his coaching journey in the West Midlands, Carsley has forged his career in international football. He had been in interim charge of the Sky Blues on two occasions in 2012 and 2013 after retiring at the club.
The former Birmingham City midfielder has progressed through the setup of the Three Lions, becoming both Under 20 and Under 21 manager. He led the latter to a Euros win last year, with current Burnley keeper James Trafford starting in that match.
The resignation of Gareth Southgate over the summer gave Carsley the chance to take interim charge of the senior squad and he has led the club back to the Nations League A, with his time emphasised the the use of youth players such as ex-Middlesbrough man Morgan Rogers.
His departure had led to rumours Coventry City may return for their former player but a statement released by the FA could throw a spanner in the works. (Quotes via CoventryLive):
“He has selected some exciting new players and will be providing Thomas Tuchel and Anthony Barry with a very detailed handover as they start work on our qualifying campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“The players have really enjoyed working with Lee and his team – they have made a real impact in their interim roles.
“Lee will now return to the Under-21s and will continue to play a vital role supporting the seniors by developing England’s best young players.
“His leadership and coaching gives us the best possible chance of back-to-back U21 Euro wins next summer, and he will continue to play a big part in elite football development across the FA.”
Writer’s View
Ultimately it seems that it will not be Lee Carsley who succeeds Mark Robins at Coventry City. He would have been a brilliant appointment with how he emphasises youth development but is a largely untested figure in club management so the risk would have been high.
Football journalist with The Real EFL since 2023. A 2024 Multimedia Journalism graduate from the University of Salford, Lewis specialises in Salford City FC and EFL coverage.
