The manager looks back at the draw against Blackburn...

27 April 2024

Coventry City

@Coventry_City

Mark Robins was pleased with the way his side battled with ten men to keep a clean sheet and earn a point at Ewood Park.

City were reduced to ten midway through the second half when Liam Kitching was dismissed.

The Sky Blues did have chances to win the game, with Liam Kelly hitting the woodwork inside of the area.

Speaking after the final whistle, Robins gave his reaction to the game, Aidan Dausch’s debut and a send-off for Kyle McFadzean.

Looking back on the game…

“It was frustrating a little bit because you know that they’re lacking in energy and the last thing you need is to lose a man and go down to ten men.

“We gave everything we possibly could do, there was a lack of quality there and they were nervy and if we had started on the front foot the outcome could have been different.

“Where we’re at, at the moment, in terms of energy levels and availability of players, it makes things difficult, but they gave me everything and credit to them.

“We worked our socks off at ten men to keep the clean sheet, and we needed one because we’ve conceded too many goals recently.”

Clean sheet on the road…

“They deserve an enormous amount of credit for keeping that clean sheet.

“Brad made some good saves when he needed to, and we had some of the best chances of the game.”

Chances to win the game…

“Haji in the first half, he could have gone higher with it or take a touch and then finish it, but he chose to take it first time and he may have dragged it to the near post as we’ve seen him do it in the past, but the goalkeeper has made the save and read it.

“The second one with Kells in the second half. He’s hit the post and it’s flashed across the face of goal, which was a good opening for us.

“From our point of view it could have been different, but from their point of view, they had some chances and a few efforts on our goal, so the clean sheet was important and hard worked for.”

Debut for Aidan Dausch…

“Aidan Dausch has made his debut which is good for us and good for him.

“We needed an injection of pace and energy at that part of the game, and he certainly gave us that.”

Send off for Kyle McFadzean…

“At the end the appreciate they’ve shown to Fadz for the time he spent with us was really nice to see, from the supporters and from our players.

“It rounds it off really nicely for him and for the supporters as well.”

Liam Kitching’s red card…

“He will have to learn, and he will learn.

“He needs to be in a better position to initially. We get caught going forward and then your wrong side.

“His argument will be that he’s trying to save a goal against, and he may have done that, because Bobby was in a covering position, but they had another man on the inside that he could have reversed the ball to and we could have been a goal down.

“But the last thing you need, when you’re out on your feet is to go down and have to work as hard as we did in the last 20 minutes of the game.”

Coventry City continued to run on empty after an emotional and energy-sapping week in which they had to dig deep to go again against relegation battling Blackburn Rovers.

Having barely had time to recover from a midweek defeat to Hull, which pretty much ended any faint hopes of making the Championship play-offs, the Sky Blues did remarkably well to keep John Eustace’s men at bay amid a late bombardment when down to ten men.

A fresh suspension and mounting injury list means the pressure continues into the final week of the campaign when City face another quick turn-around to host Ipswich Town on Tuesday night before taking on QPR on the final day of the season. Here, Sky Blues reporter Andy Turner looks at some of the big talking points from Saturday’s flat goalless draw at Ewood Park.

READ MORE: Coventry City boss makes Liam Kitching admission & pinpoints big positive after ten man goalless draw

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Costly Kitch

Liam Kitching earned the dubious honour of becoming the first City player to be sent off three times in one season in the club’s history and, in doing so just after the hour mark, made his team-mates’ job all the harder to get a result at battling Blackburn Rovers who threw the kitchen sink at ten man Sky Blues as they desperately tried to get a goal and take the full three points to avoid their fate being decided on the last day of the season. Mark Robins was clearly irritated by the defender’s indiscipline which rules him out of the remaining two games and the first of the 2024/25 season, and insists he needs to learn from the setback that would have been far more costly had City’s play-off hopes still been alive.

Fadz farewell

On a day when one of the latest generation of City centre-backs had a game to forget, the fans said goodbye to their legendary defender Kyle McFadzean. The 37-year-old didn’t get the chance to say his farewells when he moved to Ewood Park in January and looked genuinely moved and emotional when he made his way to the 4,300 travelling Sky Blue Army at the final whistle. Showing no signs of slowing down during the course of the 90 minutes for Rovers, Fadz had his name sung aloud by the City supporters before kick-off, once during the game in the first half and then on repeat for several minutes at the end amid heart-warming scenes that summed up the incredible connection they have with the players. But McFadzean is not just another player, he’s a special character who will be fondly remembered for years to come for his part in the club’s rise from League One.

Rare but welcome clean sheet

City had to summon up some of McFadzean’s body on the line approach to defending to keep the team’s first clean sheet in eight long league games – a feat that was all the more impressive considering that Rovers created a whopping 30 attempts on goal, eight of which were on target, with opposition coach Keith Downing backing up Coventry’s resolve by revealing a block count of ten.

The shut-out was one of the few positives Robins pointed to in his post-match assessment, coming as only the Sky Blues’ 12th of the season, which the manager clearly feels isn’t good enough and is a key area for improvement next year. Last season, of course, City boasted a club record 22 clean sheets with Ben Wilson in goal behind an impressive back three that included McFadzean at the heart. Of this season’s clean sheets, Wilson has kept four in the league (five in all comps) and Brad Collins eight. It's an aspect of City's game that has clearly gone backwards and, one assumes, Robins will be looking to address in the summer transfer window.

Writing on the wall?

Collins has suffered a dip in form in recent weeks, notably at fault for Hull’s first goal in midweek and jointly culpable for their winner, having been criticised for Manchester United’s first goal at Wembley last weekend and might have done better at his near post to deny Birmingham’s third the week before that. Robins has maintained since the former Chelsea prospect was signed from Barnsley last summer that he doesn’t have a number one and understudy, but two good goalkeepers competing for the shirt. That being the case, many were expecting the manager to give Collins a rest at Ewood Park and freshen things up by handing Wilson another opportunity. The fact that he didn’t suggests, perhaps, that the writing is on the wall in terms of Wilson’s future at the club. And at 31 and having had a full season as first choice last year, it’s difficult to see him not wanting regular first team football again next season and, therefore, potentially seeking a move in the summer.

New kid on the block

Another positive on the day was a senior debut handed to 17-year-old centre-forward Aidan Dausch. The Under-18s striker has stepped up to the 21s this season and clearly caught the manager’s eye. Going on for the last five minutes of normal time and five minutes of stoppage time, Robins was pleased with the teenager’s work-rate and running. Although used to being deployed as a No.9, the forward was required to drop slightly deeper than normal to help City see out the game without conceding.

Do you think City will be looking to add goalkeeping competition in the summer? Tell us what you think in the comments section HERE.

Many restaurants in Coventry offer various cuisines from all around the world. But one eatery in Earlsdon offers diners the best of Turkish cuisine in the city.

Bosphorus Istanbul restaurant is known for its traditional Turkish meals and desserts which can be for dine-in or takeaway. Bosses say the restaurant aims to 'serve amazing food' and offer diners 'the best memories' and 'make their day better'.

Many have praised the restaurant online for its 'gastronomic Turkish food' with 'quiet traditional music' and 'beautiful furnishings'. Many also liked the variety of the menu with the desserts described as 'to die for'.

Read more: The lost Coventry newsagent where kids used to love buying sweets

The cold starters include hummus, cacik (strained yoghurt with cucumber and mint), and stuffed vine leaves, with hot starters ranging from traditional soup to sigara boregi (pastry filled with feta cheese) and calamari. The charcoal grill section includes chicken and lamb shawarma, koftas, and various kebabs, with seafood including salmon, king prawns, and sea bass that come in platters and wraps.

Take a look below at some of the specials offered at Bosphorus:

Bosphorus has a 3.5-star rating on Tripadvisor, with other ratings including food (3.5/5), service (3.5/5), value (3.5/5) and atmosphere (4/5). The eatery also has a 4.5-star rating on Google reviews.

Ulian Nadiia said: "Amazing restaurant with tasty food, very pleasant atmosphere and super kindly staff, especially the owner, she's always there warm and dedicated. The food doesn't look only good, it's really tasty. For us, Bosphorus is the number one restaurant with the best breakfast. Highly recommended."

Jacob Herper said: "Lovely traditional Turkish food at a fair price. We came for lunch and ordered some of their lunch specials, which come with a free soft drink. The portion sizes were very generous and the food was fresh and very tasty."

Ted S added: "Everything about this restaurant is beyond outstanding, the staff treat you like royalty and are some of the warmest most welcoming people I’ve ever met, the atmosphere relaxing and décor stunning the food is sensational and the portions could feed an army with ease, they even encourage you to take home what you can’t manage to finish, to reduce wastage, this restaurant is absolutely fantastic and cater for everyone including fussy children."

Where to find Bosphorus Istanbul Restaurant:

Mark Robins insists Liam Kitching has ‘got to learn’ after being shown his third red card of the season for Coventry City – earning himself the dubious honour of being the first player in the club’s history to be sent off three times in the same campaign.

The centre-half was given his marching orders just after the hour at Ewood Park for a last man professional foul on Blackburn’s Sam Gallagher, leaving a tired looking Sky Blues to hold on for a draw and keep their first clean sheet in eight Championship matches – the biggest positive the manager could take from the game. Kitching now faces a three match ban which means he’ll miss the last two games and the first match of next season.

Asked for his assessment of the game, Robins said: “Umm... It was a good clean sheet. We had tired legs coming into the game so the last thing you want is to go a man down. Unfortunately that’s what happened and we made some changes with one or two players having to come off for a bit of a breather. And for us it was just a little bit flat, for obvious reasons.

READ MORE: Blackburn v Coventry Live updates

READ MORE: Coventry City player ratings v Blackburn

“So from our point of view to get a clean sheet is pleasing, so for us now we have to recover and go again on Tuesday against Ipswich.”

City were clearly still feeling the effects of last Sunday's FA Cup semi-final as well as Wednesday's 3-2 defeat at home to Hull.

“The game for us, we gave everything we possibly could do," said the manager. "There were some really good passages of play and had probably one of the best moments in the game when Kels (Liam Kelly) hit the post and it stayed out, but apart from that there was not a great deal in it.

“They had plenty of the ball and they looked nervy and we could have capitalised on that but we just didn’t have the energy or the quality at times, so we had a little bit of a lull in the game. But to get a clean sheet was something that was needed because we haven’t had one for a while, so in that sense it was a positive.”

Aside from Kelly hitting the post, Haji Wright had City’s best chance of the first half.

“There was a good bit of play when Callum (O’Hare) played the ball across to Haji and I think with more energy he would work the keeper," he said. "Like I said, they need a bit of a breather which they will get in another week. But we have two games left so we have to recover as well as we possibly can do and then go again against an Ipswich side who may be going for promotion, depending on what happens.

"So there’s an incentive in itself. There are two good games left and what it does is obviously stops the run of defeats we had prior to the FA Cup and on Wednesday evening. There’s not a lot of time to recover either.”

Commenting on the sending off, he said: “That’s the third time this season so he’s got to learn, that’s for sure. And he misses the first game of next season now, which is a huge disappointment for everybody. So we have to look at what we have available to play on Tuesday evening.”

As for the incident itself, he explained: “Bobby (Thomas) was there as a covering defender but the referee said that the player’s next action was to shoot, in his opinion. He was still 20-25 yards out but he has a decision to make and he’s made it, and there’s not a lot you can do about it. I think really there’s no point in talking about appeals at this stage. I will have a look at it again but he’s going to have to learn.”

Do you agree with the manager's take on the game? Tell us what you think in the comments section HERE.

A popular Coventry pub has been hailed as a 'value for money' offering 'great flavourful food' within a relaxing setting. The Devonshire Arms has been praised by locals over the years and has received many positive reviews online.

The establishment is run by Sizzling Pubs, on Sewall Highway in Wyken, and prides itself on offering 'flavour-filled' menus, combining pub classics and modern dishes at 'great prices'. Bosses say it's an ideal place for lunch with workmates or dinner with friends.

The menu includes the new spicy Tandoori Chicken, Vegan ribs, Greek-style chicken, Dirty Burgers, and the Gyros Feast. There are also deals for kids' meals and lunch specials for diners to take advantage of.

Read more: Coventry sculpture removed from Upper Precinct after being vandalised

Deals at Devonshire Arms:

Bosses say the main menu is filled with 'enticing dishes' including comforting pub classics like Chicken Mushroom Pie, plus global cuisines like Crispy Katsu Prawns and 'immense' burgers such as the Laying It On Chick Burger and Boss Burger.

Take a look at the dishes on offer at The Devonshire Arms:

Devonshire Arms has a 4-star rating on Tripadvisor, with other ratings including food (4.5/5), service (4.5/5), value (4.5/5) and atmosphere (4/5). The pub also has a 4.2-star rating on Google reviews.

Jane Whetton said: "Visited here with friends for lunch there is a nice friendly atmosphere, and the menu has great choices. Some great offers on the lunch menu and the drink offers are great. The food was delicious and we will visit again."

Claire Wibberley said: "Excellent food. The menu is extensive and seasonal to a particularly high standard. It's worth a visit as they do different deals so it’s worth checking them out before you book."

Another diner added: "We came down for dinner a few days ago with my children, food was amazing, the staff was more than happy to accommodate our needs, and the pub itself was extremely clean and tidy which made the experience so much more enjoyable, we will 100% be returning. Thank you to all the staff that made us feel so welcome."

Where to find The Devonshire Arms:

For more information about Devonshire Arms and to book a table, visit the website.

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