Coventry City boss Mark Robins has revealed his big FA Cup regret – selling his medals.
The Sky Blues boss started his playing career at Manchester United where he is famed for saving Sir Alex Ferguson from the sack early in the legendary Old Trafford manager’s career by scoring in the third round against Nottingham Forest in 1990.
With United 15th in the league and already out of the League Cup, it was widely held that Ferguson would face the axe if they went out of the famous competition.
Robins went on to score in the semi-final before the Red Devils went on to win the Cup and Fergie his first trophy for the club.
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Thirty years on and Robins heads to another former club, Norwich City, today, in charge of the Sky Blues who are looking to get through at the third round stage against their Championship rivals and division leaders.
Reflecting on his playing exploits in his early 20s, the former striker said: “It’s a long time ago.
“That was my breakthrough season and I thought that was the norm, that it would happen all the time but that was the last time I got to the FA Cup Final.
“Fortunately we won it.”
United drew 3-3 with Crystal Palace after extra-time at Wembley, before going on to win 1-0 in a replay.
“I was on the bench and came on in the first game and it went to a replay.
“I didn’t go on in the second game but we won it and I got a winner’s medal and it was a good start to my career.”
Asked if he still treasures his medal, which he followed up with a Charity Shield medal, before adding a European Cup Winners’ Cup medal and Super Cup medal the following season, the 51-year-old revealed: “My medals went a long time ago.
“I was very foolish and sold them a long time ago. It was my decision and I definitely regret it now.”
He added: “There was a reason behind it but we won’t go into that detail. I think the medals were left in a lift in the middle of Greece!
“In fairness I should have let them go to a museum and then you can still sort of keep hold of them.
“But they were in a drawer, then they got moved around. I never got them out and that was a decision when I was younger, and it’s definitely a regret. Definitely!”
