City boss recalls early memories of working with the late Dave Sexton as a youngster
Coventry City boss Mark Robins has hailed late Sky Blues boss Dave Sexton as an 'unbelievable man and unbelievable coach'.
Sexton, who managed Coventry City between 1981 and 1983, passed away on Sunday (November 25) aged 82 and Robins paid tribute to the man who guided him through his first years at Lilleshall as a young player and helped shape his career.
"I was part of the first group of 25 players to go into Lilleshall and worked under Dave Sexton between 1984 and 1986 so it's very sad to hear he has passed away," Robins said.
"Hearing the news definitely evoked memories from my time working with him because it was an extremely enjoyable and informative time in my early career.
"He was a top, top coach who worked to a high level, was extremely highly respected and it really was great to have worked with him."
Robins was 14 years old when he entered the Lilleshall School of Excellence as part of it's first ever intake in 1984, a system which lay the groundwork for the Academy structures held today within clubs.
The City boss spoke fondly of his memories of working with Sexton, who also led Chelsea to FA Cup and European Cup Winners Cup success as their manager in 1970 and 1971 respectively.
Robins recalled the late Coventry gaffer as a man not just full of football expertise, but knowledge as well.
"The Lilleshall building was a residence of the Duke of Sutherland and I remember he would talk to us about the gardens and the building's architecture as we'd walk to the pitches for training in the morning," he added.
"He was a very knowledgeable man. He never swore in front of young players to get his point across, he just did things in a kind of theatrical way that made people listen and remember.
"He was an absolutely outstanding coach and I'm definitely saddened to hear he is no longer with us."