Simon Jordan has questioned the reasons behind Mark Robins dismissal as Coventry City manager.

The pundit and former Crystal Palace owner was live on air for talkSPORT when the news of Robins’ sacking came through, admitting was confused by the decision to pull the trigger.

Sky Blues owner Doug King brought the curtain down on Robins’ seven-year reign as Coventry boss in the wake of last night’s 2-1 home defeat by Derby County. But the outspoken Jordan was not convinced. He told listeners: “What a strange decision. They've just won two of their last three.

“They've just beaten Middlesbrough 3-0, who are one of the top sides in the division with expectations. They've just beaten Luton 3-2, albeit Luton are struggling right now, but they've still won that game.”

The 54-year-old Robins took charge of Coventry in 2017, leading them to promotion to League One the following year before reaching the Championship in 2020.

The Sky Blues also made it to the Championship play-off final in 2023, missing out on promotion to the Premier League after a penalty shootout defeat to Luton, and also enjoyed a thrilling FA Cup run last season that ended in controversial circumstances with a semi-final defeat by Manchester United.

Jordan added: "We weren't so long ago raving about the job that Mark Robins has done, so there's something that's gone on. That's more than just results, surely, because ultimately they've been here before [with a poor start].

“They were here a while ago. I think it was a season ago or so ago. They started the season with an inability to play games, and they were behind the curve in home games.”

The decision to change manager comes 22 months into King's reign as Coventry owner. Jordan questioned whether the Sky Blues chief had realistic expectations of life in the Championship. He added: “King walked into an environment where you must think football is quite easy.

“Because Coventry all of a sudden have gone from a side that have been nowhere for 20 odd years, to being in an FA Cup semi-final and two play-off opportunities.”

The Sky Blues have installed first-team coach Rhys Carr as interim boss ahead of Saturday's game at leaders Sunderland, while King has promised to meet fans to discuss Robins’ exit.

A statement on the Coventry City website confirming that manager had left the club added: "The cub will also be organising a “Fans Forum” next week where the Chairman of the club will answer any and all questions on this subject and other affairs/concerns. The details of this will follow in due course.”