Sunderland need to replace Jack Ross and the Black Cats have failed in an attempt to lure Robins away from League One rivals Coventry City.
Mark Robins has admitted that he received an approach from Sunderland on Wednesday about potentially becoming the new manager at the Stadium of Light, only to commit his future to League One rivals Coventry City instead.
The Black Cats put Jack Ross out to pasture on Tuesday after falling eight points behind Ipswich Town at the top of the third tier table and, according to TEAMtalk, owner Stewart Donald wanted to replace the Scot with a coach who has a proven record in League One.
Robins, whose Coventry side are actually a point and a place ahead of the Black Cats, certainly fit the bill.
And the former Barnsley boss has admitted that Sunderland did get in touch 24 hours after Ross’s departure but he has no interest in leaving the Sky Blues just yet.
“On the back of the approach from Sunderland, the club reacted really quickly with a new contract offer and I am grateful to them for that,” Robins told the club’s official website.
“I had no intention of leaving – when I spoke to (chief executive) Dave (Boddy), I was unequivocal in my desire to stay. We agreed it all within 24 hours and I’m delighted to accept the new contract.
“I’m fully invested in this process and this club. Everyone knows the feelings I have – I have got this club in my heart and want to continue the progress we have made.”
This is not the end of the world for Sunderland however. There are still a range of options available with the Northern Echo claiming that Nigel Clough, Nathan Jones, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Daniel Stendel and Gareth Ainsworth (below), who have all impressed in the third tier, are on the radar.
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