Mark Robins has let rip after Coventry City’s first home match was left in danger of postponement - thanks to the Commonwealth Games.
The Sky Blues’ chief was savage in his criticism after the pitch at the Coventry Building Society Arena was churned up during the Rugby 7s. The stadium hosted the men’s and women’s competition last week but has not recovered - and, according to the club’s boss, has been left in a dangerous state.
Robins did not know where to direct his fire - either at stadium owners the Wasps Group or the games’ organisers - but he was scathing in his condemnation. The Sky Blues play Rotherham United on Sunday in what was supposed to be their first home fixture of the season.
But Robins isn’t holding out much hope.
He said: “The pitch isn’t in good nick - it’s nowhere near the level we expect - there’s been issues because the Commonwealth Games has been there and concerts in the summer. There are problems, it’s not safe at the moment, there’s a pitch inspection at 6pm today.
“We will see but there’s no doubt about it, we’ve been let down, the pitch needs to be in better order than this. It has to be safe for people to play on, and at the moment, it’s not.
“The groundsman are trying their best, but with the Commonwealth Games going on, getting stuff in and out of there - like lighting rigs - is nigh-on impossible.
“Looking at it now, there’s no chance of playing - we can’t if the pitch is dangerous.
“It’s not up to standard and not good enough for professional athletes, you can’t put players at risk and player safety is paramount. There’s no point blaming everyone, there was a pitch that was meant to be laid that wasn’t laid this summer - that’s down to people above me.
“It really is disappointing. All we want is a slick surface like everyone else in the Championship. We only caught sight of it for the first time on Friday morning.
“If we’d have known the circumstances, we could have done more but the Games meant we couldn’t get near the place. The stadium’s been locked down for security reasons.
“I had a referee take a look at it - he said it wasn’t safe.
“I’ve no idea how they’ll get it up to standard for Sunday. Looking at it now, there’s no chance. I don’t know who to blame - ask someone above my head.
“We’re trying to find a solution. It has to be resolved. We need to get into a position where we can play our home games safely.”
