COVENTRY City say they are “deflated” by the departure of Mark Robins and his right-hand man Steve Taylor to Town.
The Sky Blues, who are locked in a rent dispute with the company who run the Ricoh Arena, have hopes of an immediate Championship return after last season’s relegation.
They go to Bury tomorrow eighth in League I and seven points off the play-off places.
They were close to the relegation zone when they recruited Robins in succession to Andy Thorn in September.
Robins signed a three-year deal which had a five-figure escape clause.
“The club went through a very rigorous process in appointing Mark, we believed in him and his management team and felt he was ideally suited to the challenge that we face,” said chief executive Tim Fisher.
“Mark has been involved in all aspects of club development on and off the field.
“The turnaround in fortunes at the club has vindicated both the faith and trust we showed in Mark and I believe everyone – supporters and players alike – agreed that we are at the start of something very special and exciting.
“So for this departure to happen at the business end of the season and in this manner, is frustrating and disappointing in equal measure for all concerned.
“It is fair to say that we are all deflated by Mark’s decision to go and, equally, I am sure the supporters will feel the same frustration.
Click below to view a video from Thursday's Press conference with Mark Robins explaining why he left Coventry City for Huddersfield Town
“I understand that our supporters will be angry and disappointed because they have seen a dramatic turnaround in on-pitch fortunes and performances in the short space of time that Mark has been here.”
Coventry development coach and caretaker boss Lee Carsley, Falkirk chief Steve Pressley, who was also linked with the Town job, and Wrexham manager Andy Morell, all of them former Sky Blues players, are among those already linked with the vacancy.
Meanwhile former Town manager Simon Grayson is favourite to succeed sacked Graham Westley as boss of League I Preston.
