Sunderland will host Coventry City in a highly anticipated Championship clash this weekend, marking a new era for the Sky Blues as they move forward without longtime manager Mark Robins. Robins’ sacking on Thursday stunned many Coventry fans, as he had guided the club to considerable success over his seven-year tenure as the Championship’s longest-serving manager.

Mark Robins transformed Coventry City, leading them from League Two to the Championship and even reaching the play-off final in 2023. However, after a recent defeat to Derby County, Coventry sits 17th in the table, prompting his unexpected dismissal. Sunderland, currently topping the Championship, face a new challenge as they host the Sky Blues this weekend, with Robins’ exit likely disrupting their game preparation. Sunderland’s last outing was a frustrating 0-0 draw against Preston, so they’ll be keen to capitalize on Coventry’s recent turmoil at the Stadium of Light.

Ellis Simms, a familiar face to Sunderland fans, is an injury doubt for Coventry City’s upcoming trip to the Stadium of Light. The 23-year-old striker spent part of the 2022/23 season on loan at Sunderland, scoring seven goals in 17 appearances. He was recalled by Everton midway through that campaign, and in the summer of 2023, Simms made an £8 million move to Coventry City. Last season, he impressed with 13 goals in 46 Championship appearances, but now his fitness could be a concern ahead of facing his former club.

Ellis Simms has missed Coventry City’s last two matches due to a foot injury, and his availability for the upcoming game against Sunderland remains uncertain. Before his departure, Mark Robins provided an update on Simms’ condition, stating, “No, nothing as yet. It’s just something that’s down to him and his management of the pain, so we have to wait and see.” With Robins now gone, Coventry fans will be hoping for clarity on Simms’ fitness as the trip to Sunderland approaches.

Sunderland came very close to re-signing Ellis Simms after his successful loan spell, with the club keen on bringing him back either on another loan or a permanent deal. However, Coventry City swooped in with an £8 million offer, which Sunderland wasn’t willing to match, especially given the high price tag for the striker. In the summer of 2023, it was reported that Simms was open to a return to Wearside, but Sunderland didn’t want to engage in a bidding war. Instead, the Black Cats turned to other striker options, including Luis Hemir, Mason Burstow, and Nazariy Rusyn, all of whom struggled to make an impact for the club.