Robins, Rooney, and the art of management
News of Mark Robins’ appointment at Stoke City quietly emerged the same time as loud inquests rumbled on about why Wayne Rooney failed at Plymouth Argyle and what he should do next. The media is inevitably obsessed with the bigger name, and Rooney is always headline news, but what also needs stating is that Robins is by far the better manager.
A respected former Manchester United striker, Robins went into management and did his time, learning the ropes, first at Rotherham and Barnsley, and then Coventry, Huddersfield, Scunthorpe and Coventry again. He’s acquired experience over 780 games (302 wins, 204 draws). His departure from Coventry in November was mourned by many of their fans as he had done remarkably well in difficult conditions.
He got Coventry promoted. He got them so close to defeating United and reaching last season's FA Cup final. He built teams through smart recruitment, good man-management and sound tactics. His Coventry teams were invariably well-organised, attractive and full of spirit. Robins instilled all that. He got nothing handed to him. He’s a natural manager, his abilities enhanced by a strong work ethic.
An even more acclaimed former Manchester United striker, Rooney recorded only 53 wins in his 210 games as a manager. His reputation as one of the best players over the past three decades has landed him jobs. He’s a “big name”, and that can dazzle some owners, although Rooney certainly doesn’t behave as a “star”. He’s pretty humble.
But his record is poor: 14 losses in 25 at Argyle, nine defeats in a disastrous short-lived 15-game spell at Birmingham City after 39 losses in 85 games in charge of both DC United and Derby County. At Derby, Rooney actually did well in incredibly trying financially-straitened conditions.