Coventry City boss opens up on Kyle McFadzean’s loss as team-mates draw strength from absent skipper
In spite of his mother’s illness, Kyle McFadzean continued to play for Coventry City, and Mark Robins has talked about the “tough period” he went through.
In a heartbreaking Instagram post this week, the Sky Blues center-half and deputy captain disclosed that he has gone through the “worst day of his life” on Tuesday when his mother passed away. Former and current players showered the 36-year-old defender with support in a series of heartfelt messages. It is anticipated that he will not play in Saturday’s CBS Arena match against Stoke City (3pm kickoff).
The City manager stated, “It’s a personal tragedy for Kyle, of course, but also for his family and everyone who knows him and knew his mum.” It’s been quite difficult.
“We have to give him that space to be able to do that. He’s the head of his family, the leader of his family and is going to have to go through a period of real difficulty and grief, so he has the space and the support of everybody.”
Fellow central defender Bobby Thomas insists that he and his team-mates will have McFadzean in their thoughts before and during the game, with the intention of doing well and getting a result for him.
I’d just like to say rest in peace for his mum,” said Thomas. “Obviously she was a big character in his life and now it must be really tough for Kyle. So we’re all there for him. And let’s say, God bless.”
McFadzean is a big character at the club, both on and off the field,and has helped the likes of Thomas settle following his arrival from Burnley in the summer.
“I think he’s a big part of it for the whole team, not just myself and all the other new players that have come in,” said the 22-year-old. “It’s difficult when he’s not around, not in training or in the team. It’s hard to explain, but you can feel the energy he brings to the training ground because he’s been at the club for such a long time.
“He’s getting on a bit now on the pitch and so he’s got the experience behind him and he knows how to drag you through a game and talk to you and organise and help. He’s really good at that.”
Asked if the players are going to have to dig deep against Stoke to find that missing energy, Thomas said: “Yeah, I feel like we all know what’s needed now. And to hear something and find out something so sad like that, you know, it just puts life into perspective. We’ll all come together, I’m sure. He’ll be in our thoughts before the game and whilst the game is going on, and hopefully it gives us that extra couple of percent just to kick on for him and enable us to do well for him and his family.”
