Coventry City F.C.

Association football club in England

Football club
Coventry City
Full nameCoventry City Football Club
Nickname(s)The Sky Blues
Founded13 August 1883; 140 years ago (1883-08-13)
(as Singers F.C.)[1]
GroundCoventry Building Society Arena
Capacity32,609
OwnerDoug King
ChairmanDoug King
ManagerMark Robins
LeagueEFL Championship
2022–23EFL Championship, 5th of 24
WebsiteClub website
Home colours
Away colours
Third colours
Current season

Coventry City Football Club is a professional association football club based in Coventry, England. The team currently play in the EFL Championship, the second level of the English football league system.

Coventry City formed as Singers F.C. in 1883 following a general meeting of the Singer Gentleman's club. They adopted their current name in 1898 and joined the Southern League in 1908, before being selected into the Football League in 1919. Relegated in 1925, they returned to the Second Division as champions of the Third Division South and Third Division South Cup winners in 1935–36. Relegated in 1952, they won promotion in the inaugural Fourth Division season in 1958–59. Coventry reached the First Division after winning the Third Division title in 1963–64 and the Second Division title in 1966– 67 under the management of Jimmy Hill. In the 1970–71 season, the team competed in the European Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, reaching the second round. Despite beating Bayern Munich 2–1 in the home leg, they had lost 6–1 in the first leg in Germany, and thus were eliminated.

Coventry's only period in the top division to date lasted 34 consecutive years between 1967 and 2001, and the club were inaugural members of the Premier League in 1992. They won the FA Cup in 1987, the club's only major trophy, when they beat Tottenham Hotspur 3–2.[2] They experienced further relegations in 2012 and 2017, though did manage to win the EFL Trophy in 2017.

Coventry returned to Wembley in 2018, beating Exeter City in the League Two play-off final. Manager Mark Robins built on this success guiding the Sky Blues to eighth in League One the next season and then led the club to promotion back to the EFL Championship as League One champions in 2020. In the 2022–23 season, Coventry secured a play-off place in the Championship, before losing the play-off final to Luton Town on penalties. For 106 years, from 1899 to 2005, Coventry City played at Highfield Road. The 32,609-capacity Coventry Arena was opened in August 2005 to replace Highfield Road, but the club has struggled with the new stadium lease since moving.

History

Chart of historic table positions of Coventry City in the Football League.

Early years (1883–1919)

Coventry City was founded in 1883 as Singers F.C., following a meeting between William Stanley and seven colleagues from the Singer Cycle Company at the Lord Aylesford Inn in Hillfields. It was one of several 19th century clubs linked to Coventry's bicycle factories, and the company founder George Singer was its first president.[3][4][5] Singers joined the Birmingham County Football Association in 1884 and played around forty games in their first four years at Dowells Field in the Stoke area.[6][7] In early seasons they lacked a regular playing staff and sometimes lacked equipment such as goal nets.[4][8] In 1887, the club moved to the larger Stoke Road Ground, which had rudimentary stands, and they charged an entrance fee for the first time.[6] The following five seasons were very successful, culminating in back-to-back Birmingham Junior Cup titles in 1891 and 1892.[4]

Singers turned professional in 1892 and joined the Birmingham & District League in 1894, competing against strong reserve sides from established regional teams such as Aston Villa.[9] Coventry residents not connected to the cycle company began supporting the club, and it was renamed Coventry City in 1898.[10][11] Highfield Road opened in 1899, but its construction caused a financial crisis and subsequent salary disputes with the players.[12] The club endured several poor seasons on the field, having to re-apply for membership of the league three times in the space of five years.[13] In 1901, Coventry suffered their worst ever defeat with an 11–2 loss against Worcester-based Berwick Rangers in the qualifying round of the FA Cup.[14] The club became a limited company in July 1907 and the team was more successful the following season, reaching the first round proper of the FA Cup for the first time before being eliminated by Crystal Palace.[15][16]

In 1908, Coventry joined the Southern League, at the time the third-strongest English division.[17] In their second season, Coventry reached the FA Cup quarter final, beating top-flight teams Preston and Nottingham Forest before losing to Everton.[18] Another two successful seasons followed but in 1914 the club was relegated, amid renewed financial problems.[4] Its economic health worsened as attendances dropped sharply, and the club was in danger of dissolution. It was saved in part by the abandonment of competitive football in mid-1915 due to World War I.[19] The club's debts were then paid off by benefactor David Cooke in 1917.[20] During the war, they played some friendly matches against local clubs and joined a temporary wartime division for 1918–19.[21]

League football and the "Old Five" (1919–1945)

In 1919, Coventry submitted a successful application to join the Football League and were placed into the Second Division for the 1919–20 season, the first played after the war.[22] In preparation for league football, the club invested in new players and increased Highfield Road's capacity to 40,000.[23] They avoided finishing last in 1919–20 when they won their final game against Bury, but this result was later found to be rigged, the club receiving a heavy fine in 1923.[24] In 1924–25, after their sixth successive relegation battle, Coventry finished bottom of the table and dropped into the Third Division North.[25] A year later they were asked by the League to switch to the Third Division South, to keep the sizes of the divisions even.[22] Their poor form continued, and in 1927–28 they narrowly avoided having to seek re-election.[26] Supporters rioted after the final game that season, some calling for the club to be wound up and a phoenix club established in its place.[27] In 1928, the club's worst ever attendance was recorded with a gate of 2,059 for a match against Crystal Palace.[28]

In addition to poor form on the field, the club ran into financial difficulties by the end of the 1920s, having to rely on fundraisers by supporters and a cash injection by Cooke, who had become club president. A committee of enquiry in 1928 concluded that the club was being mismanaged, leading to resignation of chairman W. Carpenter and his replacement by Walter Brandish.[29] The club's form began to improve under the new board,[30] and the appointment of Harry Storer as manager in 1931 brought in an era of success at the club.[31][32] Coventry scored a total of 108 goals in the 1931–32 season, gaining the nickname "The Old Five" as a result of scoring five or more in many games.[33] New signing Clarrie Bourton's individual tally of 49 goals was the Football League record for that season, and his overall total of 50 remains the club record.[34] Two further 100-goal seasons followed, the first time in the league that a team had achieved three in a row, and Coventry recorded their largest ever league victory in April 1934, 9–0 against Bristol City.[35] Despite scoring heavily, Coventry missed out on promotion every season until 1935–36, when they finished as Third Division North champions.[36]

The club continued their good form in the second tier, finishing eighth, fourth and fourth again between 1936 and 1939.[37] They also constructed a new main stand and purchased the freehold of Highfield Road, utilising a loan of £20,000 from local motor-industry entrepreneur John Siddeley.[38] In 1937–38 they met with Midlands rivals Aston Villa the first time in league football, securing with a win and a draw in the two meetings as well as a higher-placed finish than the Birmingham club.[39] In September 1939, the league season was aborted after three games due to the start of World War II.[40] Many supporters at the time blamed the war for robbing the team of a probable imminent promotion to the First Division, although several top players including Bourton had been sold by 1939, and attendances had begun to fall.[41] Coventry continued playing some friendly games until November 1940, when the Coventry Blitz damaged the stadium and brought all football in the city to a halt. Friendly matches resumed again in 1942, as parts of Highfield Road had been rebuilt, and the team joined the Midland Regional League.[40]

Rise to the First Division, Europe, and FA Cup victory (1945–1987)

Storer left Coventry for Birmingham City after the war, and many of the 1939 squad had retired by 1945. New manager Dick Bayliss assembled a squad with a mixture of pre-war players and newcomers,[40] but his tenure was cut short when he died after being stranded in a snow storm in 1947.[42] Replacement Billy Frith was dismissed following a poor start to 1948–49 and the club persuaded Storer to return from Birmingham.[43] In 1950–51, Coventry led the Second Division table at Christmas, but a poor run ended their promotion hopes and the following season they were relegated.[44][45] They spent the next six seasons in the Third Division South, with seven different managers, but were never in contention for promotion.[46] The average attendance at Highfield Road dropped sharply during this period, and several top players had to be sold amid financial difficulties.[47][48] In 1958, the north and south divisions were replaced by a single nationwide third and a new fourth. Coventry were placed in the latter as a result of a bottom-half finish in 1957–58.[49] Three games into 1958–59, the club occupied its lowest ever overall league position, 91st, but recovered to secure promotion back into the third tier.[50][51]

The appointment of Derrick Robins as chairman in 1958 and Jimmy Hill as manager in 1961, marked the start of the "Sky Blue revolution" at the club.[52][53] Hill changed the club's kit colour and nickname, introduced the Sky Blue Song, and added pre-match entertainment.[54] Backed by an injection of cash from Robins, Hill led Coventry to the Third and Second Division championships in 1964 and 1967 respectively, taking them to the top division for the first time.[55] Coventry's record attendance was set in 1967, against fellow title-chasers Wolverhampton Wanderers; the official gate was 51,455 although the club estimated that the figure was higher.[56][57] In 1969–70, under Hill's successor Noel Cantwell, the club finished sixth in the First Division, which as of 2022[update] remains their highest ever position.[58] The top-six finish earned them a place in the 1970–71 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, which ended in the second round with a 7–3 aggregate defeat against Bayern Munich.[59] In the mid-1970s, the club faced renewed financial difficulty and sold several top players.[60] A relegation battle followed in 1976–77, which culminated in a controversial 2–2 draw with Bristol City that saw both sides survive at the expense of Sunderland, playing out the final minutes without any attempt to score further goals.[61] A season of success followed in 1977–78, as Coventry finished seventh, narrowly missing a European place.[62] In 1980–81, Coventry reached their first major semi-final, losing to West Ham United in the League Cup.[63]

Hill returned to the club as managing director in 1975, and was elevated to chairman in 1980.[64][65] He initiated several transformations at the club, including the conversion of Highfield Road to England's first all-seat stadium in 1981,[66][67] and the opening of a sports centre and training ground in Ryton-on-Dunsmore. Hill attempted to rename the club "Coventry Talbot", after their sponsors, but this was rejected by the Football Association.[65] To pay for the developments, the club sold top players including popular striker Tommy Hutchison, and results suffered.[68] Hill was forced out of the club in 1983 and terraces reintroduced.[69] Despite surviving relegation battles for four successive seasons, with three changes of manager, by 1986 the club had assembled a strong squad. Under duo George Curtis and John Sillett, they spent most of the following season in the top eight, and advanced to the 1987 FA Cup Final.[69] In a match later described by Steven Pye of The Guardian' as a "classic final", Coventry beat Tottenham Hotspur 3–2 at Wembley which, as of 2022[update], is the club's only major trophy to date.[70]

Recent history (1987–present)

Coventry's FA Cup defence ended with a fourth-round defeat to Watford, followed a season later by one of the biggest upsets in FA Cup history when they lost 2–1 to non-league Sutton United in the third round.[71][72] They finished seventh in the league that season, however, their highest finish since 1978.[71][73][74][71] A last-day escape in 1991–92 earned Coventry a place in the newly-formed Premier League.[75][76] Bryan Richardson took over as club chairman in summer 1993, making large sums of money available for players over subsequent years.[77][78] With Ron Atkinson and then Gordon Strachan as manager, Coventry signed several high-profile players such as Dion Dublin, Moustapha Hadji and Robbie Keane, but did not finish higher than 11th place for the remainder of their Premier League tenure.[79][80]

In 1997, Richardson revealed the initial proposals for a new stadium in the north of Coventry, at the time envisaged as having 40,000 seats and included in England's unsuccessful bid for the 2006 World Cup.[81][82] The project was backed by Coventry City Council and gained planning permission in 1998, but involved high costs, inducing the board to sell Highfield Road to a property developer and lease it back, before construction had started.[83] On the field, Coventry were forced by the rising debts to sell their top players without replacement, and were finally relegated in 2000–01, ending 34 years of continuous tenure in the top flight.[84]

In their first season back in the second tier, Coventry occupied 4th place with seven games remaining, but ultimately finished 11th, outside the play-off places.[85] The new stadium opened in 2005, having been reduced in size and delayed several times;[86][87] the club had previously sold its 50% share to the Alan Higgs charity to repay debts.[88] The club's financial situation remained poor, and by 2007 they faced the possibility of being forced out of business; this was averted when the club was bought by hedge fund owner Sisu Capital.[89][90] Led by chairman Ray Ranson, Coventry signed several promising youngsters in the early Sisu years, but they failed to achieve on-field success.[91][92] Sisu began reducing investment from 2009 as debts mounted, leading eventually to Ranson's resignation in 2011.[93][94] They were relegated to League One in 2012, and were forced to groundshare with Northampton Town for more than a year from 2013, following a rent dispute with the Ricoh Arena owners.[95][96][97] The club also fell into liquidation, but were allowed to continue playing in League One under Sisu company Otium.[98]

In 2016–17, Coventry were relegated to League Two,[99] but also won the EFL Trophy in the same season, their first trophy for 30 years. The following season, their first in the fourth tier since 1959, they were promoted straight back, finishing sixth and beating Exeter City in the play-off final. Two seasons later, they were promoted again, being awarded the League One championship via a points-per-game system after the season was curtailed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[100] At the time of curtailment in March 2020, they led the table with 67 points from 34 games.[101][100] They were exiled from the Ricoh Arena again from 2019 to 2021, playing their home games at St Andrew's in Birmingham, amid ongoing legal action by Sisu over the 2014 purchase of the stadium by rugby club Wasps, which concluded only in 2022 when the European Commission declined to hear an appeal.[102]

The Sisu era at Coventry City ended in 2023, when local businessman Doug King purchased the club.[103] King had also attempted to acquire the CBS Arena, after both Wasps and the stadium holding company had fallen into administration, but his bid came too late and the stadium was eventually sold to Mike Ashley.[104] Coventry went on to finish fifth in the Championship at the end of the season, earning a play-off place. After beating Middlesbrough in the semi-final they played in the 2023 EFL Championship play-off final at Wembley, missing out on promotion to the Premier League after a 6–5 penalty shoot-out defeat against Luton Town.[105][106][107] On 16 March 2024, Coventry City progressed to the semi-finals of the FA Cup for the first time since their 1986–87 FA Cup victory with a 3–2 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers, following two stoppage time goals from Ellis Simms and Haji Wright.[108]

Playing kit

Colours

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Coventry City F.C. kits.

Coventry's home shirts are either completely or predominantly sky blue. However, in past seasons, different 'home colours' were worn. For example, in 1889, the then Singers FC wore pink and blue halved shirts (mirroring the corporate colours of Singers Motors). Furthermore, in the 1890s, black and red were the club's colours. In the early 1920s, the club wore red and green (to reflect the colours of the city crest). Sky blue was first used by Coventry in 1898 and the theme was used until 1922. Variations of blue and white were then used until the 1960s and the beginning of the 'sky blue revolution'. The colour made its return in 1962 thanks to the then manager, Jimmy Hill. To mark the 125th year of the club, Coventry wore a special brown shirt in the last home game of the 2008–09 season against Watford, having first worn a chocolate brown away kit in 1978. This kit has been cited by some as the worst in English football history, but also has an iconic status with some fans.[109]

In 2012, in the Third round FA Cup tie versus Southampton, the team wore a commemorative blue and white striped kit, marking the 25th anniversary of the club winning the FA Cup in 1987.[110] The strip was worn again in January 2013 for Coventry's 3rd round FA Cup fixture with Tottenham Hotspur, whom they beat in the 1987 final.[111] In 2019, Coventry City announced a new third kit in black and white honouring the city's connection with 2 Tone Records on the 40th anniversary of the record label.[112]

Kit maker and sponsorship

Since the 2019–20 season, the kit is made by Hummel. The home, away and third kit is sponsored by BoyleSports.

The first official kit manufacture deal came in 1974 when Umbro signed a deal with the club. Coventry also had the first kit sponsorship deal in the football league, when Jimmy Hill, then Chairman of the club, negotiated a deal with Talbot, who manufactured cars in the city.

Period Kit manufacturer Shirt sponsor Shorts sponsor
1974–75 Umbro None None or N/A
1975–80 Admiral Sportswear
1980–81 Talbot
1981–83 Talbot Sports
1983–84 Umbro Tallon
1984–85 Glazepta
1985–86 Elliotts
1986–87 Triple S Sport Granada Bingo
1987–88 Hummel
1988–89 None
1989–92 Asics Peugeot
1992–94 Ribero
1994–96 Pony International
1996–97 Le Coq Sportif
1997–99 Subaru (home)

Isuzu (away)

1999–2004 In House Manufacturer (CCFC Leisure)
2004–05 Kit@
2005–06 Cassidy Group
2006–10 Puma
2010–13 City Link
2013–14 Grace Medical Fund (charity partner)
2014–15 Allsopp & Allsopp
2015–18 Nike
2018–19 Midrepro
2019–20 Hummel International Allsopp & Allsopp The Exams Office[113]
2020–21 BoyleSports (front), Jingltree[114] (back) G&R Scaffolding[115] (home), SIMIAN Aspects Training[116] (away)
2021–2023 BoyleSports (front), XL Motors (back)
2023– King of Shaves (front), XL Motors (sleeve), Coventry Building Society (rear) G&R Scaffolding

Stadium

Grounds

106 years at Highfield Road

Coventry City played at Highfield Road between 1899 and 2005

Coventry City began playing at the Highfield Road stadium in 1899 within the Hillfields district of the city, although the club did not buy the freehold to the site until 1937.

In November 1940, the main stand which backed onto terraced houses in Mowbray Street was bombed by the Luftwaffe. Heavy turnstiles from the ground and gas meters from houses in Mowbray Street were discovered in Gosford Park, some 500 metres away. Bombs also damaged the roof of the terrace at the city end of the ground and the pitch resulting in the ground being unusable for more than two years.

The record crowd at the ground was on 29 April 1967 when 51,452 watched the Second Division title decider against Wolverhampton Wanderers. This was over 6,000 more than the previous record of 44,930 set against Aston Villa in 1938. Many people who were at the Wolves game suggest the attendance was higher, possibly over 55,000. Supporters climbed onto the roofs of the stands and up the floodlights.[citation needed]

In 1968, the main stand and the club’s offices suffered serious damage in a fire following a reserve game. The Second Division Championship trophy was destroyed in the fire and the club decided to demolish the stand and built its replacement within four months. Ten days after the fire the club hosted Manchester United and were able to use half the stand. The game attracted the club’s second highest attendance of all time (47,111).

In 1981, Highfield Road was converted into England's first-ever all-seater stadium with a capacity of around 24,500, which many criticised as killing the atmosphere of the ground. Some seats were removed a few years later.[118] It had been gradually upgraded since then, with the final phase of work being completed in the mid-1990s, including two fully enclosed corners, providing some much-needed modernity. On 30 April 2005, the final game played at the stadium was against Midlands rivals Derby County; Coventry won 6–2.[119] The stadium was subsequently demolished and replaced by a housing development.

Coventry Building Society Arena

Coventry Building Society Arena

For the 2005–06 season, Coventry City moved to the new 32,609-capacity Coventry Building Society Arena (then named the Ricoh Arena) after 106 years at Highfield Road.[1][120] In 1998, the club had decided that it was time to relocate to a new stadium in the Rowleys Green area of the city, 3+12 miles (5.6 km) north of the city centre and close to junction 3 of the M6 motorway. The original plan was for a state-of-the-art, 45,000-seater multipurpose stadium with removable pitch and retractable roof. It was due to be ready for the 2001–02 season and was touted to be one of the finest and most advanced stadiums in Europe. However, the club's subsequent relegation, financial problems, financier/contractor withdrawals, and England's failure to secure the 2006 World Cup competition led to a radical redesign. The resulting stadium was built to a standard bowl design with steep stands in line with several other new stadia built during that period. It has excellent acoustics and has been used to host several major rock concerts.

Despite initiating the project and being the principal attraction there, Coventry City's financial situation means that it no longer owned the stadium and must pay rent to use it; this appeared to raise concerns over the managing of the club's finances by previous club officials, because in 2001 the club was the fourth-longest serving club in the top flight of English football. The stadium naming rights were originally sold to Jaguar Cars, which has strong links with Coventry. Jaguar pulled out of the project on 16 December 2004 and a new major sponsor was needed. A £10 million deal, which included naming rights, was signed and electronics manufacturer Ricoh became the new chief sponsor for the stadium. The project was funded largely by Coventry City Council and the (Alan Edward) Higgs Charity (of which former CCFC and ACL director the late Sir Derek Higgs was a trustee), and includes shopping facilities, a casino, exhibition halls and a concert venue.

At the beginning of the 2005–06 season, construction delays at the ground forced Coventry City to play their first three games of the season away and postpone their home games. On Saturday 20 August 2005, City hosted Queens Park Rangers in the first-ever game at the Ricoh Arena; Coventry won the game 3–0. On 28 July 2011, a statue of Jimmy Hill was installed at the main entrance to the Ricoh Arena, with Hill appearing in person to unveil it.[121]

Sixfields

Rent disputes caused Coventry City to play the 2013–14 season at Sixfields Stadium in Northampton

On 3 May 2013, Coventry City put a contingency plan in place to play elsewhere for the 2013–14 season. It was argued by the club that this was due to ACL (Arena Coventry Limited), which managed the stadium, being unwilling to negotiate with the club to agree to a new lease. However, that led to the local newspaper, the Coventry Telegraph, starting a petition to stop Coventry City from playing outside of Coventry. It was sent to all 72 clubs in the Football League and Football League chairman Greg Clarke. In May 2013, managing director Tim Fisher set a plan of building a new stadium within the city over the next three years, and ground-sharing whilst the new ground was being built.[122] In June 2013, ACL made an offer that Coventry City F.C. could play at the Ricoh Arena rent free while the club was in administration.[123]

It was believed that Coventry City might ground-share with Walsall at the Bescot Stadium or attempt to stay at the Ricoh Arena,[124] following the appointment of new owners.[125] However, by July 2013, the Walsall rumours were denied and the club ground-shared at Northampton Town's Sixfields Stadium – a venue that had less than a quarter the capacity of the Ricoh Arena, and involved a round-trip of 70 miles (110 km). That arrangement was due to continue until at least 2016.[126][127] Plans for the club to play its home matches outside of the city were met with strong opposition, and led to protests by Coventry fans.[128] Member of parliament for Coventry South, Jim Cunningham, described the move as "a disgrace".[129]

Return to the Coventry Building Society Arena

On 21 August 2014 it was announced that an agreement had been reached allowing the club to return to the Ricoh Arena for the next two years with the option of another two years.[130] Coventry City's first home game back at the Ricoh Arena was played against Gillingham on 5 September 2014. Steve Waggott, who led the negotiations for the club, said: "We are delighted to get this deal done and I am sure every supporter of Coventry City will be thrilled with the news."[131] City won their first match back at the Ricoh Arena 1–0 with Frank Nouble scoring the only goal of the match in front of 27,306 supporters.

The return followed a social media campaign entitled #bringCityhome by the Coventry Telegraph[132] and a protest march by the Sky Blue Trust supporters' group.[133] The campaign drew praise from national media and figures within the football world. It was short-listed at the 2014 British Press Awards in the "Campaign of the Year" category.[134]

Because the tenancy agreement with Wasps was to expire in August 2018, it was reported in November 2015 that there would be a relocation to another site within the city.[135] However it was later confirmed that Coventry City would remain at the Ricoh Arena for another year.[136]

In May 2016 the Coventry Telegraph broke the news that the club had drawn up plans with Coventry Rugby Club for a ground-share arrangement at a redeveloped Butts Park Arena.[137] That was eventually denied by Rugby Club chairman Jon Sharp, who said there could be no deal with the football club while it was still owned by SISU.[138]

St Andrew's

On 7 June 2019 it was reported that talks between SISU and Wasps had again broken down meaning that Coventry would have to play their 2019–20 home matches at Birmingham City's St Andrew's ground.[139]

The club had the option to spend a further two seasons away from Coventry[140] and remained at St Andrew's for the 2020–21 season.[141] The club returned to the Coventry Building Society Arena in August 2021, ending the ground-share agreement between Coventry and Birmingham.

New Stadium at the University of Warwick and second return to Coventry

In July 2020, the club confirmed that they had commenced a partnership with the University of Warwick which would see land provided for a new stadium.[142]

In March 2021, the club announced that they had secured a ten-year agreement to return to the Ricoh Arena from the start of the 2021–22 season. The deal, described by the club's owners as "the best the club has had in terms of commercial revenue" during their time at the stadium, would not affect the longer-term goal of constructing a new stadium.[143] The new deal also included a seven-year break clause should the club require it.[144]

On 5 May 2021, it was announced that the Ricoh Arena would be renamed for the first time, when it would become the Coventry Building Society Arena. The name change came into effect in July 2021 as a part of a 10-year naming rights deal with the building society.[145][146]

On 8 August 2021, Coventry City played Nottingham Forest at the Coventry Building Society Arena in the club's first game back at the ground in 2 years and their first Championship game in Coventry since 2012. They won the match 2–1. On 16 September 2021, Coventry City owner Joy Seppala told the BBC the club remained "firmly committed" to a new stadium, planned for a site owned by the University of Warwick.[147]

The club were forced to move at least 1 match away from Coventry again in August 2022 when their EFL Cup match against Bristol City was held at Burton Albion's Pirelli Stadium due to the pitch being deemed "unsafe".[117]

Arena Coventry entered Administration in November 2022 and was subsequently bought by Frasers Group. Coventry City did not sign to continue the previous deal with the new owners and were issued a notice of eviction on 5 December unless they signed a new deal which only ran until May 2023.[148] The new deal was signed on 13 December meaning the Sky Blues would remain at the CBS Arena only until at least May 2023.[149] The deal was subsequently extended by 5 years; additional guarantees in the lease included that City would be the sole tenant of the CBS Arena throughout the lease, would move back into the original home dressing room (previously used by Wasps), a new club shop, and enhanced Sky Blues branding in the concourse.[150]

Supporters

Former Players' Association

In February 2007 a Former Players' Association was launched. Set up by club historian and statistician Jim Brown, former 1980s player Kirk Stephens and a committee of volunteers, its aim was to bring former players of the club together and cherish their memories. To qualify for membership players have to have made at least one first-team competitive appearance for the club or been a manager.

Around 50 former stars of the club attended the launch including Coventry City legends George Hudson, Cyrille Regis, Charlie Timmins and Bill Glazier. The association's first newsletter was published in autumn 2007 and a website launched. The launch of 2007 was followed by subsequent Legends' Days. The 2009 event, held at the home game against Doncaster Rovers was attended by 43 former players including the first visit to Coventry for many years of Roy Barry and Dave Clements. In March 2012 the membership had increased past the 200 mark with former captain Terry Yorath inducted as the 200th member at the 2012 Legends' Day.[citation needed]

Legends’ Day has become an almost permanent fixture amongst Coventry supporters. Legends’ Day has been held almost every year since the Inaugural Event. The only exceptions being in 2014 when the club were exiled playing home games in Northampton and in 2020 and 2021 after fans were shut out of stadiums as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Identity

The club’s support is collectively known as The Sky Blue Army. In Coventry and Warwickshire the use of the term ‘Going Up The City’ is a term used to say you are going to watch a Coventry City match.

The club’s support massively dropped off in the years of the SISU ownership, with the decline in average attendances falling in line with the club’s slide down the league pyramid. The exit from The Ricoh Arena in 2013 led to many supporters protesting against SISU’s ownership of the club and a section of the support enforce a ‘Not One Penny More’ policy in which its backers vowed not to give any more money to the club as long as SISU remained in charge.

In the 2013–14 season, in which the club was exiled at Northampton Town’s Sixfields Stadium the average attendance dropped to just over 2,000.

The Sky Blue Trust is the largest member-based supporters club and in its peak was fighting to gain a stake in the club and to get fan representation on the board of directors. As of 2022 The Sky Blue Trust are less vocal and are viewed as obsolete by many supporters.

Sky Blue anthem

The words to the club's song were written in 1962 by Team Manager Jimmy Hill and Director John Camkin; The words being set to the tune of the Eton Boating Song.[151] It was launched at the home game with Colchester on 22 December 1962 (a match abandoned at half-time because of fog) with the words printed in the programme.[151] It quickly became popular with supporters during the epic FA Cup run in 1963 when the then Third Division team reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup before losing to eventual winners Manchester United:[152]

Original Words:
Let's all sing together
Play up, Sky Blues
While we sing together
We will never lose
Proud, Posh or Cobblers
Oysters or anyone
They shan't defeat us
We'll fight till the game is won!
City! City! City!

Current Words:
Let's all sing together
Play up, Sky Blues
While we sing together
We will never lose
Tottenham or Chelsea
United or anyone
They shan't defeat us
We'll fight till the game is won!
City! City! City!

Famous Supporters

The club has a number of famous supporters, Television Broadcaster Richard Keys was born in the City and is a lifelong supporter of the club. Fellow broadcaster Jon Gaunt is also a City fan.

The principal of the Red Bull Formula 1 team Christian Horner was outed as a supporter of the club when he jokingly claimed in an interview with Sky F1 he was trying to convince Kevin De Bruyne to join the club.

Haas F1 Team principal Ayao Komatsu revealed in an interview with Sky Sports F1 that he is a fan of the club.[153] Komatusu's support stems from being introduced to the club whilst he was studying at Loughborough University.

Comedian Josh Pugh grew up in nearby Atherstone and currently lives in Coventry and supports the Sky Blues.

From the world of music, Musician Neville Staple of The Specials is also a keen supporter of the club and in 2019, appeared in a kit launch for the clubs new ‘Two Tone’ themed Third Kit.[154] Tom Clarke, Andy Hopkins and Liam Watts who formed local rock band The Enemy are all big City supporters.

Singer/Songwriter Tom Grennan is also a fan of the club owing to his manager and agent being a Sky Blues fan.[155]

The actor Graeme Hawley who is best known for playing the role of John Stape in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street is a season ticket holder at the club.

Other famous fans include professional Darts players Steve Beaton and Steve Hine, Formula 1 mogul Eddie Jordan and Westlife member Brian McFadden.

Malcolm In The Middle actor Frankie Muniz is reportedly a Coventry City fan, apparently owing to a producer he made friends with on the set of the film Agent Cody Banks 2.[156]

Politician Geoffrey Robinson is a fan of the club and once served as Chairman.

Rivalries

Leicester City are considered Coventry City's main rival and the two clubs compete the M69 Derby. However, largely due to the clubs' differing fortunes meetings between the two have been rare in recent years; the two clubs had not played each other between 2012 and 2023. The derby returned for the first time in eleven years in the 2023–24 EFL Championship season, following Leicester's relegation from the Premier League. A small section of The Sky Blues' support were widely condemned in the build up to an M69 Derby in January 2024, after offensive banners mocking the death of former Foxes owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha were displayed across the City of Coventry[157]

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s and to the turn of the millennium, Aston Villa were considered Coventry's main rivals as they continually competed against each other in the First Division and then the Premier League. The two clubs however have not met since Coventry's relegation from the Premier League in 2001.

In the 1960s and 1970s there was intense rivalry with Wolverhampton Wanderers which started in 1965 after Wolves were relegated from Division One and the two clubs met in Division Two. The two sides were promoted together in 1967 and there were fierce battles in both city centres when the clubs met during the period. There was also rivalries with West Bromwich Albion and Walsall but these are much less fierce than the ones with Leicester, Wolves and Villa.

A local rivalry also exists with Birmingham City, however the ground share agreement at St Andrew's between 2019 and 2021 – which effectively spared Coventry from being expelled from the EFL – has led to friendlier relations between the two clubs’ supporters.

The club has an unusual long-distance rivalry with North-East side Sunderland, which stems back to the end of the 1976–77 season, when Coventry, Sunderland and Bristol City were all battling against relegation from Division One on the final day of the season. With Coventry and Bristol City facing each other at Highfield Road, the referee, on the advice of the police, delayed the kick-off of the match by 15 minutes as many Bristol fans were still trying to enter the ground and there was a risk of serious trouble. Sunderland, who were playing away to Everton at the same time, lost 2–0, and the result was displayed on the Highfield Road scoreboard. There were still 15 minutes left to play and Coventry and Bristol City effectively stopped playing knowing that a 2–2 draw would keep both teams up and send Sunderland down. There was an inquiry but the result was allowed to stand and Sunderland were relegated. Some Sunderland fans have held a grudge, believing that then-Coventry chairman Jimmy Hill used his influence to delay the game and give his side an advantage, and there has been some rivalry more recently as the two clubs competed for promotion from League One together in 2018–19 and 2019–20. In 2018–19 crowd trouble marred the meetings between the two at The Ricoh Arena and The Stadium of Light leading to numerous arrests among both sets of fans.

Players

First-team squad

As of 31 January 2024[158]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK England ENG Simon Moore
2 DF England ENG Luis Binks (on loan from Bologna)
3 DF Wales WAL Jay Dasilva
4 DF England ENG Bobby Thomas
6 MF Scotland SCO Liam Kelly (captain)
7 MF Japan JPN Tatsuhiro Sakamoto
8 MF England ENG Jamie Allen (4th captain)
9 FW England ENG Ellis Simms
10 MF England ENG Callum O'Hare
11 FW United States USA Haji Wright
13 GK England ENG Ben Wilson
No. Pos. Nation Player
14 MF England ENG Ben Sheaf (vice captain)
15 DF England ENG Liam Kitching
21 DF England ENG Jake Bidwell
22 DF Jamaica JAM Joel Latibeaudiere
24 FW England ENG Matt Godden (3rd captain)
27 DF Netherlands NED Milan van Ewijk
28 MF England ENG Josh Eccles
29 MF Denmark DEN Victor Torp
30 FW Portugal POR Fábio Tavares
40 GK England ENG Bradley Collins
45 MF Jamaica JAM Kasey Palmer

Out on loan

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
32 DF Scotland SCO Jack Burroughs (at Lincoln City until 30 June 2024)
36 MF Wales WAL Ryan Howley (at Dundee until 30 June 2024)
43 MF Romania ROU Marco Rus (at Universitatea Cluj)
49 FW England ENG Justin Obikwu (at Grimsby Town until 30 June 2024)
50 DF Italy ITA Riccardo Di Trolio (at Welling United until 30 June 2024)
FW England ENG Ephron Mason-Clark (at Peterborough United until 30 June 2024)

Under-21 squad

As of 31 January 2024[159]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
41 DF England ENG Dermi Lusala
44 GK Wales WAL Cian Tyler
46 MF England ENG Bradley Stretton
47 MF Austria AUT Evan Eghosa
48 GK England ENG Luke Bell
No. Pos. Nation Player
52 DF England ENG Tristan Batanwi
53 MF England ENG Isaac Moore
54 FW Wales WAL Kai Andrews
61 DF England ENG Callum Perry
DF England ENG Kain Ryan

Under-18 squad

As of 1 August 2023[160]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
GK Wales WAL Luis Lines
GK England ENG Daniel Rachel
DF England ENG Ben Blakely
DF England ENG Joshua Gordon
DF England ENG David Mantle
DF England ENG Jay Marshall
DF England ENG Jayden Smith
MF England ENG Conrad Ambursley
MF England ENG Elliot Betjemann
No. Pos. Nation Player
MF England ENG Charlie Finney
MF England ENG Jack James
MF England ENG Joseph McCallum
MF England ENG Leon Osaghae
MF England ENG Rylie Siddall
MF England ENG Mackenzie Stretton
FW England ENG Aidan Dausch
FW England ENG Constantine Panayiotou

Backroom staff and club officials

Name Position
Mark Robins Manager
Adi Viveash Assistant manager
Vacant First-team coach
Aled Williams Goalkeeping coach
John Dempster Under 21s Head Coach
Mark Delaney Under 18s Coach
Daniel Bolas Academy manager
Dr Ganeshan Ramsamy Club doctor
Dr Claire-Marie Roberts Performance Director
Liam Stanley Assistant physiotherapist
Adam Hearn Head of sports science
Andy Young Senior Fitness Coach
Paul Travis Performance analyst
Mike Reid Head of Football Operations
Ben King Football Operations
Dean Austin Head of recruitment
Jamie Johnson[161] Head of Scouting
Chris Marsh Kitman
Name Position
Doug King Owner/Chairman
John Taylor Chief Operating Officer
David Busst Head of Sky Blues
in the Community
Tynan Scope Commercial Manager
Mark Hornby Head of Marketing & Communications
Jim Brown Club Historian

Seasons

Season Review
& Statistics
Level Pos. Player of the Year Top Goalscorer Matches Most Appearances Most Captain Apps Other
1958–1959 season 4 2nd (24) not awarded England Ray Straw 30 48 England Roy Kirk 48 England George Curtis Football League Fourth Division Runners-up
1959–1960 season 3 5th (24) England Ray Straw 21 48 South Africa Arthur Lightening 48 England George Curtis Southern Professional Floodlit Cup Winners
1960–1961 season 3 15th (24) England Ray Straw 20 51 England George Curtis 51 England George Curtis
1961–1962 season 3 14th (24) England Mike Dixon 12 49 England George Curtis 49 England George Curtis
1962–1963 season 3 4th (24) England Terry Bly 29 57 England George Curtis 56 England George Curtis
1963–1964 season 3 1st (24) England George Hudson 28 50 England George Curtis 50
Wales Ronnie Rees 50
England George Curtis Football League Third Division Champions
1964–1965 season 2 10th (22) England George Hudson 24 47 England George Curtis 46
Wales Ronnie Rees 46
England George Curtis
1965–1966 season 2 3rd (22) England George Hudson 17 50 England George Curtis 50 England George Curtis
1966–1967 season 2 1st (22) England Bobby Gould 25 46 England George Curtis 46 England George Curtis Football League Second Division Champions
1967–1968 season 1 20th (22) England Ernie Machin Wales Ronnie Rees 9 46 England Ernie Machin 44 England George Curtis FA Youth Cup Runners-up
1968–1969 season 1 20th (22) England Bill Glazier England Ernie Hunt 13 49 England Bill Glazier 49 England George Curtis
1969–1970 season 1 6th (22) Scotland Neil Martin Scotland Neil Martin 15 45 England Mick Coop 44 Scotland Roy Barry FA Youth Cup Runners-up
1970–1971 season 1 10th (22) Scotland Willie Carr England Ernie Hunt 13
Scotland Neil Martin 13
52 England Jeff Blockley 52 Scotland Neil Martin Inter-Cities Fairs Cup Second round;
BBC Goal of the Season: England Ernie Hunt
1971–1972 season 1 18th (22) England Ernie Hunt England Ernie Hunt 12 45 Scotland Willie Carr 45
England Wilf Smith 45
Scotland Roy Barry Texaco Cup Second round
1972–1973 season 1 19th (22) Scotland Willie Carr Scotland Brian Alderson 17 48 England Mick Coop 48 Scotland Roy Barry Texaco Cup First round
1973–1974 season 1 16th (22) England Bill Glazier Scotland Brian Alderson 15 54 Republic of Ireland Jimmy Holmes 53
Scotland Tommy Hutchison 53
England John Craven Texaco Cup First round
1974–1975 season 1 14th (22) England Graham Oakey Scotland Brian Alderson 8
England David Cross 8
46 Scotland Tommy Hutchison 46 England John Craven
1975–1976 season 1 14th (22) Scotland Tommy Hutchison England David Cross 16 47 England Mick Coop 47
Scotland Tommy Hutchison 47
England John Craven
1976–1977 season 1 19th (22) Scotland Jim Blyth England Mick Ferguson 15 47 England John Beck 45 Wales Terry Yorath
1977–1978 season 1 7th (22) Scotland Ian Wallace Scotland Ian Wallace 23 47 Scotland Bobby McDonald 47
England Barry Powell 47
Wales Terry Yorath
1978–1979 season 1 10th (22) Scotland Bobby McDonald Scotland Ian Wallace 15 45 Scotland Tommy Hutchison 45
Scotland Bobby McDonald 45
Wales Terry Yorath
1979–1980 season 1 15th (22) Scotland Gary Gillespie Scotland Ian Wallace 13 47 Scotland Tommy Hutchison 45 Scotland Tommy Hutchison
1980–1981 season 1 16th (22) England Danny Thomas England Garry Thompson 15 55 England Paul Dyson 54
England Harry Roberts 54
England Mick Coop Football League Cup Semi-finalists
1981–1982 season 1 14th (22) England Danny Thomas England Mark Hateley 18 48 Scotland Gary Gillespie 46 Republic of Ireland Gerry Daly PFA Merit Award: England Joe Mercer
1982–1983 season 1 19th (22) Scotland Gary Gillespie England Steve Whitton 14 48 Scotland Gary Gillespie 48 England Gerry Francis PFA Team OTY: England Danny Thomas
1983–1984 season 1 19th (22) England Nick Platnauer England Terry Gibson 19 49 England Terry Gibson 41
England Nick Platnauer 41
England Harry Roberts
1984–1985 season 1 18th (22) England Terry Gibson England Terry Gibson 19 46 England Steve Ogrizovic 46 England Trevor Peake
1985–1986 season 1 17th (22) England Trevor Peake England Terry Gibson 13 47 England Steve Ogrizovic 47 England Brian Kilcline
1986–1987 season 1 10th (22) England Steve Ogrizovic England Cyrille Regis 16 53 England Steve Ogrizovic 53 England Brian Kilcline FA Cup Winners: 1987 FA Cup final;
FA Youth Cup Winners: 1987 FA Youth Cup final;

BBC Goal of the Season: England Keith Houchen
1987–1988 season 1 10th (21) Scotland David Speedie England Cyrille Regis 12 46 England Steve Ogrizovic 46 England Brian Kilcline FA Charity Shield Runners-up: 1987 FA Charity Shield;
Full Members Cup Semi-finalists
1988–1989 season 1 7th (20) Scotland David Speedie Scotland David Speedie 15 42 England Brian Borrows 42
England Steve Ogrizovic 42
England Brian Kilcline
1989–1990 season 1 12th (20) England Brian Borrows Scotland David Speedie 9 47 England Brian Borrows 46
England David Smith 46
England Brian Kilcline Football League Cup Semi-finalists
1990–1991 season 1 16th (20) Scotland Kevin Gallacher Scotland Kevin Gallacher 16 47 England Brian Borrows 47 England Brian Kilcline PFA Merit Award: Scotland Tommy Hutchison
1991–1992 season 1 19th (22) England Stewart Robson Scotland Kevin Gallacher 10 48 England Lloyd McGrath 46 England Stewart Robson
1992–1993 season 1 15th (22) England Peter Atherton England Micky Quinn 17 45 England John Williams 44 England Brian Borrows
1993–1994 season 1 11th (22) Republic of Ireland Phil Babb Zimbabwe Peter Ndlovu 11 46 Republic of Ireland Phil Babb 44
England Steve Morgan 44
England Brian Borrows
1994–1995 season 1 16th (22) England Brian Borrows England Dion Dublin 16 49 England Brian Borrows 40
England Paul Cook 40
England Steve Ogrizovic 40
England Brian Borrows PFA Merit Award: Scotland Gordon Strachan
1995–1996 season 1 16th (20) England Paul Williams England Dion Dublin 16 45 England John Salako 43 England Dion Dublin
1996–1997 season 1 17th (20) England Dion Dublin England Dion Dublin 13 46 Scotland Gary McAllister 46
England Steve Ogrizovic 46
Scotland Gary McAllister
1997–1998 season 1 11th (20) England Dion Dublin England Dion Dublin 23 47 England Dion Dublin 43 Scotland Gary McAllister Premier League Golden Boot: England Dion Dublin;
PFA Merit Award: England Steve Ogrizovic
1998–1999 season 1 15th (20) England Richard Shaw England Noel Whelan 13 44 Sweden Magnus Hedman 42
England Richard Shaw 42
Scotland Gary McAllister FA Youth Cup Runners-up
1999–2000 season 1 14th (20) Scotland Gary McAllister Scotland Gary McAllister 13 43 Scotland Gary McAllister 43 Scotland Gary McAllister FA Youth Cup Runners-up;
FAI Young Int'l Player OTY: Republic of Ireland Robbie Keane
2000–2001 season 1 19th (20) Republic of Ireland Gary Breen Wales Craig Bellamy 8 44 Wales Craig Bellamy 39 Morocco Mustapha Hadji PFA Merit Award: England Jimmy Hill;
Welsh Footballer OTY: Wales John Hartson
2001–2002 season 2 11th (24) England David Thompson England Lee Hughes 14 49 Bosnia and Herzegovina Muhamed Konjić 41 England John Eustace
2002–2003 season 2 20th (24) Bosnia and Herzegovina Muhamed Konjić England Jay Bothroyd 11 52 Bosnia and Herzegovina Muhamed Konjić 48 Bosnia and Herzegovina Muhamed Konjić
2003–2004 season 2 12th (24) England Stephen Warnock England Gary McSheffrey 12 51 England Stephen Warnock 49 Bosnia and Herzegovina Muhamed Konjić FWA Tribute Award: England Jimmy Hill
2004–2005 season 2 19th (24) Republic of Ireland Michael Doyle England Gary McSheffrey 14 51 Republic of Ireland Michael Doyle 49 England Stephen Hughes First CONCACAF 50-goal scorer: Trinidad and Tobago Stern John;
Last goal at Highfield Road: England Andy Whing
2005–2006 season 2 8th (24) England Gary McSheffrey England Gary McSheffrey 17 51 England Gary McSheffrey 50 Republic of Ireland Michael Doyle First goal at Ricoh Arena: Faroe Islands Claus Bech Jørgensen
2006–2007 season 2 17th (24) England Andy Marshall Nigeria Dele Adebola 9 49 Nigeria Dele Adebola 42
Republic of Ireland Michael Doyle 42
England Marcus Hall 42
England Andy Marshall 42
Wales Rob Page Birmingham Senior Cup Winners
2007–2008 season 2 21st (24) Republic of Ireland Jay Tabb Malta Michael Mifsud 17 53 Republic of Ireland Michael Doyle 49
England Isaac Osbourne 49
Republic of Ireland Jay Tabb 49
England Stephen Hughes
2008–2009 season 2 17th (24) Iceland Aron Gunnarsson Republic of Ireland Clinton Morrison 12 53 Republic of Ireland Keiren Westwood 49 England Scott Dann PFA Team OTY: England Danny Fox, Republic of Ireland Keiren Westwood
2009–2010 season 2 19th (24) Republic of Ireland Keiren Westwood Republic of Ireland Clinton Morrison 11 49 Republic of Ireland Keiren Westwood 46 England Stephen Wright
2010–2011 season 2 18th (24) Jamaica Marlon King Jamaica Marlon King 13 49 Republic of Ireland Richard Keogh 48 Republic of Ireland Lee Carsley FL Fan OTY: England Kevin Monks
2011–2012 season 2 23rd (24) Republic of Ireland Richard Keogh England Lukas Jutkiewicz 9
England Gary McSheffrey 9
48 Republic of Ireland Richard Keogh 47
Republic of Ireland Joe Murphy 47
Northern Ireland Sammy Clingan Championship Apprentice Award: Burundi Gaël Bigirimana
2012–2013 season 3 15th (24) England Carl Baker Republic of Ireland David McGoldrick 18 58 Republic of Ireland Joe Murphy 56 England Carl Baker FL Trophy Northern area finalists;
PFA Team OTY: England Leon Clarke;
FL Fan OTY: England Pat Raybould
2013–2014 season 3 18th (24) †† England Callum Wilson England Callum Wilson 22 53 Republic of Ireland Joe Murphy 53 England Carl Baker FL Goal OTY: Belgium Franck Moussa;
PFA Team OTY: England Callum Wilson
2014–2015 season 3 17th (24) Scotland Jim O'Brien England Frank Nouble 7 52 Scotland John Fleck 47
Scotland Jim O'Brien 47
Benin Réda Johnson
2015–2016 season 3 8th (24) Scotland John Fleck England Adam Armstrong 20 49 Wales Sam Ricketts 46
France Romain Vincelot 46
Wales Sam Ricketts PFA Team OTY: England Adam Armstrong
2016–2017 season 3 23rd (24) Wales George Thomas Wales George Thomas 9 59 England Jordan Turnbull 46
England Jordan Willis 46
England Jordan Willis EFL Trophy Winners: 2017 EFL Trophy final
2017–2018 season 4 6th (24) Scotland Marc McNulty Scotland Marc McNulty 28 58 Scotland Jack Grimmer 53 Republic of Ireland Michael Doyle EFL League Two play-offs Winners: 2018 play-off final;
EFL Team OTY: England Lee Burge, England Jordan Willis;
PFA Team OTY: Scotland Jack Grimmer;
PFA Fans' Player OTY: Scotland Marc McNulty
2018–2019 season 3 8th (24) Scotland Dominic Hyam England Jordy Hiwula 13 51 England Luke Thomas 44 Scotland Liam Kelly
2019–2020 season 3 1st (23) ††† England Fankaty Dabo England Matt Godden 15 47 Republic of Ireland Jordan Shipley 42 Scotland Liam Kelly EFL League One Champions;
LMA Awards Manager OTY: England Mark Robins;
PFA Team OTY: Slovakia Marko Maroši, England Fankaty Dabo,
England Liam Walsh, England Matt Godden
2020–2021 season 2 16th (24) England Callum O'Hare England Tyler Walker 8 49 England Callum O'Hare 48 Scotland Liam Kelly
2021–2022 season 2 12th (24) Netherlands Gustavo Hamer Sweden Viktor Gyökeres 18 49 Sweden Viktor Gyökeres 47
England Callum O'Hare 47
England Kyle McFadzean Championship Apprentice Award: Wales Ryan Howley
2022–2023 season 2 5th (24) Netherlands Gustavo Hamer Sweden Viktor Gyökeres 22 51 England Jake Bidwell 50
Sweden Viktor Gyökeres 50
England Kyle McFadzean EFL Championship play-offs Runners-up: 2023 play-off final;
Birmingham Senior Cup Runners-up;
EFL Team OTY: England Ben Wilson, Sweden Viktor Gyökeres;
EFL Golden Glove: England Ben Wilson;
PFA Team OTY: Sweden Viktor Gyökeres
2023–2024 season 2 8th (24) * United States Haji Wright 15 * 43 * England Ellis Simms 43 * England Ben Sheaf *

Coventry City deducted 10 points by the Football League for going into administration.[162]
†† Coventry City deducted 10 points by the Football League.[163]
††† Bury were expelled from the EFL on 27 August 2019 due to financial issues at the club.[164] The season was postponed on 13 March 2020 and later concluded prematurely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with league positions and promotions decided on a points-per-game basis.[165]
* Season in progress.

Notable players

Official Hall of Fame

Player[166] Apps Goals
England Dave Bennett 201 33
England Brian Borrows 477 13
England Clarrie Bourton 241 182
Scotland Willie Carr 280 36
England Mick Coop 492 22
England George Curtis 538 13
Scotland Jimmy Dougall 236 14
England Dion Dublin 170 72
Player[166] Apps Goals
England Ron Farmer 311 52
England Mick Ferguson 141 57
Scotland Ian Gibson 101 14
England Bill Glazier 395 0
England Fred Herbert 199 85
England George Hudson 129 75
England Ernie Hunt 166 51
Scotland Tommy Hutchison 355 30
Player[166] Apps Goals
England Mick Kearns 382 16
Wales Leslie Jones 145 73
Scotland Jock Lauderdale 182 63
Wales George Lowrie 85 59
England Ernie Machin 289 39
England George Mason 350 9
England Reg Matthews 116 0
England Steve Ogrizovic 601 1
Player[166] Apps Goals
England Trevor Peake 336 7
Wales Ronnie Rees 262 52
England Cyrille Regis 283 62
England Richard Shaw 362 1
England Danny Thomas 123 6
Scotland Ian Wallace 138 60
England Alf Wood 246 0

Notable Academy graduates

Player Achievements
England Tom Bayliss 2017–18 EFL League Two play-off winner with Coventry
Burundi Gaël Bigirimana 2017 EFL Trophy Final winner with Coventry, 2012 Championship Apprentice Award winner
Republic of Ireland Willie Boland Over 200 appearances for Cardiff City, 2001–02 FAW Premier Cup winner
England Lee Burge 2017–18 EFL League Two play-off winner with Coventry, 2017 EFL Trophy Final winner with Coventry, over 150 appearances for Coventry
Republic of Ireland Cyrus Christie 24 international caps and 2 goals for Republic of Ireland, over 100 appearances for Coventry
England Jordan Clarke Over 100 appearances for Coventry
England Jonson Clarke-Harris 2017–18 EFL League Two play-off winner with Coventry, youngest player to play in a first-team match for Coventry
England Josh Eccles Over 50 appearances for Coventry
England John Eustace Coventry club captain
England Marcus Hall England U21 captain, over 300 appearances for Coventry
England Ryan Haynes 2017–18 EFL League Two play-off winner with Coventry, 2017 EFL Trophy Final winner with Coventry
Wales Ryan Howley 2022 Championship Apprentice Award winner
Republic of Ireland Dean Kiely 11 international caps for Republic of Ireland, 2007–08 Championship Golden Glove, two-time Football League Championship winner
England Chris Kirkland 1 international cap for England, 2004–05 UEFA Champions League winner
England James Maddison 2 international caps for England, part of England 2022 World Cup squad, January 2018 EFL Young Player of the Month
England Gary McSheffrey Over 250 appearances for Coventry, two-time Football League Championship runner-up
Republic of Ireland Roy O'Donovan 2 caps for Republic of Ireland B, 2015–16 A-League Goal of the Year winner
England Isaac Osbourne Over 100 appearances for Coventry
England Jordan Ponticelli 2017–18 EFL League Two play-off winner with Coventry
England Josh Ruffels Over 300 appearances for Oxford United
Republic of Ireland Jordan Shipley 2019–20 EFL League One winner with Coventry, 2017–18 EFL League Two play-off winner with Coventry, over 100 appearances for Coventry
England Ben Stevenson 2017 EFL Trophy Final winner with Coventry
England Daniel Sturridge 26 international caps and 8 goals for England, 2011–12 UEFA Champions League winner, 2009–10 Premier League winner
England Conor Thomas Over 100 appearances for Coventry
Wales George Thomas 2017 EFL Trophy Final winner with Coventry
Scotland Kevin Thomson 3 international caps for Scotland, two-time Scottish Premier League winner, 2007–08 Scottish Cup winner
Republic of Ireland Kevin Thornton Over 50 appearances for the first team, 2012–13 FA Trophy winner
England Ben Turner 2012–13 Football League Championship winner
England Andy Whing Over 100 appearances for Coventry
England Jordan Willis 2017–18 EFL League Two play-off winner with Coventry, 2017 EFL Trophy Final winner with Coventry, Coventry club captain, over 200 appearances for Coventry
England Callum Wilson 6 international caps and 1 goal for England, part of England 2022 World Cup squad, two Premier League hat-tricks, 2014–15 Football League Championship winner

Player records

Record Details
Highest transfer fee paid United States Haji Wright, £7,700,000 in 2023 (from Antalyaspor)
Highest transfer fee received Sweden Viktor Gyökeres, £20,500,000 in 2023 (to Sporting CP)
Most appearances (all competitions) England Steve Ogrizovic, 601 (1984–2000)
Most appearances (league) England Steve Ogrizovic, 504 (1984–2000)
All-time top scorer (all competitions) England Clarrie Bourton, 182 goals (1931–1937)
All-time top scorer (league) England Clarrie Bourton, 173 goals (1931–1937)
Top-flight era top scorer (all competitions) England Dion Dublin, 72 goals (1994–1998)
Top-flight era top scorer (league) England Dion Dublin, 60 goals (1994–1998)
Most goals by one player in a game England Arthur Bacon, 5 (vs Gillingham, 1933)
England Clarrie Bourton, 5 (vs Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic, 1931)
England Cyrille Regis, 5 (vs Chester City, 1985)
Most goals by one player in a season England Clarrie Bourton, 50 (1931–1932, 49 league, 1 FA Cup)
Most goals by one player in a season in top-flight England Dion Dublin, 23 (1997–1998)
Scotland Ian Wallace, 23 (1977–1978)
Oldest player to play in a first-team match England Alf Wood, 43 years 207 days (vs Plymouth Argyle, 1958)
Youngest player to play in a first-team match England Jonson Clarke-Harris, 16 years 21 days (substitute vs Morecambe, 2010)
Youngest player to start a first-team match England Brian Hill, 16 years 273 days (vs Gillingham, 1958)

Managers

Chairmen

Tim Fisher was chairman of Coventry City from 2014 until 2023
  • England Thomas Owen (1907–1912)
  • England David Cooke (1912–1928)
  • England Walter Brandish (1928–1935)
  • England Fred Stringer (1935–1946)
  • England George Jones (1946–1954)
  • England W Erle Shanks (1954–1958)
  • England Walter Brandish Jr. (1958–1960)
  • England Derrick Robins (1960–1973)
  • England Peter Robins (1973–1975)
  • England Jack Scamp (1975–1977)
  • England Phil Mead (1977–1980)
  • England Jimmy Hill (1980–1983)
  • Scotland Iain Jamieson (1983–1984)
  • England John Poynton (1984–1990)
  • England Peter Robins (1990–1993)
  • England John Clarke (1993)
  • England Bryan Richardson (1993–2002)
  • England Mike McGinnity (2002–2005)
  • England Geoffrey Robinson (2005–2007)
  • England Joe Elliott (2007)
  • England Ray Ranson (2007–2011)
  • England Ken Dulieu (2011)
  • Vacant (2011–2014)
  • England Tim Fisher (2014–2023)
  • England Doug King (2023–)

Honours

League

Cup

Notes

  1. ^ a b "The Sky Blues – A Brief History". ccfc.co.uk. Coventry City F.C. 7 November 2011. Archived from the original on 22 September 2012. Retrieved 22 September 2012.
  2. ^ "Classic Cup Finals". The Football Association. Archived from the original on 29 March 2010. Retrieved 8 August 2008.
  3. ^ Gibbons, Duncan (24 November 2012). "Revealed: The Blitzed pub where Coventry City were born". Coventry Telegraph. Archived from the original on 10 April 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
  4. ^ a b c d Brown 2000, p. 5.
  5. ^ Brassington 1989, pp. 9–10.
  6. ^ a b Dean 1991, p. 8.
  7. ^ Eccleston, Ben (3 December 2013). "Home ground! Sky Blues historian believes he has located Coventry City's first ever pitch". Coventry Telegraph. Archived from the original on 10 April 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
  8. ^ Henderson 1968, p. 15.
  9. ^ Dean 1991, pp. 9–10.
  10. ^ Henderson 1968, p. 17.
  11. ^ Brassington 1989, p. 19.
  12. ^ Brassington 1989, pp. 19–20.
  13. ^ Brassington 1989, p. 21.
  14. ^ "Coventry City Football Club information". Coventry Telegraph. Archived from the original on 2 September 2012. Retrieved 22 September 2012.
  15. ^ "CCFC Company and Group Structures". Sky Blue Trust. Archived from the original on 20 January 2021. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
  16. ^ "England FA Challenge Cup 1907–1908". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
  17. ^ Dean 1991, pp. 11–12.
  18. ^ Dean 1991, p. 13.
  19. ^ Dean 1991, pp. 15–16.
  20. ^ Brown 2000, p. 18.
  21. ^ Brassington 1989, p. 29.
  22. ^ a b Henderson 1968, p. 23.
  23. ^ Dean 1991, p. 17.
  24. ^ Brassington 1989, p. 34.
  25. ^ Dean 1991, p. 19.
  26. ^ Dean 1991, p. 20.
  27. ^ Brassington 1989, p. 37.
  28. ^ Brown, Jim (17 August 2013). "Jim Brown: Goals galore but a record low gate for first Coventry City 'home' game at Sixfields". Coventry Telegraph. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
  29. ^ Brown 2006, pp. 49–50.
  30. ^ Brassington 1989, pp. 37–38.
  31. ^ Brown 2000, p. 28.
  32. ^ Henderson 1968, p. 24.
  33. ^ Brassington 1989, p. 45.
  34. ^ Brown, Jim (6 October 2008). "Jim Brown: Clarrie Bourton – Coventry City's greatest scorer". Coventry Telegraph. Archived from the original on 10 April 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
  35. ^ Brassington 1989, p. 46.
  36. ^ Henderson 1968, pp. 26–29.
  37. ^ Brassington 1989, p. 47–48.
  38. ^ Brassington 1989, p. 47.
  39. ^ Henderson 1968, p. 29.
  40. ^ a b c Dean 1991, p. 27.
  41. ^ Brassington 1989, p. 48.
  42. ^ Brassington 1989, p. 53.
  43. ^ Dean 1991, p. 28.
  44. ^ Brown 2000, p. 42.
  45. ^ Henderson 1968, p. 34.
  46. ^ Brown 2000, p. 61.
  47. ^ Dean 1991, p. 31.
  48. ^ Brassington 1989, p. 54.
  49. ^ Dean 1991, p. 32.
  50. ^ Brassington 1989, p. 63.
  51. ^ Henderson 1968, p. 43.
  52. ^ Henderson 1968, p. 44.
  53. ^ McCartney, Aidan (2 December 2015). "Look: Jimmy Hill and the Sky Blue Revolution – 1961 to 1967". Coventry Telegraph. Archived from the original on 10 April 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
  54. ^ "Club History". Coventry City F.C. Archived from the original on 10 April 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
  55. ^ Brassington 1989, pp. 67–71.
  56. ^ Brown 2006, p. 143.
  57. ^ "City board will "bend" for fans". Coventry Evening Telegraph. 13 July 1967. p. 23. Archived from the original on 10 April 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  58. ^ "Coventry City". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 30 June 2022. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  59. ^ Mann, Mantej (3 November 2016). "Coventry City digest: The day Sky Blues beat European giants Bayern Munich". Coventry Telegraph. Archived from the original on 10 April 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
  60. ^ Dean 1991, p. 39.
  61. ^ Brown 1998, pp. 57–58.
  62. ^ Brassington 1989, p. 91.
  63. ^ Brown 1998, pp. 76–77.
  64. ^ Brown 1998, pp. 46–47.
  65. ^ a b Brassington 1989, p. 92.
  66. ^ Ward & Williams 2010, p. 176.
  67. ^ Bentley, David (4 April 2014). "Things you didn't know about Coventry". Birmingham Mail. Archived from the original on 10 April 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
  68. ^ Brown 2000, p. 114.
  69. ^ a b Brown 2000, p. 124.
  70. ^ Pye, Steven (16 May 2014). "How Coventry City shocked Tottenham Hotspur to win the 1987 FA Cup final". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 4 January 2021. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  71. ^ a b c Dean 1991, p. 43.
  72. ^ Campbell, Paul (3 January 2014). "From the Vault: Sutton United knock Coventry City out of the FA Cup in 1989". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 12 November 2020. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
  73. ^ Brown 1998, p. 113.
  74. ^ "League Division One table after close of play on 21 February 1989". 11v11.com. AFS Enterprises. Archived from the original on 1 December 2021. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
  75. ^ Brown 1998, pp. 128–129.
  76. ^ "A History of The Premier League". Premier League. Archived from the original on 18 November 2011. Retrieved 22 November 2007.
  77. ^ Brown 2006, p. 292.
  78. ^ Brown 2006, p. 300.
  79. ^ Turner, Andy (20 March 2019). "Former boss picks his best Sky Blues XI". Coventry Telegraph. Archived from the original on 10 April 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
  80. ^ Joseph, Tom (11 September 2001). "Strachan the victim of market forces". The Independent. Archived from the original on 10 April 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
  81. ^ Brown 2006, p. 309.
  82. ^ Gilbert 2016, pp. 9–10.
  83. ^ Gilbert 2016, p. 13–14.
  84. ^ Brown 2006, pp. 316–318.
  85. ^ Brown 2006, p. 319.
  86. ^ Brown 2006, pp. 320, 322, 329.
  87. ^ Corden, Lee (18 August 2005). "Stadium guru works his magic at Coventry". The Daily Telegraph. p. 43. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  88. ^ Gilbert 2016, p. 22.
  89. ^ Gilbert 2016, p. 46.
  90. ^ Tynan, Gordon. "Coventry to be saved from administration". The Independent. p. 73. Archived from the original on 8 April 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  91. ^ Gilbert 2016, pp. 61–62.
  92. ^ Turner, Andy (12 April 2018). "What happened to Chris Coleman's Coventry City side?". Coventry Telegraph. Archived from the original on 10 April 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
  93. ^ Gilbert 2016, pp. 64–65.
  94. ^ Turner, Andy (30 March 2011). "Sisu mortgage £1m training ground to keep Coventry City afloat". Coventry Telegraph. Archived from the original on 8 April 2023. Retrieved 8 April 2023.
  95. ^ Gilbert 2016, p. 86.
  96. ^ Nakrani, Sachin (11 August 2013). "Coventry City start new life in Northampton but some shall not be moved". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 8 April 2023. Retrieved 8 April 2023.
  97. ^ "Coventry to return to Ricoh Arena". Reuters. 21 August 2014. Archived from the original on 8 April 2023. Retrieved 8 April 2023.
  98. ^ Gilbert, Simon (18 August 2015). "Coventry City Football Club Limited dissolved". Coventry Telegraph. Archived from the original on 8 April 2023. Retrieved 8 April 2023.
  99. ^ "Coventry relegated to League Two amid flying pigs protest against Charlton". The Guardian. 14 April 2017. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  100. ^ a b Fisher, Ben (9 June 2020). "'A disgrace': Peterborough furious as League One and League Two curtailed". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 10 July 2020. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
  101. ^ Jackson, Elliott; Nicholson, Steve (21 May 2020). "EFL confirm where Coventry City will finish if League One landmark vote goes their way". Coventry Telegraph. Archived from the original on 2 December 2020. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
  102. ^ Davis, Tom (4 March 2021). "Coventry City's reported Ricoh return 'great news', says council leader". Coventry Telegraph. Archived from the original on 10 April 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
  103. ^ "NEWS: Doug King completes full purchase of Coventry City, alongside company name change". www.ccfc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 28 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
  104. ^ "Ex-Newcastle owner Ashley takes over CBS Arena". BBC Sport. 17 November 2022. Archived from the original on 10 April 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
  105. ^ "Championship goals and round-up: Sunderland and Coventry seal play-off spots on dramatic final day". Sky Sports. 9 May 2023. Archived from the original on 27 May 2023. Retrieved 27 May 2023.
  106. ^ McLaughlin, Luke (17 May 2023). "Middlesbrough v Coventry City: Championship playoff semi-final, second leg – live". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 26 May 2023. Retrieved 27 May 2023.
  107. ^ Murray, Scott (27 May 2023). "Luton promoted to Premier League after beating Coventry – as it happened". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 27 May 2023. Retrieved 27 May 2023.
  108. ^ Stone, Simon (16 March 2024). "Wolves 2-3 Coventry: Haji Wright scores 100th-minute winner in FA Cup classic". BBC. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
  109. ^ "Look: Coventry's infamous chocolate brown kit named as the worst strip in English football history". Coventry Telegraph. Trinity Mirror. 6 June 2013. Archived from the original on 8 June 2013. Retrieved 9 June 2013.
  110. ^ "Coventry fans protest as Southampton dump home side out of FA Cup". The Guardian. 7 January 2012. Archived from the original on 15 June 2015. Retrieved 29 August 2013.
  111. ^ Taylor, Daniel (4 January 2013). "Coventry head to Tottenham awash with memories of their finest hour". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 15 June 2015. Retrieved 29 August 2013.
  112. ^ "Coventry City to wear 2-Tone kit inspired by The Specials". BBC Sport. 12 October 2019. Archived from the original on 13 October 2019. Retrieved 13 October 2019.
  113. ^ "NEWS: Exams Office to sponsor Sky Blues shorts this season!". www.ccfc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 13 April 2021. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  114. ^ "NEWS: Jingltree agree two-year deal to be Coventry City's back of shirt sponsor!". www.ccfc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 17 April 2021. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  115. ^ "NEWS: G&R Scaffolding announced as home shorts sponsor for 2020/21 season". www.ccfc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 14 April 2021. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  116. ^ "NEWS: SIMIAN Aspects Training to sponsor Coventry City's 2020/21 away shorts". www.ccfc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 14 April 2021. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  117. ^ a b "NEWS: Wednesday's Carabao Cup tie to be played at Burton Albion's Pirelli Stadium". www.ccfc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 8 August 2022. Retrieved 8 August 2022.
  118. ^ Brown, Jim. "100 Years of Highfield Road". cwn.org.uk. Archived from the original on 17 January 2013. Retrieved 22 September 2012.
  119. ^ "Look: Eight years today since Coventry City left Highfield Road". Coventry Telegraph. Trinity Mirror. 30 April 2005. Archived from the original on 13 August 2013. Retrieved 24 August 2013.
  120. ^ "Coventry City Factfile: Ricoh Arena". Sky Sports. Archived from the original on 16 October 2008. Retrieved 4 August 2008.
  121. ^ "Jimmy Hill statue unveiled at Coventry's Ricoh Arena". BBC News. BBC. 28 July 2011. Archived from the original on 30 May 2014. Retrieved 24 August 2013.
  122. ^ "Owners of Sky Blues planning to build Highfield Road II 'just outside' city". Coventry Telegraph. Archived from the original on 7 June 2013. Retrieved 23 May 2013.
  123. ^ "Coventry City given 'play for free' offer at Ricoh Arena". BBC Sport. 11 June 2013. Archived from the original on 20 June 2013. Retrieved 2 August 2013.
  124. ^ Reid, Les (23 May 2013). "Coventry City planning to build Highfield Road II". Coventry Telegraph. Archived from the original on 7 June 2013. Retrieved 2 August 2013.
  125. ^ Turner, Andy (16 May 2013). "Preston Haskell bids to buy Coventry City and half-share of Ricoh Arena". Coventry Telegraph. Archived from the original on 13 August 2013. Retrieved 2 August 2013.
  126. ^ "Coventry City: Walsall boss Smith says groundshare 'won't happen'". BBC Sport. 20 June 2013. Archived from the original on 24 June 2013. Retrieved 2 August 2013.
  127. ^ "Coventry City set to groundshare with Northampton Town". BBC Sport. 4 July 2013. Archived from the original on 8 July 2013. Retrieved 2 August 2013.
  128. ^ "Coventry fans hold Ricoh Arena protest 'to keep club in the city'". BBC Sport. 29 June 2013. Archived from the original on 2 July 2013. Retrieved 2 August 2013.
  129. ^ "Coventry City ground share 'a disgrace' MP says". BBC News Coventry and Warwickshire. 11 July 2013. Archived from the original on 14 July 2013. Retrieved 12 July 2013.
  130. ^ "Coventry City agree deal to return to the Ricoh Arena". Coventry Telegraph. Archived from the original on 7 October 2015. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
  131. ^ "Coventry City Football Club have agreed a deal to return to the Ricoh Arena". Coventry City F.C. 21 August 2014. Archived from the original on 21 August 2014. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
  132. ^ "Time to bring Coventry City home". Coventry Telegraph (News article). 7 July 2014. Archived from the original on 1 November 2015. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
  133. ^ "Streets flooded with Sky Blue as supporters send out clear message". Coventry Telegraph (News article). 12 July 2014. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
  134. ^ "Finalists revealed for the British Journalism Awards in association with TSB". Press Gazette (Press release). 4 November 2014. Archived from the original on 15 September 2015. Retrieved 12 September 2015.
  135. ^ "Coventry City: Sky Blues pursuing option of new home within city". BBC Sport. 11 November 2015. Archived from the original on 14 November 2015. Retrieved 4 April 2017.
  136. ^ "Coventry City: League Two club agrees deal with Wasps to stay at Ricoh Arena". BBC Sport. 9 February 2018. Archived from the original on 27 February 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
  137. ^ "Coventy City and Coventry Rugby Club draw up plans for ground share at Butts Park Arena". Coventry Telegraph (News article). 18 May 2016. Archived from the original on 18 May 2016. Retrieved 18 May 2016.
  138. ^ Eccleston, Ben (16 November 2017). "'Not while Sisu are in charge' – Coventry RFC again rule out Coventry City groundshare". Coventry Telegraph. Archived from the original on 19 December 2017. Retrieved 14 January 2018.
  139. ^ "Coventry City to ground share with Birmingham City for 2019–20 season". BBC Sport. 7 June 2019. Archived from the original on 30 October 2021. Retrieved 7 June 2019.
  140. ^ Turner, Andy (20 September 2019). "EFL clarify Coventry City's groundshare position". coventrytelegraph. Archived from the original on 28 November 2020. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
  141. ^ "Coventry City: Championship-bound club to stay at Birmingham's St Andrew's ground". BBC Sport. 24 July 2020. Archived from the original on 24 July 2020. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  142. ^ "NEWS: Coventry City and University of Warwick announce new Sky Blues stadium plans". www.ccfc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 21 July 2020.
  143. ^ "Coventry City confirm return to Ricoh Arena from next season". BBC Sport. 10 March 2021. Archived from the original on 8 June 2022. Retrieved 10 March 2021.
  144. ^ "NEWS: Dave Boddy issues Club Update following Ricoh Arena deal". www.ccfc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 10 March 2021. Retrieved 10 March 2021.
  145. ^ Bridge, Bobby (5 May 2021). "New name for Ricoh Arena after 'landmark' 10-year deal signed". Coventry Telegraph. Coventry, England. Archived from the original on 9 September 2021. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
  146. ^ "Wasps stadium to become Coventry Building Society Arena in naming rights deal". ITV News. 5 May 2021. Archived from the original on 11 June 2021. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
  147. ^ "Joy Seppala: Coventry City owner says club 'firmly committed' to new stadium". BBC Sport. 16 September 2021. Archived from the original on 17 September 2021. Retrieved 17 September 2021.
  148. ^ "NEWS: Statement following receipt of an eviction notice from Frasers Group, new owners of the CBS Arena". www.ccfc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 13 December 2022. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
  149. ^ "Coventry City sign deal to continue playing at CBS Arena until end of season". www.yorkshirepost.co.uk. 13 December 2022. Archived from the original on 13 December 2022. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
  150. ^ "NEWS: Coventry City and Frasers Group plc agree new five year licence for club to play at Coventry Building Society Arena". www.ccfc.co.uk. Retrieved 28 April 2023.
  151. ^ a b "Sky Blue Song 50th anniversary marked at Coventry City". BBC News. BBC Online. 22 December 2012. Archived from the original on 26 September 2013. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
  152. ^ Weeks, Jonny (23 December 2016). "My Coventry City are being broken apart and I fear for the club's future". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 30 September 2018. Retrieved 29 September 2018.
  153. ^ Valantine, Henry (20 January 2024). "Christian Horner and Ayao Komatsu given special invite as shared interest revealed". PlanetF1. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
  154. ^ "Coventry City 2-Tone kit launch a sell-out success". Coventry Observer. Archived from the original on 28 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
  155. ^ Blackburn, Tom (26 January 2023). "Tom Grennan is a Sky Blues fan and was a footballer before pop fame". CoventryLive. Archived from the original on 28 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
  156. ^ McCartney, Aidan (26 June 2015). "Coventry City digest: Malcolm in the Middle". CoventryLive. Archived from the original on 28 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
  157. ^ "Coventry City and Leicester City condemn offensive banners ahead of match". BBC News. 13 January 2024. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  158. ^ "First Team – Coventry City". www.ccfc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 21 April 2019. Retrieved 10 May 2019.
  159. ^ "Under-21s – Coventry City". www.ccfc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 21 April 2019. Retrieved 10 August 2019.
  160. ^ "Under-18s – Coventry City". www.ccfc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 12 January 2018. Retrieved 22 May 2021.
  161. ^ "Jamie Johnson Appointed Head of Scouting". Coventry City FC. 10 February 2023. Archived from the original on 10 February 2023. Retrieved 10 February 2023.
  162. ^ "Coventry City deducted 10 points by the Football League". 28 March 2013. Archived from the original on 17 October 2013. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
  163. ^ "Coventry City: Football League docks Sky Blues 10 points". 2 August 2013. Archived from the original on 21 January 2015. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
  164. ^ "Bury expelled by English Football League after takeover collapses". BBC Sport. 28 August 2019. Archived from the original on 27 August 2019. Retrieved 28 August 2019.
  165. ^ a b "League One: Coventry and Rotherham promoted as clubs vote for season to end". Sky Sports. 9 June 2020. Archived from the original on 9 June 2020. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
  166. ^ a b c d "SkyBlueBarmy – Coventry City Players Hall of Fame". Archived from the original on 6 July 2015. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
  167. ^ "Coventry City 2–1 Oxford United". BBC Sport. 2 April 2017. Archived from the original on 2 April 2017. Retrieved 2 April 2017.

References

  • Brassington, David (1989). Singers to Sky Blues: The story of Coventry City Football Club (2 ed.). Buckingham: Sporting and Leisure Press Limited. ISBN 978-0-86023-452-4.
  • Brown, Jim (1998). Coventry City: The Elite Era : a Complete Record. Westcliff-on-Sea: Desert Island Books. ISBN 978-1-87428-703-2.
  • Brown, Jim (2000). Coventry City: An Illustrated History. Westcliff-on-Sea: Desert Island Books. ISBN 978-1-87428-736-0.
  • Brown, Jim (2006). Coventry City at Highfield Road 1899–2005: Ghosts of a Vanished Stadium. Westcliff-on-Sea: Desert Island Books. ISBN 978-1-90532-811-6.
  • Dean, Rod (1991). Coventry City: a complete record, 1883–1991. Derby: Breedon Books. ISBN 978-0-90796-988-4.
  • Gilbert, Simon (2016). A Club Without a Home. Pitch Publishing. ISBN 978-1-78531-210-6.
  • Henderson, Derek (1968). The Sky Blues: The story of Coventry City F.C. London: Stanley Paul. ISBN 978-0-09087-480-4.
  • Ward, Andrew; Williams, John (2010). Football Nation: Sixty Years of the Beautiful Game. A&C Black. ISBN 978-1-40880-126-0.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Coventry City F.C..
  • Official club website
  • Coventry City F.C. on BBC Sport: Club news – Recent results and fixtures
  • Soccerbase – Results Archived 24 May 2008 at the Wayback Machine | Squad Stats Archived 26 October 2007 at the Wayback Machine | Transfers
  • Sky Sports Coventry City
  • Coventry City Former Players Association
  • v
  • t
  • e
Coventry City Football Club
The clubStaffGroundsOther
  • v
  • t
  • e
Coventry City F.C. seasons
  • v
  • t
  • e
Coventry City F.C. matches
FA Cup Final
FA Charity Shield
EFL Trophy Final
Football League play-off Final
Other matches
  • Coventry City 2–2 Bristol City (1977)
  • Sutton United 2–1 Coventry City (1989)
  • v
  • t
  • e
Seasons
Clubs
2023–24 clubs
Former clubs
Competition
Statistics and awards
Finances
Sponsors
Associated competitions
Prospects
  • v
  • t
  • e
Seasons
Clubs
2023–24
Former
Competition
Statistics
and awards
Finances
Associated
competitions
  • Category
  • v
  • t
  • e
Seasons
Clubs
2023–24 clubs
Former clubs
Competition
Statistics and awards
Finances
Sponsors
Associated competitions
Prospects
  • v
  • t
  • e
Seasons
Clubs
2023–24 clubs
Former clubs
Competition
Statistics and awards
Finances
Sponsors
Associated competitions
Prospects
  • v
  • t
  • e
Men's football in the West Midlands
Clubs
(List of)
Premier League &
Football League
(tiers 1–4)
1
2
4
Non-League
(tiers 5–12)
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Other
Defunct/Former
Competitions
Venues
Rivalries
Authority control databases Edit this at Wikidata
International
  • VIAF
National
  • United States