Sky Blues manager Steven Pressley thanks Sky Blue Army for season-long support after last day defeat at Sheffield United
Coventry City manager Steven Pressley was full of praise for the Sky Blues faithful as the curtain closed on the 2013/14 season in the 2-1 defeat to Sheffield United.1,769 fans made the trip to Bramall Lane and the Sky Blues took the lead through Nathan Delfouneso. Two second-half strikes from Ryan Flynn and Ben Davies condemned City to defeat but Pressley was adamant his side did not deserve to lose the final game of the season and was delighted with the support the team has been given throughout the season.
“Sometimes when you come into the final game of the season when it’s just pride to play for, it makes sometimes for a testimonial type game,” the manager said.
“But it was a really good game. I don’t think we deserved to lose the game and the players’ mind-set was excellent today. For the goal it was a great pass from John Fleck and a composed finish from Nathan. I didn’t think we ever looked really in danger. I have no complaints with the way my team went about it.
“We’re relieved that the season is over, after so many challenges and it’s been a season that has been exceptionally demanding for everyone involved in the football club, for the players, the staff and the fans. Prior to the game I wanted us to show our pride for our supporters because they’ve endured a lot this season. Their support has been brilliant throughout the season.
“They appreciate what we have had to come through and they should be proud in the way the club is going on the pitch, particularly with five academy players involved today.
“Game by game they’ve grown, not just technically and tactically but the mental growth of the players. The last period of the season we had the pressure of relegation and in the end we’ve seen it through which is very pleasing.”
Pressley also said that today’s game at Bramall Lane would have no bearing on his decision regarding his players’ futures, and that he has already decided who will be staying with City.
He will meet with those players on Monday, and the Scot is eager to recruit wisely in the summer to make the Sky Blues a force at the top end of the League One table.
Pressley explained: “Nothing will change from today, it would be wrong to assess them on one performance. I’ve made decisions, and I’ll speak to the personnel on Monday who are involved.
“I’m aware in the summer we need to strengthen and recruit properly and if everything goes according to plan over the summer, we want to be challenging at the top end of the table.
“We’ve been very thin this year and we need to strengthen and recruit well. We achieved what we set out to achieve which was survival. Next season, with the right recruitment we want to be challenging at the top end of the table.”