After each matchday programme, we will be publishing the 'From the Boardroom' article on our website. For Tuesday's match against Carlisle, Coventry City Chief Executive Dave Boddy wrote the column and his article is published below:
"Good evening and welcome to this evening’s game against Carlisle United. We would like welcome their players and officials and not least their supporters who have made the long trip on a Tuesday night. When I wrote these notes on Friday morning they had already sold 159 tickets which is a tremendous effort for a midweek game.
Since my last notes in the Newport County programme you will probably be aware that our Assistant Manager, Steve Taylor suffered a bleed on the brain the day before the game. You will be pleased to know that Steve is making a good recovery and is thankful for all the good wishes he has received. In the days following Steve’s illness we reflected on the impact that it would have on Mark Robins and the squad and decided, with Steve’s blessing, to give Mark the support of a “caretaker” Assistant Manager.
The decision was made late Wednesday afternoon and by Thursday morning Adi Viveash had agreed to join us on a monthly basis and was at Ryton training ! Adi brings with him a wealth of experience and has spent the last nine years coaching at Chelsea, where his last role was Development Squad Manager. We thank Adi for helping at such short notice and in difficult circumstances.
I have met recently with both the Sky Blue Trust committee and the newly formed Leamington & Warwick CCFC Supporters Club and was warmly received by both groups. As I have said previously, I firmly believe in Club engagement with all stakeholders and particularly supporters and I will continue to do so at every opportunity. I believe positive actions came out of both meetings, which can only be of benefit.
As part of our on-going drive to develop the commercial operation of the Club and to raise the profile in the City, last week we launched a Sporting Dinner with the legendary Kevin Keegan here at the Ricoh Arena (details of the event are on the Club News page in this programme) in November. I’ve heard Kevin speak on 3 occasions in recent years and in my opinion he is the best footballing after dinner speaker in the game. He has a very unique style, unlike any I have ever seen before and it promises to be a great evening. Early indications are that ticket sales are good and I hope that the event will be well supported.
We are holding the event at the Ricoh, and hope to hold further events of this nature at the stadium and continue to build a positive relationship between the Football Club and the Arena.
Many supporters will be aware that our current agreement to play at the stadium expires at the end of this season. Resolving this issue is my priority. I appreciate fans are keen for news regarding this as soon as possible, but I can say to you now that as soon as there is confirmed news in this area we will communicate to you as soon as possible."
Dave Boddy
Chief Executive
Coventry City Football Club