After each matchday programme, we will be publishing the 'From the Boardroom' article on our website. For Saturday's game against Plymouth Argyle, Coventry City Chairman Tim Fisher wrote the column and his article is published below:
"Good afternoon and welcome to today’s game against Plymouth Argyle here at the Ricoh Arena.
On behalf of Coventry City I would also like to welcome the Directors, Staff, Players and Supporters from Plymouth.
This is my first programme note of the season, my last being the crucial final league match of the season against Morecambe. On that day, I wrote:
“We are looking to push on and gain a first top six finish since 1970 and a first promotion since 1967. This is a great opportunity for club and fans to enjoy long overdue success and create new positive memories.”
What followed was an unforgettable month for everyone connected with Coventry City Football Club and the City of Coventry.
From the home leg against Notts County with a bumper crowd, to the away tie and a simply electric performance and atmosphere – to Wembley. That day at the national stadium, backed again by a huge Sky Blue Army, was perfect in many ways. The emphatic 3-1 victory to secure promotion and prompt the incredible scenes of celebration was a game that will go down in Coventry City history.
Following our promotion, we were proud to have been honoured with a Civic Reception by the City of Coventry and the Lord Mayor. We were also very grateful for the thoughtful and supportive words expressed by Lord Mayor Blundell. I also spoke at the Reception – referring to the potential for the club to continue to push on, and also the hard work that goes on behind the scenes at Ryton to make it all possible.
I also spoke about the force for good of this Football Club in our community. We see that day in-day out through the work of Sky Blues in the Community. The Bus Parade from Ryton to the Council House was a unique and magical occasion for the players, staff and fans to enjoy and highlighted the club’s place in the community.
To have such numbers of fans , old and young, out on the streets of their community to welcome home the winning squad and celebrate their achievement was very special - fans were hanging out of their bedroom windows, sat on chairs in their driveways, retirement home residents waving in their gardens. The support for the club was there for everyone to see and experience, with tens of thousands on the streets of Coventry.
The end of season celebrations gave way to a shortened but busy summer for the club. There’s been further improvements to the infrastructure of the club, supporting operations both on and off the field, and a new front of shirt sponsor in Midrepro.
Recruitment has been vital as always. We have had a number of additions to the club, not only for the first team but also in the Under 23s as we look to develop players with great potential. There have also been departures, and I would like to place on record my thanks to the players who helped us get promotion and who have subsequently moved on.
We have made significant financial commitments in bringing to the club a number of players including latterly Amadou Bakayoko from Walsall and Jordy Hiwula from Huddersfield.
Fans do ask me why these deals are reported as ‘undisclosed fees’. This is common now, not just here at Coventry City but throughout football – though often at higher levels the media report financial estimates and speculate. However, for both buying and selling clubs it is usual to keep the details of a deal private.
I am sure you will show your support as always to the new players and our existing players who wear the Coventry City shirt, both today and throughout the season. Enjoy the game."
Tim Fisher
Chairman
Coventry City Football Club