After each matchday programme, we will be publishing the 'From the Boardroom' article on our website. For Saturday's match against Barnet, Coventry City Chairman Tim Fisher wrote the column and his article is published below:
"Before I welcome everyone to today’s game, I would like to take time to reflect on the tragic event of Thursday 22nd February. Corey and Casey Platt-May, caring and loving brothers, were the victims of an alleged hit and run car crash. On behalf of the Coventry City community I extend our sincere condolences and support to the Platt-May family and friends, some of whom will join us as our guests for the Grimsby Town fixture.
As always, it is a pleasure to welcome Coventry City fans to the Ricoh for today’s game. I also extend a warm welcome to the staff, officials and fans from Barnet, who have travelled to support their team.
Unfortunately, last week the weather got the better of us and we had no choice but to postpone the game due to severe weather overnight. Areas in the stands at the Ricoh were simply not safe for supporters, despite the efforts of those who worked hard to try and get the game to go ahead.
As well as staff at the club and the Ricoh Arena, I would like to thank the volunteers who came early on Saturday morning to help shovel snow to try and make the area safe and accessible.
The postponement of the game also meant the re-arrangement of the annual Legends Day. This event is very important to the club, supporters and former players. The club and the Former Players Association had worked tirelessly and, following the match postponement, everyone’s disappointment was clear to see. However, we are delighted that the event has been re-scheduled and will now take place on the final day of the season against Morecambe on Saturday 5th May.
On Sunday 4th March, Coventry Cathedral hosted a service to celebrate the life and legacy of Cyrille Regis. The service was led by the Dean of Coventry and included tributes from some of Cyrille’s former team-mates, including Brendon Batson and fellow ‘87 FA Cup winner Greg Downs. It also included contributions from the Archbishop of York, the Lord Mayor of Coventry, the Bishop of Coventry and Cyrille’s family.
It was an honour to sit amongst Cyrille’s family, friends, colleagues and fans to celebrate his life in such an iconic venue. The service itself was focused on his faith, family and football – all of which played such a huge part in his life.
The Coventry and Sky Blues community came together to honour a footballing hero. The service was both moving and respectful, reflecting the impact Cyrille had on the game of football and the legacy that he has left behind.
The end of February saw the club publish its accounts. Whilst the latest accounts show further improvement in the Club’s financial results and therefore financial stability, it is vital that we continue to focus on being financially sustainable and therefore viable. The club works hard to maximise its revenue which goes towards both building the team and investing in the academy.
Season Tickets for the 2018/19 campaign are now available, and they are a vital part of the club’s revenue. These revenues support Mark Robins in his recruitment and improvement of the team. The club is very grateful to all supporters who commit their hard-earned money to purchase a Season Ticket. As a reminder, a Season Ticket provides the best value way to watch the Sky Blues for all our 23 home league matches and has other key benefits as well, including the new Rewards Scheme and ticket priority."
Tim Fisher
Chairman
Coventry City Football Club