After each matchday programme this season, we will publish the regular column from the Coventry City board on our website. Read Coventry City Chief Executive Dave Boddy's column from Saturday's game against Accrington Stanley below:
"Good afternoon and welcome to this afternoon’s game against Accrington Stanley here at St Andrew’s.
I would like to extend that warm welcome to Accrington’s players, staff and officials who join us today as well.
This afternoon is our Remembrance fixture and we are very proud to continue our support and appreciation of the Armed Forces past and present, who do such a tremendous job and make such a great sacrifice for us.
Many Coventry City players served in World War One and World War Two and made the ultimate sacrifice, and we pay our tribute to them in today’s programme and pre-match minute’s silence – we are always grateful for their service.
As I have stated on many occasions in this column, the support we have received from the Sky Blue Army recently has been phenomenal. There seems to be something about going to Peterborough United that brings the best out of our supporters. The noise and atmosphere that was generated at London Road last Saturday by the travelling fans was exceptional, as it was last year.
That on the back of the second half atmosphere at St Andrew’s for the home victory against Fleetwood Town can only help the players, and they really do appreciate your support.
Likewise, the 6000 Sky Blues fans that made the short trip to MK Dons the previous away fixture were outstanding and your support of the team is appreciated by everyone at the Club.
Earlier this week we announced the appointment of Daniel Bolas as the Club’s new Academy Manager. Daniel joins us from Aston Villa, having previously also spent time at Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion Academies. He is highly regarded and the interview panel of myself, Mark Robins and Mick Halsall were very impressed with his CV, presentational skills and personality, which we believe is the right fit for our Academy.
Following Rich Stevens will be a hard act to follow, but we believe that Dan will bring new energy and experience to the role. He takes up the post later this month at an exciting time for the future development of the Academy.
Last week we announced our next Race Day at Warwick Racecourse. Already many supporters and sponsors have booked their place in the marquee to enjoy the day alongside the players and the staff. Last year’s event was a fantastic all-round day, and we would encourage fans to book as soon as possible to join us. It is important the we continue to stage non matchday events to keep engaging our supporters with a variety of activities and help to generate the vital revenue to support Mark Robins and the team.
In that vein, I’m pleased to report that the Adult hummel home shirt is back available to buy in the Club Shop and online. A limited amount of junior sizes are also back in stock at the club shop with all sizes being replenished week commencing November 11th. It will also be week commencing 11th November when the Third Shirts are set to be back in stock, with a pre-order facility due to be available soon. We will let fans know as soon as this is confirmed, as we’re sure it will continue to be extremely popular.
Thanks for your support – enjoy the game."
Dave
Dave Boddy
Chief Executive
Coventry City Football Club