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 Wednesday's game against Fleetwood Town below:
"Good evening and welcome to all of the Sky Blues fans who join us for this evening’s game against Fleetwood Town in SkyBet League One.
I would also like to welcome to St Andrew’s the fans, staff, players and officials from Fleetwood Town.
Since my last notes, it has been quite a busy period. Just prior to the last home game against Tranmere Rovers live on Sky Sports, we agreed a new contract with our Manager Mark Robins and subsequently his assistant Adi Viveash. On the Wednesday of the week leading up to the game, I received a call from Sunderland wanting permission to speak with Mark and when I informed Mark of the interest, he immediately told me that he did not want to leave and that the job he had started here was unfinished. He asked me if we could look at a new deal for him and Adi, and we concluded the discussions and reached an agreement within 24 hours.
The last two and a half years have been an exciting time for the club and everyone involved, whether it be players, management team, staff or supporters. We all believe internally that we can collectively take the club further forward. I’m delighted that Mark and Adi have committed themselves as they are integral to the future progress of this club.
During the same period, the Friday night prior to the Tranmere game, we were in the thick of launching our new Third shirt. The shirt, which is dedicated to commemorating 40 years of the 2 Tone movement, has been a major success and whilst internally we all believed that it would be, we are overwhelmed by both the sales and the way it has been received locally, nationally and worldwide – by both football supporters, followers of the 2 Tone movement and the general public.
Through our online shop the shirt was purchased in 30 different countries worldwide, with the initial delivery selling out in less than 48 hours.
The launch night itself at Coombe Abbey was a memorable night. After Mark Robins had done a Q&A, the kit was revealed by Neville Staple (founder member of the Specials), his wife Christine Staple, Neol Davies (from The Selecter) and members of the Sky Blues squad. Also in attendance was John Sims (aka Teflon) who created the Nutty Dancer which adorns the back of the shirt. The atmosphere and excitement in the room was illustrated when there was a rush by everyone in attendance to buy the shirt at the end of the evening.
As previously announced, Academy Manager Rich Stevens has moved on to a similar position at West Bromwich Albion. The process for replacing Rich has taken place. We had a really strong set of applications, of which we shortlisted six. An interview panel of myself, Mark Robins and Mick Halsall, Head of Academy Coaching, interviewed each of the shortlisted candidates and were impressed by all of the presentations that they made to us, which gave us a tough decision. However, we have offered the position to one of the six candidates, who has accepted, and we hope to be in a position to announce imminently.
Enjoy the game – Play Up Sky Blues!
Dave
Dave Boddy
Chief Executive
Coventry City Football Club