Coventry City Chief Executive Dave Boddy is to leave the Sky Blues at the end of January.
Boddy has been at the Club since February 2017, during which time the Sky Blues achieved promotion from League Two up to the Championship and also won the Checkatrade Trophy at Wembley.
Off-the-field the Club faced challenges such as a groundshare, a pandemic and administration of the stadium it rents, however during that time those challenges have been overcome and Boddy has provided continual stability, experience, knowledge and leadership to the Club – as well as great efforts on a day-to-day and an operational basis, and in communicating with Sky Blues supporters throughout his time as Chief Executive.
Boddy said:
“I have decided to call time on my part in the incredible journey that we have been on together over the last 7 years. I am leaving the Club on excellent terms, which is my decision, and am taking a break to recharge my batteries.
“Doug King has a vision of the way he wants to take the Club forward towards the Premier League, and I sincerely hope that he can deliver it. I decided back in the summer to leave, but agreed to stay on while Doug undertook his restructuring process, which he has now nearly completed.
“Under extremely difficult circumstances, our achievements have been quite incredible, and I am really proud of the part that I have played in that success. Through the brilliance of Mark Robins, who I have a wonderful relationship with, and Adi Viveash we have restored the Club from the depths of League Two to Championship play-off finalists.
“We have achieved all of this against the odds, with many challenges and obstacles along the way.
“Being forced out of the Arena by Wasps in 2019 and having to groundshare with Birmingham City at St Andrew’s, closely followed by the pandemic, was very difficult. In March 2021 we managed to achieve an excellent ten-year agreement with Wasps to return to the Arena, only for them to go bankrupt and fold in November 2022.
“2022 was a particularly difficult year, considering the issues that we had with the pitch at the Arena due to the Commonwealth Games rugby being played, closely followed by the demise of Wasps and nearly of the Arena itself. This makes the achievement of reaching the Championship Play-Off Final even more of a miracle, with all our playing successes at every stage coming with below average budgets.
“We have also seen rises in attendances, supported by record Season Ticket sales for the last two seasons, plus an excellent partnership with Hummel, allowing us to create some of the best shirts in many years. At the same time, despite challenges outside of the Club, we have improved the relationship with supporters, through supporters clubs and our work in the community. When I joined relationships were toxic, but that is no longer the case and those bonds have been re-established over time.
“The success we have achieved has been testament to the togetherness and spirit that we have built at Ryton, and the excellent staff that have been at the Club have played a massive part in bringing us that success.
“Finally, I would like to thank the Sky Blue Army for their support of me personally along the way. Your support of me has been a driving force for me, particularly during the darker periods.
“Wherever my future takes me, I will remain forever Sky Blue.”
Coventry City manager Mark Robins said:
“I’d like to thank Dave, for all his help and support over the past seven years.
“He has helped to facilitate all of the decisions and actions during my tenure.
“I will miss all our daily interactions but look forward to catching up and seeing what he decides to pursue in the future.”
Coventry City owner Doug King said:
“Dave has been an incredible servant to the Club over a long period of time and leaves Coventry City Football Club in a far better position than what he inherited.
“Over the last year he has been very supportive to the direction of travel that I plan to take the Club and this seems an ideal time to part company and wish him well, and he will always be welcome back at the Coventry Building Society Arena.”
The Club will make further announcements regarding new appointments in due course.