After each matchday programme this season, we publish the regular column from the Coventry City board on our website. You can read Coventry City Chief Executive Dave Boddy's column from our game against Norwich City below:
Good afternoon and welcome to the Coventry Building Society Arena for today’s Sky Bet Championship fixture as we host Norwich City.
I would also like to welcome the players, staff, supporters and officials from Norwich for what is a rare Saturday home fixture for us of late.
Last week I attended a meeting of EFL Clubs, where a comprehensive update was provided on the status of ongoing discussions between the EFL and Premier League. A draft proposal from the Premier League was examined by Clubs, and we were also provided with details on the structure of a potential future financial arrangement.
Clubs were also given an appraisal of conditions linked to future funding - including cost controls, distribution mechanics, the football calendar and the impact of the Government’s proposed Independent Football Regulator.
There are several important matters still to be resolved and there was an active debate involving Clubs regarding the draft proposal from the Premier League. There was no vote or decision taken on the day and the EFL will now enter into further consultation with Clubs. These views will be collated before further discussions take place with the Premier League.
The EFL’s clear aim in this matter is to agree a new deal which will improve the financial health of EFL Clubs, which as we have seen in recent years is vital to the continued integrity of the game in this country and the pyramid which is key in that being the case.
We have spoken in recent weeks and months about improvements to the matchday experience for supporters, and fans will have noted improvements like the Fan Zone and the new Coventry City branding around the Arena too – including the legends mural at the rear of the North Stand. In the coming weeks fans will see the new canopy for the Family Zone activities as well. Today is another part of our matchdays, one of our memorial fixtures when we remember fans no longer with us – but who will always be part of our Sky Blue family. Club Chaplain Kieran Jospeh will conduct a short service at 1:30pm in the Memorial Garden, while we will also remember fans on the big screen at half-time.
Today’s match marks the final day at Coventry City for our Head of Performance Analysis Paul Travis, after 15 years with the Sky Blues. ‘Trav’ has been a hugely popular presence at Ryton and does a massive amount of unseen and important work. He has been integral to the success that the Club has experienced in recent years and been a trusted and respected member of staff, and remained incredibly loyal to the Football Club. He will be missed by us all and, on behalf of everyone at Coventry City, I would like to thank Paul for his time at the Club and wish him all the best for the future.
Thank you for your continued support – enjoy the game. PUSB
Dave
Dave Boddy
Chief Executive
Coventry City