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Coventry City
Coventry City FC crest.svg
Full name Coventry City Football Club
Nickname(s) The Sky Blues
Founded 13 August 1883; 141 years ago (1883-08-13)
(as Singers F.C.)
Ground Coventry Building Society Arena
Ground Capacity 32,609
Owner Doug King
Chairman Doug King
Manager Frank Lampard
League League One
2018–19 League One, 8th of 24
Third colours

Coventry City Football Club is a professional football team from Coventry, England. They are often called The Sky Blues because of their famous sky blue uniforms. The club plays in the EFL Championship, which is the second highest league in English football.

Coventry City started in 1883 as Singers F.C., named after the Singer Cycle Company. They changed their name to Coventry City in 1898. The club joined the Football League in 1919. Over the years, they moved up and down different leagues. A big moment came in the 1960s under manager Jimmy Hill, when they reached the top division for the first time.

The team stayed in the top division for 34 years, from 1967 to 2001. They were even part of the first Premier League season in 1992. Coventry City's biggest win was the FA Cup in 1987, where they beat Tottenham Hotspur 3–2 in a thrilling final. This is their only major trophy. More recently, they won the EFL Trophy in 2017 and were promoted back to the Championship in 2020. In 2023, they almost reached the Premier League again but lost in the play-off final.

For a long time, Coventry City played at Highfield Road stadium. In 2005, they moved to the Coventry Building Society Arena. However, the club has faced challenges with their stadium, sometimes having to play their home games in other cities due to disagreements.

Club History

How it All Started (1883–1919)

CoventryCityFC League Performance
Chart showing Coventry City's league positions over the years.

Coventry City began in 1883 as Singers F.C. It was formed by people from the Singer Cycle Company. In their early years, they played at Dowells Field and later at Stoke Road Ground. They became a professional team in 1892.

The club changed its name to Coventry City in 1898. In 1899, they moved to their famous Highfield Road stadium. The club joined the Southern League in 1908. A big achievement was reaching the FA Cup quarter-finals in 1910.

Joining the Football League (1919–1945)

In 1919, Coventry City joined the Football League, playing in the Second Division. They faced some tough times, including financial problems and being relegated. In 1928, they had their lowest ever attendance at a game.

Things started to get better in the 1930s with manager Harry Storer. The team became known as "The Old Five" because they often scored five or more goals in games. In the 1931–32 season, Clarrie Bourton scored 49 goals, which was a league record. Coventry City won the Third Division South title in 1936, moving up to the Second Division. World War II stopped league football in 1939, and the club's stadium was damaged during the Coventry Blitz.

Reaching the Top and Winning the FA Cup (1945–1987)

After the war, Coventry City struggled for a while and were relegated again. But in 1958, Derrick Robins became chairman, and in 1961, Jimmy Hill became manager. This started the "Sky Blue revolution." Hill changed the team's colours to sky blue, created the famous Sky Blue Song, and brought new excitement to the club.

Under Hill, Coventry City won the Third Division in 1964 and the Second Division in 1967. This meant they reached the top division of English football for the first time! In 1970, they finished sixth in the First Division, their highest ever position. This earned them a spot in the European Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.

In 1987, Coventry City had their most famous moment. They won the FA Cup, beating Tottenham Hotspur 3–2 in an amazing final at Wembley Stadium. This was the club's first and only major trophy.

Recent Times (1987–Present)

After their FA Cup win, Coventry City continued to play in the top division. They were one of the founding teams of the Premier League in 1992. However, financial issues led to them selling key players. In 2001, they were relegated from the Premier League after 34 years.

The club faced more challenges, including being relegated to League One and League Two. They also had problems with their new stadium, the Coventry Building Society Arena, which opened in 2005. This led to them playing home games in other cities for a while.

Despite these difficulties, Coventry City won the EFL Trophy in 2017. They were promoted back to League One in 2018 and then won the League One title in 2020, returning to the Championship. In the 2022–23 season, they reached the Championship play-off final but lost on penalties. In 2024, Frank Lampard became the new manager.

Team Kit

Colours and Designs

Coventry City's home kit is usually sky blue. However, they have worn other colours in the past. In 1889, as Singers FC, they wore pink and blue shirts. In the 1890s, their colours were black and red. In the 1920s, they wore red and green, matching the city's crest.

Sky blue first appeared in 1898 but was brought back permanently in 1962 by manager Jimmy Hill. To celebrate their 125th year in 2009, Coventry wore a special brown shirt. In 2012 and 2013, they wore a blue and white striped kit to mark 25 years since their FA Cup win. In 2019, a black and white kit was released to honour the city's connection to 2 Tone Records.

Kit Makers and Sponsors

Since the 2019–20 season, Hummel has made Coventry City's kits. The main sponsor on the front of the shirt is Monzo, and King of Shaves is on the back.

Coventry City was one of the first clubs to have a kit sponsorship deal. In 1980, chairman Jimmy Hill arranged a deal with Talbot, a car company based in Coventry.

Period Kit manufacturer Shirt sponsor Shorts sponsor
1974–75 Umbro None None or N/A
1975–80 Admiral Sportswear
1980–81 Talbot
1981–83 Big T
1983–84 Umbro Tallon
1984–85 Glazepta
1985–86 Elliotts
1986–87 Triple S Sport Granada Bingo
1987–88 Hummel
1988–89 None
1989–92 Asics Peugeot
1992–94 Ribero
1994–96 Pony International
1996–97 Le Coq Sportif
1997–99 Subaru (home)

Isuzu (away)

1999–2004 In House Manufacturer (CCFC Leisure)
2004–05 Kit@
2005–06 Cassidy Group
2006–10 Puma
2010–13 City Link
2013–14 Grace Medical Fund (charity partner)
2014–15 Allsopp & Allsopp
2015–18 Nike
2018–19 Midrepro
2019–20 Hummel International Allsopp & Allsopp The Exams Office
2020–21 BoyleSports (front), Jingltree (back) G&R Scaffolding (home), SIMIAN Aspects Training (away)
2021–23 BoyleSports (front), XL Motors (back)
2023–24 King of Shaves (front), XL Motors (sleeve), Coventry Building Society (rear) G&R Scaffolding
2024– Monzo (front), Mercury (sleeve), King of Shaves (rear)

Home Stadiums

Highfield Road: The Old Home

Highfield Road Stadium 22April04
Highfield Road was Coventry City's home from 1899 to 2005.

Coventry City played at Highfield Road from 1899 to 2005. It was built on land previously used by a cricket club. The first game there was a 1–0 win against Stoke City.

Over the years, the stadium was improved with new stands and floodlights. During World War II, it was damaged by bombs in the Coventry Blitz. In 1981, it became England's first all-seater stadium, meaning every fan had a seat. However, this was not popular with all supporters, and some standing areas were brought back later. Highfield Road hosted its last game in 2005 and was then taken down to build new homes.

Coventry Building Society Arena: The New Home

Ricoh Arena - geograph.org.uk - 901396
The Coventry Building Society Arena, the club's current home.

In 2005, Coventry City moved to a new stadium, now called the Coventry Building Society Arena. It was first known as the Ricoh Arena due to a sponsorship deal. This modern stadium also has an exhibition hall, a hotel, and a casino.

The club has faced challenges with the stadium's ownership and rent. This led to them playing their home games at other stadiums, like Sixfields Stadium in Northampton (2013–2014) and St Andrew's in Birmingham (2019–2021). Fans often protested these moves. In 2021, they returned to the Coventry Building Society Arena, and a new agreement was reached in 2022 for them to continue playing there.

Supporters

The Sky Blue Army

Coventry City fans are known as The Sky Blue Army. In Coventry and Warwickshire, people say "Going Up The City" when they are going to watch a match.

The number of fans attending games changed a lot during a period when the club had ownership problems. When the team had to play in Northampton in 2013–14, the average attendance dropped significantly.

The Sky Blue Song

The club's famous song was written in 1962 by manager Jimmy Hill and director John Camkin. It uses the tune of the "Eton Boating Song." The words were printed in the match programme and quickly became popular.

Here are the original and current words:

Original Words:
Let's all sing together
Play up, Sky Blues
While we sing together
We will never lose
Proud, Posh or Cobblers
Oysters or anyone
They shan't defeat us
We'll fight till the game is won!
City! City! City!

Current Words:
Let's all sing together
Play up, Sky Blues
While we sing together
We will never lose
Tottenham or Chelsea
United or anyone
They shan't defeat us
We'll fight till the game is won!
City! City! City!

Famous Fans

Many famous people support Coventry City. These include TV broadcasters Richard Keys and Jon Gaunt. Formula 1 team principals Christian Horner and Ayao Komatsu are also fans.

Comedian Josh Pugh and musicians like Neville Staple from The Specials and Tom Grennan also support the Sky Blues. Actor Graeme Hawley from Coronation Street is a season ticket holder. Even actor Frankie Muniz from Malcolm in the Middle is said to be a fan!

Rival Teams

Coventry's main rival is Aston Villa. Historically, they played against each other often in the top leagues. Another important rivalry is with Leicester City, known as the M69 Derby. These games are always exciting.

There's also a unique long-distance rivalry with Sunderland. This started in 1977 when a controversial match result between Coventry and Bristol City meant Sunderland was relegated. Some Sunderland fans still hold a grudge about this. More recently, games between Coventry and Sunderland have been very competitive.

Team Players

First-Team Squad

No. Position Player
1 Sweden GK Oliver Dovin
2 England DF Luis Binks
3 Wales DF Jay Dasilva
4 England DF Bobby Thomas
5 England MF Jack Rudoni
6 England MF Matt Grimes
7 Japan MF Tatsuhiro Sakamoto
8 England MF Jamie Allen
9 England FW Ellis Simms
10 England FW Ephron Mason-Clark
11 United States FW Haji Wright
13 England GK Ben Wilson
14 England MF Ben Sheaf (captain)
15 England DF Liam Kitching
No. Position Player
17 Australia FW Raphael Borges Rodrigues
20 England DF Kaine Kesler-Hayden
21 England DF Jake Bidwell
22 Jamaica DF Joel Latibeaudiere
23 Ghana FW Brandon Thomas-Asante
27 Netherlands DF Milan van Ewijk
28 England MF Josh Eccles
29 Denmark MF Victor Torp
33 Spain DF Miguel Ángel Brau
37 Belgium FW Norman Bassette
40 England GK Bradley Collins
48 England GK Luke Bell
49 Trinidad and Tobago FW Justin Obikwu
54 Wales MF Kai Andrews

Notable Players in History

Many great players have worn the Sky Blue shirt. Here are some of the most famous ones who are part of the club's Hall of Fame:

Player Apps Goals
England Dave Bennett 201 33
England Brian Borrows 477 13
England Clarrie Bourton 241 182
Scotland Willie Carr 280 36
England Mick Coop 492 22
England George Curtis 538 13
Scotland Jimmy Dougall 236 14
England Dion Dublin 170 72
Player Apps Goals
England Ron Farmer 311 52
England Mick Ferguson 141 57
Scotland Ian Gibson 101 14
England Bill Glazier 395 0
England Fred Herbert 199 85
England George Hudson 129 75
England Ernie Hunt 166 51
Scotland Tommy Hutchison 355 30
Player Apps Goals
England Mick Kearns 382 16
Wales Leslie Jones 145 73
Scotland Jock Lauderdale 182 63
Wales George Lowrie 85 59
England Ernie Machin 289 39
England George Mason 350 9
England Reg Matthews 116 0
England Steve Ogrizovic 601 1
Player Apps Goals
England Trevor Peake 336 7
Wales Ronnie Rees 262 52
England Cyrille Regis 283 62
England Richard Shaw 362 1
England Danny Thomas 123 6
Scotland Ian Wallace 138 60
England Alf Wood 246 0

Academy Graduates Who Made It Big

Coventry City's youth academy has produced many talented players who went on to have successful careers. Some even played for their national teams!

Player Achievements
England James Maddison Plays for England, was part of the 2022 World Cup squad.
England Callum Wilson Plays for England, was part of the 2022 World Cup squad.
England Daniel Sturridge Played for England, won the UEFA Champions League in 2012.
England Chris Kirkland Played for England, won the UEFA Champions League in 2005.
Republic of Ireland Cyrus Christie Played for Republic of Ireland.
England Gary McSheffrey Played over 250 games for Coventry.
England Jordan Willis Won the EFL Trophy and League Two play-offs with Coventry.

Player Records

Here are some interesting records held by Coventry City players:

Record Details
Most games played (all competitions) England Steve Ogrizovic, 601 games (1984–2000)
All-time top scorer (all competitions) England Clarrie Bourton, 182 goals (1931–1937)
Most goals in one game England Arthur Bacon, 5 goals (1933)
England Clarrie Bourton, 5 goals (1931)
England Cyrille Regis, 5 goals (1985)
Most goals in one season England Clarrie Bourton, 50 goals (1931–1932)
Youngest player to play in a first-team match England Jonson Clarke-Harris, 16 years 21 days (2010)

Club Management

MauriceCookJimmyHill
Jimmy Hill (left) was manager from 1961–1967, and chairman from 1980–1983.
RonAtkinson
Ron Atkinson was manager from 1995–1996.
Gordon David Strachan
Gordon Strachan was manager from 1996–2001.
Gary McAllister in Singapore, 2023
Gary McAllister was manager from 2002–2003.
AUT vs. WAL 2016-10-06 (097)
Chris Coleman was manager from 2008–2010.
TimFisher
Tim Fisher was chairman from 2014–2023.
Mowbray Dinamo Moscow Celts
Tony Mowbray was manager from 2015–2016.
RobinsViveash
Mark Robins (left) was manager from 2012–2013 and 2017–2024.
Frank Lampard 2017
Frank Lampard became manager in 2024.

The club has had many managers and chairmen throughout its history. Here are some of the key people who have led Coventry City:

      Permanent manager

Dates Chairman Dates Manager(s)
1883–1907 Unknown 1883–1885 England William Stanley
1885–1887 England Harry Hathaway
1887–1892 England J.G. Morgan
1893 England Teddy Kirk
1893 England George Maley
1893–1895 England Joe Collins
1895–1900 England Tom Cashmore
1900–1902 England Ben Newhall
1902–1905 Republic of Ireland Michael O'Shea
1905–1907 England Joe Beaman
1907–1912 England Thomas Owen 1907–1908
1908–1909 England Walter Harris
1909–1910 Northern Ireland Harry Buckle
1910–1912 England Robert Wallace & committee
1912–1928 England David Cooke 1912–1913
1913–1915 England Frank Scott-Walford & committee
1915–1917 England H. Howard & committee (caretaker)
1917–1919 England William Clayton
1919–1920 England Harry Pollitt
1920–1924 England Albert Evans
1924–1925 England Harry Harbourne (caretaker)
1925–1928 Scotland James Kerr
1928–1935 England Walter Brandish 1928 Vacant
1928–1931 England Jimmy McIntyre
1931 England Bill Slade (caretaker)
1931–1935 England Harry Storer
1935–1946 England Fred Stringer 1935–1945
1945–1946 England Dick Bayliss
1946–1954 England George Jones 1946–1947
1947 Vacant
1947–1948 England Billy Frith
1948–1953 England Harry Storer (2)
1953–1954 Vacant
1954–1958 England W Erle Shanks 1954 England Jack Fairbrother
1954–1955 England Charlie Elliott (caretaker)
1955 England Jesse Carver
1956 England George Raynor
1956–1957 England Harry Warren
1957–1958 England Billy Frith (2)
1958–1960 England Walter Brandish Jr. 1958–1960
1960–1973 England Derrick Robins 1960–1961
1961–1967 England Jimmy Hill
1967–1972 Republic of Ireland Noel Cantwell
1972 England Bob Dennison (caretaker)
1972–1973 England Joe Mercer
1973–1975 England Peter Robins 1973–1974
1974–1975 England Gordon Milne
1975–1977 England Jack Scamp 1975–1977
1977–1980 England Phil Mead 1977–1980
1980–1983 England Jimmy Hill 1980–1981
1981–1983 England Dave Sexton
1983–1984 Scotland Iain Jamieson 1983
1983–1984 England Bobby Gould
1984–1990 England John Poynton 1984
1984–1986 Scotland Don Mackay
1986–1987 England John Sillett
England George Curtis
1987–1990 England John Sillett
1990 England Terry Butcher
1990–1993 England Peter Robins (2) 1990–1992
1992 England Don Howe (caretaker)
1992–1993 England Bobby Gould (2)
1993 England John Clarke 1993
1993–2002 England Bryan Richardson 1993
1993–1995 England Phil Neal
1995–1996 England Ron Atkinson
1996–2001 Scotland Gordon Strachan
2001–2002 Sweden Roland Nilsson
2002–2005 England Mike McGinnity 2002
2002 England Steve Ogrizovic (caretaker)
England Trevor Peake (caretaker)
2002–2003 Scotland Gary McAllister
2003–2004 Scotland Eric Black
2004 England Steve Ogrizovic (2) (caretaker)
2004–2005 England Peter Reid
2005 England Adrian Heath (caretaker)
2005 England Micky Adams
2005–2007 England Geoffrey Robinson 2005–2007
2007 England Adrian Heath (2) (caretaker)
2007 Northern Ireland Iain Dowie
2007 England Joe Elliott 2007
2007–2011 England Ray Ranson 2007–2008
2008 England Frankie Bunn (caretaker)
Australia John Harbin (caretaker)
2008–2010 Wales Chris Coleman
2010 England Steve Harrison (caretaker)
2010–2011 England Aidy Boothroyd
2011 England Ken Dulieu 2011
2011 England Steve Harrison (2) (caretaker)
England Andy Thorn (caretaker)
2011 England Andy Thorn
2011–2012 England John Clarke (2) 2011–2012
2012–2014 Vacant 2012
2012 England Richard Shaw (caretaker)
Republic of Ireland Lee Carsley (caretaker)
2012–2013 England Mark Robins
2013 Republic of Ireland Lee Carsley (2) (caretaker)
2013–2014 Scotland Steven Pressley
2014–2023 England Tim Fisher 2014–2015
2015 Scotland Neil MacFarlane (caretaker)
England Dave Hockaday (caretaker)
2015–2016 England Tony Mowbray
2016 England Mark Venus (caretaker)
2016–2017 England Russell Slade
2017–2023 England Mark Robins (2)
2023– England Doug King 2023–2024
2024 Wales Rhys Carr (caretaker)
2024– England Frank Lampard

Club Achievements

Coventry City has won several important trophies and titles throughout its history:

League Titles

Cup Wins

  • FA Cup
    • Winners: 1986–87
  • EFL Trophy
    • Winners: 2016–17
  • Third Division South Cup
    • Winners: 1935–36
  • Birmingham Senior Cup
    • Winners: 1910–11, 1922–23, 2006–07
  • Southern Professional Floodlit Cup
    • Winners: 1959–60

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Coventry City Football Club para niños

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