City fans group writes open letter to Sisu boss warning club could become homeless

COVENTRY City fan group the Sky Blue Trust has penned an open letter to Sisu boss Joy Seppala, warning the club might have just 18 games remaining at the Ricoh Arena until it becomes homeless.

As it stands the Sky Blues have nowhere to play next season as the existing deal with stadium owners Wasps comes to an end when the current League Two campaign draws to a close.

Coventry City chief executive Dave Boddy recently hinted there is an improving relationship with the Ricoh Arena.

In the programme notes for the match against Carlisle, Mr Boddy said: “Many supporters will be aware that our current agreement to play at the stadium expires at the end of this season.

“Resolving this issue is my priority.”

The Sky Blue Trust said its open letter to Ms Seppala, signed by secretary Roger Ellis, is the first of a series of letters it plans to send to key figures involved in the ground issue.

It has pledged to send a letter after each home game between now and the end of the season.

The trust said the letters form part of a campaign to raise awareness of the situation now, rather than waiting until time has run out.

The letter states: “Dear Ms Seppala. Following the match against Exeter City on Saturday, Coventry City now have only 18 League Two matches scheduled to be played at the Ricoh Arena before the end of the current season. As you know, the agreement which allows such games to be played at the arena expires at the end of the season.

“Coventry City are therefore just 18 games away from homelessness.

“Unless a suitable home ground, which meets all the relevant standards, can be secured before the start of the 2018/19 season, Coventry City may cease to exist.” The letter goes on to ask Ms Seppalla what her plans are for the club. It adds: “Please can you tell me what steps you are taking to secure a suitable home ground for Coventry City beyond the end of the current season? As Coventry City supporters are increasingly alarmed about the growing urgency of this matter, please could I have your response before the next home game is played, against Crewe Alexandra on Saturday September 30 2017?”

The Sky Blues have been actively looking at other options, mainly a ground share with Coventry Rugby Club at the Butts Park Arena which is fraught with problems, not least the fact that rugby club chairman Jon Sharp has repeated his previous stance that the prospect of a ground share with the Sky Blues is not on the cards while Coventry City’s London hedge fund owners Sisu continue legal action against the council.

Sisu is actively pursuing action against Coventry City Council in relation to the sale of the Ricoh Arena to Wasps.

Unless a suitable home ground, which meets all the relevant standards, can be secured Coventry City may cease to exist.