Storm after supporters club sparks City fan row

A SKY BLUES supporters club has sparked a row after refusing a life-long fan membership.

Coventry City Supporters Club has rejected the application of Moz Baker to join the recently formed club because of his connection with the Sky Blue Trust.

Mr Baker was the chair of the Trust - a supporters campaign group which, among other things, has fought to get the football club back to the city of Coventry until he stood down earlier this year. He contacted the supporters club via Twitter at the weekend, saying: “I was advised, by a third party, at the Burton match that a decision was taken two weeks ago to reject my membership of your non political group due to my previous involvement with the The Sky Blue Trust. I therefore await official notice of this and a refund. Thank You.”

The club responded, confirming the decision by saying: “Good morning Moz. Yes you are correct the board have made a decision and have voted that anyone who was/or is a board member of the trust cannot be a member of our supporters club.

“This was a decision that wasn’t taken lightly. We will be in contact very soon regarding refund.”

That resulted in an angry response from fans, while former Fan of the Year, Pat Raybould, who is an organiser of the hugely successful match day Family Zone that puts on pre-match activities for young fans, Tweeted: “You will also need to revoke my membership as when the trust was first established I held treasurer and secretary roles.”

Another new member of the club, James Riikard, is so appalled by the decision that he’s cancelled his membership, saying: “Absolute disgrace I would like to cancel my membership as well. You call yourself a supporters club, you are an embarrassment. I expect a full refund.”

To which, the club responded: “We will be in contact soon.”

Here’s what fans have been saying: Pam Johnson said: “This whole situation is ridiculousdo we all support Coventry City FC or what? Never been a member of any group and based on all this nonsense so glad I am not.”

Coventry Views said: “Absolutely shocking!”

Martin said: “Absolute shambles - you should be ashamed of yourselves and I hope your members that see this react appropriately and leave !!! - Also how poor is your communication in that you couldn’t tell him directly.

“If they were what they claim to be then they would apologise and reverse this decision immediately. Also it would be useful who else they decided isn’t good enough for their group.”

Neil Pickard said: “Pathetic and divisive decision. We may all have differing opinions in relation to how the Club has been administered but we all SUPPORT the same team...and you are supposed to represent those supporters!”

Adam Sloman said: “Very poor decision. Whatever the politics these folk gave their time willingly to try and help the Club.”

Chris Langsford said: “Shocking!”

Robert Wahtsize said: “Should be welcoming to all. The clue is in the word ‘supporter.’ Until something contravenes your rules then you shouldnt bar anyone for something before you were even formed. Outrageous decision that you should rethink. Too many factions already. You won’t make 6 months like that.

“You’ll be welcome at Leam & Warwick Moz. I can’t speak for @BedCcfc but I’m sure they would happily welcome you too as both clubs are genuinely non-political. This decision by Cov is in itself a political one, against their own rules!”

Dean Nelson “That’s awful!”

Alek Mihajlovic said: “That in itself is a political statement.”

CW said: “On what grounds has that decision been made? Who elected the board that made this decision? “our supporters club” So who exactly constitutes the ‘our’ if it’s not open to all CCFC supporters?”

Mike Smith said: “Absolute disgrace @supporters_city Moz did more than most the last time we were in exile and you treat him this way.”

Orca said: “Seems to be the start of some sort of closed shop. Utterly against the principles of any supporter’s club.”

Ads said: “A supporters said: club not allowing supporters in, joke.”

David Ludford said: “What a load of crap. Moz, join in at Leamington buddy.”

Nick Rogers said: “What an obscene decision. Moz is a thoroughly decent honest and fair minded person.

“I will not be pursuing my interest in becoming a member.”

Mark Strong said: “All I would say about this is that it doesn’t look very good for your PR to the supporters like me that haven’t joined yet.”

Paul Seats said: “Think @supporters_city need to change #risetogther to #someofusrisetogether in their bio!”

John McLaughlin said: “And we accuse our owners of divide & rule? Dear oh dear, this is poor.”

KagsyToo said: “Disgraceful attitude. You use the # #risetogether . How hypocritical!”

Matt Partridge said: “How to make friends and influence people.”

Andy Costello said: “Wow a “supporters club”, that doesn’t allow its own supporters to join. Now that’s real irony right there!!

“With all that has, and is going on at the club, surely unity is the best way forward? Not yet more divisions.”

Robbie Wright said: “I think you may want to rethink this decision @ supporters_city. Moz has shown nothing but passion towards our beloved #skyblues and must take a lot of credit for keeping our plight in the spotlight with proper dignity and respect.”

Chris Covlad said: “Moz is sky blue though and though a really great guy whenever I’ve met him. We need more people like Moz. I’m truly disgusted by this.”

Michael Friel said: “Can see this back firing massively for your supporters club it’s meant to be a non political fan friendly event.”