Caution key for City chief ahead of fans’ return
COVENTRY City chief executive David Boddy says the club are taking a “cautious approach” to welcoming fans back to the Ricoh Arena next season.
The Sky Blues will be back in the city next season after striking a deal with Wasps, who own the Ricoh Arena, having spent the last two seasons exiled in Birmingham.
And it is hoped fans will be in the ground to welcome the team back, with all Covid-19 restrictions due to end on June 21, with the 2021/22 EFL campaign due to kick-off on the weekend of August 7. However, in his programme notes ahead of Saturday’s goalless draw with Wycombe Wanderers, Boddy insisted nothing could be taken for granted regarding the return of fans in time for next season. The success of test events next month and the continuing retreat of the virus will be key.
“We now look forward to cautiously welcoming Sky Blues supporters back to watch their team in Coventry, and to that end on Thursday we launched our Ricoh Return Membership and Season Ticket,” wrote Boddy.
“We are still taking the cautious approach to supporters returning and despite the Prime Minister’s published roadmap, nobody can be 100 per cent confident when fans can return and in what number.
“There is lots of work going on behind-thescenes and a massive workload attached to our return to the Ricoh Arena – whilst we understand that supporters are excited and keen for information, we will update you with details as soon as they become available.” Boddy also addressed the success of talks with Wasps over the club’s return to the Ricoh Arena. He spoke of his gratitude to Birmingham City and paid tribute to Wasps Group chief executive Stephen Vaughan and predecessor Stuart Cain.
“The news has been received with general excitement by all Sky Blues fans and hopefully with a 10-year agreement in place it will give us the opportunity to take the club forward on a stable basis,” wrote Boddy.
“I would like to place on record our massive debt of gratitude and thanks to our current hosts Birmingham City for the fantastic way that they have looked after us in our ‘hour of need.’
“The friendship between the two clubs from both officials and at supporter level is there for all to see, and I’m sure will remain for years to come.
“Reaching last week’s agreement was a long and difficult process, and it would be remiss of me not to thank those involved in making it happen. Andy Street, the West Midlands Mayor, was instrumental in getting the Club principals, Derek Richardson of Wasps and Joy Seppala of CCFC, together to start the process.
“Andy personally sat in on numerous Zoom/teams calls with them and their respective offices at the beginning of the process.
Andy, along with his senior aide Allan Andrews, stepped up to the plate and played an important role in keeping the talks on track whilst there were many bumps along the way.
There is lots of work going on behind-thescenes and a massive workload attached to our return to the Ricoh Arena.
Dave Boddy
“My counterpart at Wasps Stephen Vaughan has been a driving force to make it happen and before him Stuart Cain, who left halfway through the process to take on a role at Edgbaston, both played a massive part.
“Internally I would like to thank all of my senior staff who have supported me tirelessly throughout the process.
“Wednesday 10th March was a truly momentous day for the Football Club.”