Salako: We all need to get behind Sky Blues for vital play-off decider
FORMER Coventry City star John Salako has sent a rallying cry to fans ahead of tomorrow’s big play-off decider at the Ricoh Arena.
The Sky Blues take on relegationthreatened Morecambe needing a point to guarantee their place in the top seven and the chance to push for the fourth promotion spot to League One.
The Shrimps also require a positive result to maintain their League Two status rather than relying on Barnet slipping up against Chesterfield.
“It is all very positive at the moment and making the play-offs will cement what has been an excellent season,” said the 49-year-old former Sky Blues winger.
“The club are definitely pushing in the right direction. There’s so much to play for so everyone needs to get behind the team, support the lads and see where we end up.
“If it’s not in promotion then hopefully there will be massive optimism and momentum going into next season.”
Salako, who spent three seasons with City in the Premier League, is saddened to see how far the club has fallen under successive regimes, from selling Highfield Road to the non ownership of the Ricoh Arena.
“It’s a shame what has happened to the club since I left but hopefully it is on its way back up,” said the former England international. Salako, who was signed by ‘Big’ Ron Atkinson, has fond memories of his time with the Sky Blues.
“I loved my time at Coventry,” he said. “I signed for Big Ron and he was class – a top man and so funny. He was great to play for.
“He loved to play open and expressive football and the chairman, Brian Richardson, was such a nice guy.
“It was a great dressing room with top boys like Peter Ndlovu, Noel Whelan and Darren Huckerby – fantastic players and lads to work with.
“The older boys were brilliant as well, players like Brian Borrows, David Burrows, Roland Nilsson and big Oggy in goal.
“It was a real joy to go in every morning. The fans were fantastic, a real family club, and we stayed up in the Premier League for the three years I was there.”
After making 72 appearances for Coventry between 1995-98, Salako is always looking out for the club’s results in the hope that, eventually, it will work its way back up the football pyramid.
“Getting back into the Premier League has to be the dream and it is very achievable with the right backing,” he said.
“The fanbase and support is already there. Why not? History says we can. The club have massive games coming up. It would be great to make the play-offs and then win at Wembley to get back up. They deserve some luck.”
There’s so much to play for so everyone needs to get behind the team, support the lads and see where we end up.
John Salako