Parade call for Sky Blues on their return from Wembley
THE leader of Coventry council has called for a parade to pay tribute to Coventry City FC players on their return from the Championship playoff finals at Wembley - whatever happens.
Councillor George Duggins said he wants people to be able to congratulate the Sky Blues on their “terrific season,” regardless of the outcome on Saturday, May 27.
He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “People will want to recognise the achievement of the team, irrespective of what happens. “This is subject to discussions - it’s only what I would want, what I would like to see.
“There should be the ability for people to see the players when they come back. That would be a parade.” He added: “Then an informal civic reception with a formal one later in the year.”
No plans have been finalised yet but discussions were due to take place on Friday, May 19. The council will need to work with police and the club on any plans, which could include road closures on Sunday, May 28, the day after the game.
If Coventry City win against Luton Town on Saturday, May 27 they will be in the Premier League for the first time in more than 20 years, having only escaped League Two in 2018. A Premier League spot would likely bring in over £100million to the club according to analysis by accounting firm Deloitte last year.
Cllr Duggins raised the idea of paying
But whatever happens, I think the city will want to pay tribute to the returning Sky Blues
Cllr George Duggins
tribute to the team’s success at the council’s annual general meeting on Thursday (May 18), the day after the team earned their place in the play-off finals by overcoming Middlesbrough. “There is one issue I will be mentioning right now and that is what happened last night,” he said. “I am sure everybody’s delighted the Sky Blues are now going to Wembley.
“There will be a lot of work that will need to be done by a number of colleagues and a number of organisations to ensure that on the 28th of May, when the team returns home, that we are able to celebrate and congratulate the Sky Blues on that achievement. I believe that they will win, colleagues.
“But whatever happens, I think the city will want to pay tribute to the returning Sky Blues. And I believe that officer colleagues will be working very, very hard to ensure that this happens.
“I will be taking personal responsibility to ensure that goes smoothly, colleagues.” Asked for further details on what should happen, Cllr Duggins explained his vision is for a parade and an informal civic reception.
A city-wide open top bus parade took place in 2018 to celebrate the team’s promotion to League One and saw huge crowds turn out to cheer on their sporting heroes. However, in 2020, such scenes were not seen at the time of the Sky Blues’ ascent to the Championship as the country was in the grip of lockdown.
Cllr Duggins told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “I think they will win but even if they don’t, there needs to be a clear recognition of the terrific season the club has had. It’s going to be about everybody pulling together. Everybody’s willing the team to win.”