The Football League Paper

says...

It’s time for some Sky Blue thinking

IT CAN’T be much fun being a Coventry City supporter, can it?

The days when the Sky Blues were a permanent fixture in the top flight and won the FA Cup must seem like a million years ago.

It’s largely been a tale of doom and gloom in recent years as Coventry have dropped down the divisions and struggled to make an impact.

There has been the odd ray of sunshine – winning the Checkatrade Trophy in 2017 and promotion from League Two last season spring to mind – but it’s been a tough journey the bulk of the time.

The fact the supporters have long since been at loggerheads with unpopular owners Sisu has added to the general sense of frustration.

And news on Friday that the the EFL have written to the Sky Blues with ‘a final request for clarity in regard to where the club will stage its home matches for the 2019/20 season’ is another blow.

The fear is that Coventry will be expelled from the league unless Sisu can come to an agreement with Premiership rugby union club Wasps, who now own the stadium, over extending their rental agreement.

With Sisu in a legal battle with Wasps over the stadium sale, that may not be easy to achieve and Coventry could end up in limbo.

No-one wants another situation like the one that caused Coventry to decamp to Northampton in the 2013-14 season.

And the loss of their EFL status would be a terrible blow.

Therefore, it’s imperative that all the parties come together and try to sort out a deal before it is too late.

Coventry certainly making all the right noises, but actions speak louder than words, so let’s hope something concrete comes of it.

The Sky Blues head to League One leaders Luton for a major test on the field this afternoon, but their biggest challenge this season is now off the pitch.

One to savour...

IT PROMISES to be a tasty encounter when Nottingham Forest entertain Derby tomorrow night. There’s a big-name clash of managers with Forest’s Martin O’Neill – and assistant Roy Keane – taking on Derby’s Frank Lampard. And with both sides gunning for the play-offs, it could be a spicy affair.