Trust the Trust + kcic is taking a break! (kcic mailout 23.7.14)
kcic is taking a break!
- At Monday's Sky Blue Trust meeting, the Trust Board asked that the resolution (about the NTFC boycott, contacting sisu investors, pressuring the Football League and promoting the petition for an Independent Inquiry) be deferred till October
- This is because the Trust believe it would not be helpful at the moment
- The Trust have met with Joy Seppala as "honest brokers"
- It was agreed to defer till October and kcic would not want to do anything to jeopardise the Trust’s current position
- So kcic will take a break and in the Trust we trust!
In the meantime...
Cardiff game - If anyone wants to go to the hill for the Cardiff game please get in touch with the Trust and if they get adequate numbers they will run a coach
Would you normally have your Season Ticket or be thinking about getting tickets for Cardiff and Sheff U if we were at the Ricoh?
Amid the CCFC mess, kcic is keen to contribute to football in Coventry. We are happy to publicise requests for help from any local clubs - so don't be shy letting us know – this one comes from City fan, Sharon Taylor, who many of you will know.
- Coventry Sphinx are keen to make some ground improvements
- They would like to extend the hard standing as you enter the ground, including fencing and generally tidying up the area – the kind of small improvement that makes a big difference at this level
- The cost is only a tiny fraction of Wayne Rooney’s weekly wage but for a grassroots club that avoids debt and has no rich benefactor it needs individual donations
- So we would be really grateful if you would be so kind as to consider donating the price of a typical Ricoh ticket - £25 - to help grassroots football in Coventry
- Access to cost price tarmac and volunteers to do the work would be very welcome too!
If you can help with a donation or in any other way, or if you have any questions, please contact Sharon at [email protected]
NOPM + MK Dons with the new season fast approaching, time to repeat yet again that...
NOPM founder Jim Smits always saw NOPM as being about showing the feeling of the fans by taking away the two major channels of commerce - 'home' games and merchandise and "Whilst NOPM was a good slogan to rally behind it wasn't meant to be taken totally literally as there will always be minor payments ending up with the club, but these do not amount to much. The big case in point was the Arsenal match. Yes, money ended up with SISU but it was not through direct sales and far more important was the show of solidarity of fans vs the reduced 'home' gates, and the opportunity to protest on TV. Possibly worth pointing out however that I'm not saying this just so I could go, as I watched on TV!" So boycotting NTFC and official merchandise remains important but no need for anyone to beat themselves up about any away games, coach travel, clicking on the CCFC website etc etc
With MK Dons, the message we hear from AFC Wimbledon fans is we should do what we need to do to protest and if anyone wants to use MK to highlight our plight it's also a good chance to emphasise that 'football clubs belong in their communities' and saying 'no to franchise football' with MK an example of that. So again, no need for anyone to tie themselves up in knots about going to MK
(Photograph courtesy of the Coventry Telegraph - www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/coventry-city-fans-group-writes-7366797)
(kcic mailout 6 July 2014)
We CAN kick off the new season back at the Ricoh -
The only thing stopping that happening is JOY SEPPALA
The truth about Seppala’s sisu and how they operate has been laid bare in Mr Justice Hickinbottom's JR verdict
(Full JR verdict is at:www.coventrytelegraph.net/incoming/article7346847.ece/binary/Judicial%20Review%20High%20Court%20verdict)
kcic’s rent offer remains on the table
What’s next? “Shout, sing, jeer and chant” say the Sky Blue Trust!
Full details at www.skybluetrust.co.uk/index.php/114-latest-news/399-join-the-sky-blue-trust-march-saturday-12th-july
***kcic post march drink at The Squirrel, Greyfriars Lane CV1 2GY***
If you want a kcic t-shirt to wear on the march you need to be quick! Available from Bludog, 158 Longford Road CV6 6DR Tel: 024 77 220210 email: [email protected]
Or online from www.creativemidfielder.co.uk/shop.php?c=keep-coventry-in-coventry
Other news
"The Football League unfathomably allowed Coventry City to be moved by a hedge fund seeking to distress the operating company of an arena built for the club, owned by the local council and a charity"
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jul/03/coventry-city-sisu-ricoh-arena?CMP=twt_gu
BBC Midlands Today story on CCFC, Monday 30 June
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=670408506373000
CCFC: this most wretched of stories
http://twohundredpercent.net/?p=26346
The ever excellent Coventry City London Supporters Club latest newsletter
is at dlvr.it/69vYTq
Everyone knows CCFC playing at NTFC is mad but a story on skybluestalk.co.uk claims Tim Fisher said “Joy is bonkers”!
http://www.skybluestalk.co.uk/threads/46443-Coventry-City-Conversations
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Thanks to everyone for messages in recent weeks and apologies again that volume means we can’t always reply – but please do keep sending them because every message, comment and idea is definitely read
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Finally, amid the CCFC madness please take a minute to read about this very worthy cause
“Remembering Lesley” Saturday 13 September 2014
Ricoh Arena 2.30pm – 11.00pm
I am writing to you on behalf of Wayne “Shanks” Bates and his children. Wayne’s wife Lesley passed away last September after a tragic battle against cancer.
The family would like to do something to commemorate Lesley’s remarkable life. They would like to run an event at the Ricoh Arena on Saturday 13 September to raise funds for cancer charities (Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Nurses and Marie Curie). Wayne is well known in the local area as a footballer, football coach, owner of “Headcase” barbers and resident DJ at Carey’s nightclub in Coventry. Wayne and Lesley’s three children have all followed in their footsteps and involved in sport at a high level.
Please view this link from the Coventry Evening Telegraph:
http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/coundon-teenage-athlete-follows-footsteps-7325259
The programme of activities will include athletics featuring the Godiva Harriers and junior football matches. The main events will be a football match to include Coventry City legends other ex-professionals and local amateurs and an evening event to include Irish dancing, live music by “The Swains and guests and a DJ set.
There will be raffle prizes and a Charity auction. We plan to have around 1000 people during the afternoon. We are limited to 900 for the evening event.
If you would like to get involved in any way please make contact with one of the organisers listed below
Sponsorship of teams and parts of the event are possible
Wayne Bates [email protected] Mob 07976432567
Tony Carroll [email protected] Mob 07903409818
(kcic mailout 6 July 2014)
We CAN kick off the new season back at the Ricoh -
The only thing stopping that happening is JOY SEPPALA
The truth about Seppala’s sisu and how they operate has been laid bare in Mr Justice Hickinbottom's JR verdict
- This is not a dispute between two parties - sisu went on a rent strike
- sisu’s strategy of distressing acl’s financial position is quite deliberate
- sisu chose to leave the Ricoh to distress acl – sisu were not forced out
- sisu’s aim has been to distress acl so as to get at least a 50% share of the Ricoh at a knock down price
(Full JR verdict is at:www.coventrytelegraph.net/incoming/article7346847.ece/binary/Judicial%20Review%20High%20Court%20verdict)
kcic’s rent offer remains on the table
- We were bitterly disappointed Fisher dismissed the offer, without even meeting to discuss it
- We are bewildered and exasperated by Seppala’s position
- Our offer is based on paying Ricoh rent and match day costs for up to 3 years - what could be more straightforward, simpler and reasonable than that?
- Fisher and Labovitch now have little credibility among the overwhelming majority of fans but we have made clear we can sit down with Seppala and go through all the details of the offer
What’s next? “Shout, sing, jeer and chant” say the Sky Blue Trust!
- March and rally Saturday 12 July
- Meet at Gosford Green 11.00am
- March sets off 12.00 noon
- Rally in Broadgate
Full details at www.skybluetrust.co.uk/index.php/114-latest-news/399-join-the-sky-blue-trust-march-saturday-12th-july
***kcic post march drink at The Squirrel, Greyfriars Lane CV1 2GY***
If you want a kcic t-shirt to wear on the march you need to be quick! Available from Bludog, 158 Longford Road CV6 6DR Tel: 024 77 220210 email: [email protected]
Or online from www.creativemidfielder.co.uk/shop.php?c=keep-coventry-in-coventry
Other news
"The Football League unfathomably allowed Coventry City to be moved by a hedge fund seeking to distress the operating company of an arena built for the club, owned by the local council and a charity"
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jul/03/coventry-city-sisu-ricoh-arena?CMP=twt_gu
BBC Midlands Today story on CCFC, Monday 30 June
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=670408506373000
CCFC: this most wretched of stories
http://twohundredpercent.net/?p=26346
The ever excellent Coventry City London Supporters Club latest newsletter
is at dlvr.it/69vYTq
Everyone knows CCFC playing at NTFC is mad but a story on skybluestalk.co.uk claims Tim Fisher said “Joy is bonkers”!
http://www.skybluestalk.co.uk/threads/46443-Coventry-City-Conversations
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Thanks to everyone for messages in recent weeks and apologies again that volume means we can’t always reply – but please do keep sending them because every message, comment and idea is definitely read
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finally, amid the CCFC madness please take a minute to read about this very worthy cause
“Remembering Lesley” Saturday 13 September 2014
Ricoh Arena 2.30pm – 11.00pm
I am writing to you on behalf of Wayne “Shanks” Bates and his children. Wayne’s wife Lesley passed away last September after a tragic battle against cancer.
The family would like to do something to commemorate Lesley’s remarkable life. They would like to run an event at the Ricoh Arena on Saturday 13 September to raise funds for cancer charities (Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Nurses and Marie Curie). Wayne is well known in the local area as a footballer, football coach, owner of “Headcase” barbers and resident DJ at Carey’s nightclub in Coventry. Wayne and Lesley’s three children have all followed in their footsteps and involved in sport at a high level.
Please view this link from the Coventry Evening Telegraph:
http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/coundon-teenage-athlete-follows-footsteps-7325259
The programme of activities will include athletics featuring the Godiva Harriers and junior football matches. The main events will be a football match to include Coventry City legends other ex-professionals and local amateurs and an evening event to include Irish dancing, live music by “The Swains and guests and a DJ set.
There will be raffle prizes and a Charity auction. We plan to have around 1000 people during the afternoon. We are limited to 900 for the evening event.
If you would like to get involved in any way please make contact with one of the organisers listed below
Sponsorship of teams and parts of the event are possible
Wayne Bates [email protected] Mob 07976432567
Tony Carroll [email protected] Mob 07903409818
Get real sisu. Do the deal (kcic statement 1 July 2014)
After being hammered in court yesterday Joy Seppala needs to get real and accept the kcic offer which will get us back to the Ricoh ready for the new season and at no cost or financial risk to sisu.
Mr Justice Hickinbottom delivered a damning and humiliating verdict on sisu, showing the CCFC fiasco and moving to NTFC is not a dispute between different parties but is because sisu "went on a rent strike" and made it clear "that CCFC moving out of the Arena or even the liquidation of the CCFC (and, with it, the Football Club) were options sisu were willing to pursue".
sisu’s response to the JR verdict has been the usual spin with Tim Fisher saying “Plan A” is still building a new stadium but not ruling out a return to the Ricoh Arena while breath-takingly telling Mr Justice Hickinbottom he got it wrong!
kcic has made an offer to sisu that means we can be back at the Ricoh ready for the new season at no cost or financial risk to sisu: 88% of people say sisu should accept the kcic offer, in a Coventry Telegraph poll; finance, proof of funds etc is all in place; CCFC football correspondent Andy Turner says it's "an offer too good to turn down"; the offer is financially beneficial for sisu.
sisu's tactics have failed: they have no credible plan; kicking off the new season at NTFC will make matters even worse; the only offer on the table, and which will get us out of this mess, is the kcic offer.
We have heard more than enough spin from Joy’s boys - after a week of contact with Mark Labovitch by ‘phone, text and email he has still not agreed to meet to discuss the offer further - Mrs Seppala must now take responsibility.
The only thing stopping us returning to the Ricoh is Joy Seppala - she can continue the NTFC disaster or get real and accept the kcic offer. We await her response.
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The full JR verdict is at www.coventrytelegraph.net/incoming/article7346847.ece/binary/Judicial%20Review%20High%20Court%20verdict
Tim Fisher's statement is at
www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/coventry-city-football-club-boss-7348485
Coventry City Council statement is at
www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/ann-lucas-coventry-city-council-7348697
Coventry Telegraph analysis is at
http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/high-court-judge-coventry-council-7346032
(Photograph from Coventry Telegraph)
kcic offers to pay Ricoh rent - sisu response awaited
(kcic mailout 20 June 2014)
Full story breaking in Coventry Telegraph
at http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/fans-businessmen-launch-bid-buy-7296322
kcic press release
Sky Blues fans offer to pay the Ricoh rent for sisu!
Coventry City FC CAN kick off the new season at the Ricoh – without any cost or risk to owners sisu.
The Keep Cov in Cov Campaign Group (kcic) have offered to pay the rent at the Ricoh for the next one, two or even three seasons, in order to get the Sky Blues back to Coventry.
kcic coordinator, Michael Orton, said: “Everyone we talk to just wants the Sky Blues to return home but there is no sign of any movement at all. Many fans are giving up on CCFC and we are losing the next generation of supporters. Something has got to change so we have put together a plan that allows us to return to the Ricoh at no cost or risk to sisu”.
The offer made by kcic to sisu is to pay rent and associated match day costs. Only if crowds are over 5,000, more than double the average attendance for Sky Blues games at Northampton Town FC last season, will reimbursement be sought, meaning there is absolutely no financial risk to SISU. Even if no fans at all turned up for a City game back at the Ricoh, it would not cost sisu a penny. Finance is in place and proof of funds will be immediately available to sisu, if sisu say they will take up the offer.
kcic wrote to sisu earlier this week (the letter is copied below) and, given the urgent need to prepare for the new season, asked sisu to reply within 48 hours. No response has been received from sisu so the offer is now being made public in order that fans are aware of the situation.
In terms of how the offer has come about, Michael explained: “kcic operates through an informal but very large network of City fans. People help out in a hundred and one different ways and this plan has developed in exactly the same way as all our other initiatives. What all those involved with kcic have in common is we are City fans and we just want to see the Sky Blues back at the Ricoh”.
Many fans are also worried that sisu may decide to liquidate the Club so separate to the offer to pay rent and match day costs for up to three years, kcic has made an offer to purchase the Club. CCFC has been described as a worthless, debt-ridden liability with no financial value at all. But fans are so concerned with the situation that kcic has made an offer to buy the Club for £50,000 plus a symbolic £1987 (reflecting the year City won the FA Cup) and an additional 35 pence, a reference to the distance from Coventry to Northampton Town.
Michael added: “The key point is that our first home League game of the season against Sheffield United on 16 August, and the Capital One Cup home tie against Cardiff City the same week, can both kick off at the Ricoh without any cost or risk to sisu at all. We desperately hope sisu will respond positively”.
Note: The offer to sisu was made in a letter from kcic dispatched on Tuesday 17 June. The Royal Mail tracking system shows the letter was received at 8.36am on Wednesday 18 June.
What Now! (kcic mailout 15 June 2014)
A huge thank you to Sky Blue Legend Dietmar Bruck
- kcic and the Sky Blue Trust this week had the absolute privilege of meeting a true Sky Blue Legend – Dietmar Bruck
- Dietmar was a key part of the 1960s Sky Blues revolution, playing in the team that got us promoted to top flight football for the first time ever and started over 30 years in the top tier of English football
- For football trivia lovers, he was also Coventry City’s first ever substitute!
- Dietmar was inspirational on the pitch and remains a truly inspirational man
- His willingness to take time to publicly support the www.FixFootball.co.uk petition for an Independent Inquiry into CCFC is awesome!
Judicial Review – what a damp squib!
- Tim Fisher said before the JR that it would prove “there was a conspiracy to wrest control of the football club from sisu by the council”
- Mark Labovitch said with the JR “the truth will be known"
- But 3 days at the High Court saw no smoking gun, fireworks or bombshells
- No evidence of a conspiracy
- No evidence the CCFC mess is all the fault of the Council
- Just a deadly dull argument about European State Aid laws and due process
- Then the minute the hearing was over Labovitch said it was “just a side show” - so what on earth was that all about?!
kcic just wants us back at the Ricoh
- After the JR dam squib kcic is planning what to do next so watch this space
- Don’t forget the Sky Blue Trust march and rally – 12 July 2014
- And thanks to everyone sending great pics from Brazil and on the way there – including these from Manaus, Rio beach and the Statue of Liberty!
sisu - it's Game On! (kcic news and views roundup 8 June 2014)
*just to remind ourselves we're football fans - League One fixtures will be out 18 June*
Judicial Review - it's a massive week for sisu
As Mark Labovitch has said with the Judicial Review: “the truth will be known”!
- Will sisu prove the council did not follow “due process” with the loan to acl, and acted illegally?
- Will sisu prove there was a conspiracy by the council to wrest control of the club away from sisu?
- Will sisu produce the long rumoured documents - a smoking gun if you like - that will show this is all the council’s fault?
The JR won't magically get us back to the Ricoh ● the Judge might make an immediate decision or he might take his time and do a written one ● either side can appeal ● the JR certainly won’t be the end of the CCFC saga ● but it is sisu's big chance on council illegality, conspiracy and a smoking gun - no doubt there'll be the usual spin but it's definitely a huge week for sisu
Football League last Friday
- We certainly let the Football League know we're not giving up the fight to get CCFC back to Coventry
- A very big thank you to everyone who helped out
- Why not do your bit to help - we've got new laminate flyers (paid for by t-shirt sales) so get some by emailing [email protected] and get your local shops, pubs, clubs and wherever else to display one, just like A.P. Harvey Wines on Earlsdon Street very kindly have!
Other news
Only One Person Turned Up For Forum With Tim Fisher reports the Covsupport News Service at http://tinyurl.com/nd6kj4t
Bournemouth bid for Coventry Star rejected
http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/bournemouth-bid-for-coventry-star-rejected
kcic at the World Cup - keep an eye out for City flags in Brazil including this one
PUSB!
Only One Person Turned Up For Forum With Tim Fisher reports the Covsupport News Service at http://tinyurl.com/nd6kj4t
Bournemouth bid for Coventry Star rejected
http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/bournemouth-bid-for-coventry-star-rejected
kcic at the World Cup - keep an eye out for City flags in Brazil including this one
PUSB!
kcic @ Football League London Office Friday 6 June!
● Meet at 5pm on Friday 6 June at the Football League office, 30 Gloucester Place, London W1U 8PL followed by a drink at The Union, 88/90 George Street W1U 8NW - all welcome! (including if you can only make the drink)
Nice mention in the Coventry Telegraph - www.coventrytelegraph.net/new...eading-7214891
Plus:
Angry fans to give Football League office a makeover!
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE ISSUE
Angry fans will be giving the Football League’s London office a pre World Cup makeover this Friday, 6 June, 5pm.
While the world’s attention turns to Brazil, supporters of one English team are worried about events closer to home. A founder member of the Premier League and former FA Cup winner, Coventry City, now languish in League One, have been described as a financial ‘basketcase’ and are playing ‘home’ fixtures 35 miles away at Northampton Town FC. They have reportedly sold just 84 full paying adult Season Tickets for 2014/15.
For fans across the globe, 12 June means World Cup kick off but for Coventry supporters it will be yet another day in the High Court as club owners sisu seek to prove there was a conspiracy to wrest control of the football club by the local council. As a further twist in the ongoing saga, a Football League imposed deadline for a payment by sisu has passed and Coventry face a possible points deduction for the third season running.
Fans have adopted a sky blue ribbon as their campaign symbol – to show they are waiting for the club to return home - and are promising to decorate the front of the Football League office with ribbons and sky blue balloons. Fans have also launched a petition calling for an Independent Inquiry into the fiasco, at www.FixFootball.co.uk, and will be handing out petition leaflets. It will be a reminder to Football League bosses that the fans’ fight to return their club to Coventry goes on and you never know, they might even get a few petition signatures from Football League staff!
● kcic event ● Friday 6 June 5pm ● Football League office 30 Gloucester Place London W1U 8PL ● Then drink at The Union 88/90 George St. W1U 8NW ● If you can't make 5pm feel free to come straight to The Union!
sisu: 1 week till we hear the truth (kcic mailout 1 June 2014)
The Judicial Review starts 10 June and will be a critical point in the future of CCFC
"The truth will be known" - what Tim Fisher and Mark Labovitch say about the JR
Other news this week
kcic event in London - Friday 6 June
kcic tops now available to order/collect by cash/card from
*Quotes are from scg minutes at www.ccfc.co.uk/fans/scg/
sisu: 1 week till we hear the truth (kcic mailout 1 June 2014)
The Judicial Review starts 10 June and will be a critical point in the future of CCFC
- sisu have been pursuing the Judicial Review (JR) for over a year now
- The JR will determine the truth or otherwise of claims made by sisu
- If sisu win, those who have refused to ask questions of the Council will be very red faced
- If sisu lose, it's them who will be under the spotlight
"The truth will be known" - what Tim Fisher and Mark Labovitch say about the JR
- “It is important that the people of Coventry know what the council and others have done to the club over the years”
- “The JR gives no financial benefit to sisu other than to prove there was a conspiracy to wrest control of the football club from sisu by the council”
- ML pointed out that when the case is heard “the truth will be known”
- “If it transpires that acl was in fact balance sheet and cash flow insolvent as TF had said [in Decemebr 2012] then the council and councillors were in serious legal trouble supporting a loan for £14 million”*
Other news this week
- Just 84 full paying adult season tickets sold according to www.coventrycity-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/rumour__three_quarters_of_season_tickets_sold_are_concessionary_833718/index.shtml
- Former Sky Blues chairmen Geoffrey Robinson MP and Mike McGinnity have been forced to pay out a total of £300,000 to acl due to sisu not paying rent www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/former-coventry-city-chairmen-forced-7193749
- sisu have held a "secretive meeting with select group of fans" according to www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/sisu-boss-joy-seppala-outlines-7189081
- 'The Fall and Fall of Coventry City Football Club' - a view from the Open University! www.open.edu/openlearn/football-league-clubs/the-fall-and-fall-coventry-city-football-club
- Confusion over Football League deadline issued to Sky Blues plus talk of another points deduction www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/confusion-over-football-league-deadline-7195827
kcic event in London - Friday 6 June
- With the Football League's role again in the news and talk of yet another points deduction, let's remind them we're not giving up - and at the same time we can raise the profile of the www.FixFootball.co.uk petition for an Independent Inquiry and see if we can get a bit of national attention for our plight pre World Cup
- Meet Friday 6 June 5pm Football League office 30 Gloucester Place London W1U 8PL
- Decorate the front of the FL office with sky blue ribbons, balloons and ePetition flyers - you never know, we might get some FL staff to sign it
- Then drink at The Union 88/90 George St. W1U 8NW
- If you can't make 5pm feel free to come straight to The Union
kcic tops now available to order/collect by cash/card from
- Bludog 158 Longford Road, Coventry CV6 6DR
- 8.30am to 5.30pm Mon-Fri; 9am to 12 noon Saturdays
- To order call into the shop or telephone 02477 220210
- All enquiries to [email protected]
*Quotes are from scg minutes at www.ccfc.co.uk/fans/scg/
sisu-ccc Judicial Review special! (kcic mailout 25 May 2014)
kcic is getting more questions about the Judicial Review (JR) so here goes
- The JR was sought by sisu and will decide if the £14.4 million Coventry City Council loan to ACL was illegal state aid
- It will be at the High Court in Birmingham
- It is scheduled for three days, starting on 10 June 2014
- It will be heard by The Hon. Mr Justice Hickinbottom (and given all the spin, good luck to him!)
- Everyone seems to have an opinion but the only one that matters will be Justice Hickinbottom’s
- There are a couple of good articles at www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/sky-blues-owners-city-council-7122731 and www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/ten-things-learnt-wednesdays-sisu-7125391
Analysis by the Sky blue Trust at www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/sport-opinion/fans-zone-judicial-review-well-7059156 says the JR may well be a tipping point and:
- if the judicial review goes in Sisu’s favour, could subsequent lawsuits for damages see the council reach a tipping point and cut their losses and hand over the Ricoh keys to Sisu?
- if the judicial review goes against sisu might they decide there is no way they will ever get the Ricoh Arena, say enough is enough, stop pouring money into this failed venture, cut their losses and walk away, possibly putting the club into administration?
kcic has always assumed sisu will win – they must be very confident in order to pursue it. If the JR doesn’t prove to be a game changer, kcic’s question will be ‘what on earth was all that in aid of then?!’
The JR and the www.FixFootball.co.uk ePetition for an Independent Inquiry
- The JR might produce some new evidence but it’s only dealing with one part of the CCFC fiasco
- The best chance of getting a full Independent Inquiry is through the ePetition
- There’s been too much going on recently and we need to give the petition a push
- It’s something everyone can help with – it doesn’t matter where you live or if you can only spare a few minutes
For events in Coventry, Gail – one of CCFC’s true unsung heroes and who did a huge amount of work to get the petition off the ground – is looking for people who could help specifically in Coventry. If you could help out at all in Coventry please email Gail at [email protected]
For London area City fans, would anyone be up for an ePetition leafleting session at the Football League London office, Friday 6 June, 5pm onwards and no doubt followed by a pint! It would help raise the ePetition profile and numbers, remind the FL we’re not giving up and maybe get a bit of pre World Cup media attention. RSVP to [email protected]
PUSB!
On This Day in History (kcic mailout 18 May 2014)
27 years ago today…
- There were a lot of City fans with chronic hangovers wondering if the previous 48 hours had just been a wonderful dream
- Yes, we really had won the FA Cup
- In the best final in modern times
- Best party ever in Coventry on the Saturday night
- A quarter of a million people on the streets of Coventry on the Sunday
- It really did all happen!
1 year ago today…
- sisu promised to build a new stadium with Tim Fisher saying
- “We have started the process of procuring land so that we can shift the new stadium build forward at a pace”
- “We have left the Ricoh Arena”
- “That long-term vision has us playing in the Coventry area in a new stadium that will be designed and delivered in three years”
- A year later: no site identified, no land purchased, no planning application submitted...
Judicial Review
- A few people are asking what’ll happen with the JR
- kcic has always assumed sisu will win – they must be confident in order to pursue it - but other people say they won't
- Some people say it will be a game changer but others disagree
- All we know for sure is it starts June 10 to be heard by The Hon. Mr Justice Hickinbottom - and given all the spin good luck to him!
kcic t-shirts
- Are now available to order/collect from Bludog, 158 Longford Road, Coventry CV6 6DR
- kcic products are made to order so call in to the shop, decide what you want, pay for it, and choose to collect or you can pay for it to be delivered
- Opening times: 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 12 noon Saturday.
- Enquiries: [email protected] or telephone 02477 220210.
- Bludog will shortly be launching its website 'one click' system for anyone who wants to buy online. In the meantime, some t-shirts are available online at www.creativemidfielder.co.uk/shop.php?c=keep-coventry-in-coventry
Quiz! (kcic mailout 11 May 2014)
In the 2013/14 season did more City fans go to games at NTFC or to away games?
Answer: more CCFC fans went to away games than to NTFC. Average number of Sky Blues fans at NTFC was 1591, and at away games 1635. The Sky Blue Army has been truly awesome. #Respect
What was a 'sick joke' this week?
Answer: Oliver Kay in The Times wrote "Coventry City have won the Football League’s family excellence award, which recognises the “outstanding experience” provided by clubs for young fans and families this season. This is the same Coventry City whose owners, the offshoot of a Mayfair hedge fund, have alienated their fanbase by relocating 35 miles to Northampton owing to a rent dispute with the local council. Family excellence? No club in English football have done more to kill the experience of families wishing to support their local team. Unless the implication is that families are better off spending their Saturdays doing something other than watching football, this seems like a particularly sick joke"
What promise did sisu make to City fans on 18 May 2013?
Answer: that a new stadium “will be designed and delivered in 3 years” www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/coventry-city-chief-left-ricoh-3869400
What do you call a person who makes a promise but doesn't deliver?
Answer: with sisu, that depends on how much you can afford to pay lawyers for when they take you to court!
What was announced on 8 May and will happen on Saturday 12 July 2014?
Answer: the Sky Blue Trust march and rally (http://youtu.be/1pmFldAqgzM)
"What constitutes a football club for me, more than anything it's about the fans, and when I've seen Coventry fans marching through the streets, five thousand of them I think they said, I think 'there's a football club'. Not the people that own the name" This is a quote from this week – who said it?
Answer: AFCWimbledon’s Ivor Hellor in a fantastic interview at http://vimeo.com/92082407
"There are two modalities of timing". Who said this and what does it mean?
Answer: Mark Labovitch’s explanation of why sisu have failed to pay a bill (who'd have thought it!) of £590,000. As for what Mr L means, that’s anyone’s guess! www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/coventry-city-official-insists-club-7087138
What opens on Monday 12 May?
Answer: a brand new shop in Coventry selling kcic t-shirts, hoodies etc – full details are at the bottom of this message.
And two questions kcic just doesn't know the answers to:
- why the tiny but noisy pro/anti acl/sisu minorities get so much attention when the overwhelmingly majority of City fans, as kcic again heard at Monday’s Earlsdon Festival, clearly take the view that acl have questions to answer, but sisu are primarily responsible, cannot be trusted and are not good for CCFC? and,
- why some people criticise the kcic strategy - of campaigning for sisu to write off their losses on the debt-laden worthless asset that is now CCFC, remember to do proper due diligence in future and hand over the Club for a fresh start with a fan-led ownership model - but they don't suggest a better strategy?
Just to remind ourselves we’re football fans not lawyers and accountants…pre season friendlies announced
Nuneaton Town (a) - Saturday, July 19th, KO 3pm
Newport County (a) - Tuesday, July 29th, KO 7.30pm (TBC)
Bristol Rovers (a) - Friday, August 1st, KO 7.45pm
Stevenage (a) – Saturday, August 2nd, KO 3pm
(more friendlies might be added)
League One season starts August 9th
Plus a video clip of the end of the season final whistle at Sheff Utd is at www.facebook.com/KeepCovInCovCampaign/posts/639911519422699
- kcic t-shirts and other items are available locally from Monday 12 May. Coventry company, Bludog Ltd, are opening a brand new shop at 158 Longford Road, Coventry CV6 6DR, just a stone's throw from the Ricoh!
- All kcic products are made to order so for cash payments call in to the shop, decide what you want, pay for it, and choose to collect or you can pay for it to be delivered.
- Shop opening times are 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 12 noon Saturday.
- For any queries, Bludog can be contacted on 02477 220210 or their email address is [email protected].
- Bludog will shortly be launching its website 'one click' system for anyone who wants to buy online.
- kcic is delighted to be working with a local company and wishes Bludog owners Brin and Sat every success.
News + some views (kcic mailout 4 May 2014)
Respect to all those in fancy dress at Sheff U - anyone reckon the prison suits might catch on?!
Shame we couldn’t hold out yesterday. But important thing is we've avoided relegation. So massive credit to SP and the players, although it was a bit sad thinking it’s probably the last time we’ll see some of them in a City shirt.
In this week’s news –
Anyone believe acl-sisu will ever negotiate a deal after these comments?
- “A landlord who tries to kill the club off makes that decision very difficult. We can't trust the landlord.” Tim Fisher’s reply when asked if sisu would return to the Ricoh on a low rent with 50% of revenue.
- Then this from Peter Knatchbull-Hugessen of Higgs: “Seppala, Labovitch and the owners - whoever they are - have said they are not interested in purchasing our shares and she’s not interested in renting…It is unfortunate they want to continue behaving absurdly.”
Things get ever weirder…
- ‘US businessman's online effort to get Coventry City back to Ricoh appears to have been abandoned after a complete lack of response from supporters…but bizarrely he claimed his project had been a success - “I am absolutely delighted in the complete lack of response’”.
- "The real issue, the one that should be uniting all fans is to see our football club return close to the heart of the city to which it belongs". There are some really good people on the Supporters Consultation Group and this is a great quote from their Chairman - except the overwhelming majority of supporters want to return to the Ricoh not ‘close’ to Coventry!!!
- Someone is standing in this month’s elections backed by one of the other fan groups. He's no doubt very well-meaning but despite being a born and bred Coventry kid he's a Spurs fan – you really couldn’t make it up! (In response to several enquiries, kcic is non-political and isn’t involved in this at all)
- And the Ricoh will be hosting the UK’s first ever streaking contest. We’ve gone from being an Olympics venue to this. Not sure whether to laugh or cry.
But amidst the madness kcic will keep on hammering home the mainstream view
- The Sky Blues should be at the Ricoh not at Northampton Town
- acl and the council have questions to answer but sisu are primarily responsible for the move away from Coventry
- We would be better off owning the Ricoh but sisu are not to be trusted - nobody seems to think sisu are good for CCFC
- Those interested only in being pro/anti acl/sisu are small minorities at the extremes of the situation
- kcic says - Team and Fans before hedge fund profits and local politics!
Earlsdon Festival Monday 5 May - kcic stall with the Sky Blues Trust
kcic t-shirts + Trust t-shirts on sale/to order
Volunteers to help hand out www.FixFootball.co.uk petition leaflets very welcome
Stall will be between Brian Holt Estate Agents and AP Harvey Wines on Earlsdon Street - on the left hand side of the street as you look up the road from the clock island/City Arms Pub, 10.30am-4pm
Feel free to pop by for a chat
CTID - KEEP THE FAITH!
Quotes and stories are from:
www.coventrycity-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/aprils_scg_meeting_minutes_831848/index.shtml
www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/coventry-charity-values-ricoh-share-7060285
www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/businessmans-online-effort-coventry-city-7064444
www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/fifty-people-sign-up-streaking-7068927
sisu Are Not Good For Our Club - well someone's got to say it! (kcic mailout 27.4.14)
With safety guaranteed we can breathe a sigh of relief and congratulate Steven Pressley and the team who against the odds have avoided relegation and along the way provided some real highlights this season – Moussa’s spectacular late, late equaliser at Preston being a personal favourite.
With safety guaranteed it’s also time for kcic to speak out, having listened very carefully to what the majority of fans are saying.
sisu Are Not Good For Our Club - well someone's got to say it!
- sisu’s priority is its own profits, not the team and fans
- CCFC is a worthless asset, saddled with millions of pounds of debt owed to the sisu family of companies
- No one has a right to a return on their investment - the value of investments can go down as well as up
A Positive Future
- Amidst the doom and gloom we have to be clear what we want: success on the pitch, financial stability off it and the interests of the team and fans to come first
- sisu can never deliver that positive vision because their priority is their own profit
- We would be better off owning the Ricoh but sisu cannot be trusted to act in the best interests of the team and fans
- There is no guarantee that another rich owner would be any better than sisu or all the others we have had for the best part of 20 years
- The only people who can be trusted to put the interests of the team and fans first are CCFC supporters
sisu Need To
- Move on to investments where they might make some money
- Write off CCFC as a bad investment and unsaleable
- Hand CCFC over to the fans and write off debts owed to the sisu family of companies (and remember to do proper due diligence in future!) – fans setting up a Community Interest Company is dead easy
We Can Then
- Work with co-investors who share our vision of success on the pitch, financial stability off it and the team and fans as the priorities
- Return us immediately to the Ricoh on the basis of the last offer made by acl (and God help them if they tried to stand in the way of a fan-led ownership team)
- Take as long as is needed to hammer out a long-term deal on the Ricoh that serves the interests of our Club and doesn’t rip off council tax payers
So let’s...
- Fight for our Club
- Fight for a better future
- Fight to be pro team and pro fan, not be pro sisu/acl
And make our voice heard loud and clear in saying:
Suck It Up Sisu. You made a bad investment, you have no right to a return on it – give us back our Club and move on!
PUSB!
Michael
PS - in response to recent questions about kcic’s position:
kcic has spent a lot of time listening to fans and we are confident that
- Saying acl have questions to answer but sisu are primarily responsible for moving us to NTFC is the mainstream, majority view
- Saying we would be better off owning the Ricoh but sisu cannot be trusted, is the mainstream, majority view
- Saying sisu are not good for our club, is the mainstream, majority view
- The people at the extremes are those who are only interested in being pro acl/sisu (is anyone really going to try to argue that kcic's petition calling to account all parties and selling t-shirts which say 'Keep Cov in Cov' is militant and extremist?)
Also,
- Some people don’t agree with the kcic approach but the onus is on them to explain why they believe sisu are good for our Club or why they are pro acl and what is their suggestion for a better, realistic, feasible way of building a positive future that puts the team and fans first
- People claiming to be in talks with all parties when they’re not, and saying there’s a deal to be done when the parties are involved in legal battles not negotiations, is just sitting on the fence watching our club slowly die and fanbase drift away
- Repeating the same points endlessly, arguing over and over about who’s to blame and pursuing a hundred and one red herrings has got us absolutely nowhere and it’s time to stop
- The Spurs fan standing as a candidate in the local elections is nothing to do with kcic - it is at best an unhelpful distraction
- Portsmouth is now run with a fan-led ownership model so the kcic approach is feasible
- The kcic approach can’t be dismissed by people who say sisu will do what they want – campaigning is all about persuading people to change their mind and we’ve got to make clear to sisu what the reality is and they have no right to a return on their bad investment. Giving us our Club back might even repair some of sisu’s reputational loss!
‘Keep the Faith’ event? 26 April (kcic mailout 13 April 2014)
A couple of people have suggested this idea
- Meet 3pm Saturday 26 April at the Jimmy Hill statue, bring a radio and listen to Wolves game (bring a ball for a kickabout in the car park?)
- Keep it simple and small-scale
- Just a way of marking on the day of our last ‘home’ fixture that we should be at the Ricoh not NTFC
- If you are interested please email [email protected] so we can see if it's worth doing
Other event dates
- ePetition for an Independent Inquiry is at 18,600 so needs a push to get to 20k
- kcic t-shirts are selling really well at www.creativemidfielder.co.uk/shop.php?c=keep-coventry-in-coventry
- Paying in cash for kcic t-shirts is now possible – email [email protected] for details
- The cash option includes a new design by kcic’s very own Paul Horne (see the pic above), plus hoody, long sleeve and polo shirts
Dates for handing out ePetition leaflets (or signing up if anyone has an Ipad) and kcic t-shirt sales/orders
Saturday 19 April: Stall in Coventry market
Saturday 3 May: Sheffield Utd away
Sunday 4 May: Help for Heroes game at the Ricoh
Monday 5 May: Stall at Earlsdon Festival, jointly with the Sky Blue Trust
Volunteers to help would be very welcome!
Make the call Joy - or is it already too late? (kcic mailout 7 April 2014)
Thanks to everyone who did the poll and for additional comments, and just sorry it’s not possible to reply to every message.
Key points
- There is overwhelming support for the kcic approach
- News on how people are feeling about CCFC makes grim reading
- Interest in an alternative 'AFC Coventry'/Phoenix club is lower than in the last kcic poll
- It’s looking like a lot of people have given up on CCFC altogether
There were 392 responses so this is a large straw poll not a survey with any statistical reliability.
It is a good indicator of overall views - percentage figures should be read as indicative not as in any way definitive.
The poll was open to all and was advertised widely on social media.
Those responding are people still interested enough to take time to reply - it is likely the poll paints an overly positive picture because people who have already given up are obviously less likely to have replied.
A piece including tables is in the Coventry Telegraph - http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/fans-poll-shows-huge-chunk-6930683 - and this is the full press release:
'We want an immediate return to the Ricoh' is the overwhelming message from Sky Blues fans in an end of season poll conducted by the Keep Cov in Cov (kcic) campaign group - but the poll also makes for grim reading in terms of how supporters are feeling about Coventry City.
The poll saw a massive 94 per cent of those who replied agreeing that: the Sky Blues playing in Northampton is a disaster; the top priority is getting an immediate return to the Ricoh (not endlessly arguing about who is to blame); and the way to do this is by first putting pressure on sisu and its owner, Joy Seppala, to 'make the call' to ACL to say CCFC will return, and then if ACL are obstructive to put pressure on them.
It is already known that a large majority of City fans say that sisu are mainly responsible for the mess we are in but ACL have questions to answer, as do owners prior to sisu. There are some people at the extremes who blame everything just on sisu or just on ACL but they are small minorities. This latest poll emphatically endorses the kcic view as reflecting that of most fans..
But the kcic poll makes for grim reading in terms of how fans are currently feeling. The poll asked people what they intend doing next season. It appears attendances at Northampton are unlikely to improve significantly, with less than 13 per cent of those who took part in the poll saying they will watch Coventry games played there.
Worryingly, only half of those who voted said that so long as CCFC exists it will always be their club. The other half were divided between people saying they no longer consider CCFC to be their club or they may think that in future.
In addition, interest in an alternative 'AFC Coventry'/Phoenix club has fallen compared with previous kcic polls.
There have been several recent stories in the Coventry Telegraph of high profile fans, like ITV's Tom Lowe, saying they are giving up on City and they appear to be expressing the feelings of many other supporters.
There are various reasons behind this. Off the field news about CCFC continues to be dominated by ongoing conflict between sisu and Coventry City Council. Last week saw another court battle, between sisu and the Higgs Charity, and the previous week the Sky Blue Trust were threatened with expulsion from the Supporters Consultative Group.
On the field the season started promisingly but since the sale of striker Leon Clarke, form has dipped badly and the one good bit of news about CCFC has dimmed. It is nearly a year since sisu announced they would build a new stadium but with no site identified, no land purchased and no planning application submitted, many fans are sceptical as to whether it will ever be built.
Some people are fascinated by each court case and every twist and turn in the CCFC saga. But the biggest group of City fans are a silent majority who are interested in football not legal and financial arguments or disputes between supporters groups, and have quietly given up supporting CCFC, now and possibly forever.
With season tickets for Coventry games at Northampton for 2014/15 now on sale, confirming that as things stand that's where CCFC will be playing, it looks like many fans really have had enough.
WHAT WILL YOU DO NEXT SEASON - CCFC FANS POLL! (kcic mailout 30.3.14)
kcic t-shirts now available!
ePetition for an Independent Inquiry – www.FixFootball.co.uk
What will you do next season – fans poll!
Just five weeks today and the season will be over
People are starting to talk about next season
It would be good to get an idea of what everyone’s thinking
So it's time for an end of season poll!
Setting up a survey page is very time consuming so this one will work the same as the first kcic fan poll...
There are six questions.
Choose your answers to the six questions e.g. 1B 2D 3B 4C 5B 6A
Then email your answers to [email protected]
Answers must be received by no later than 5pm Sunday 6 April 2014.
(If your email address is not already on the kcic mailing list it will be added so you can receive the results but you can then unsubscribe from the list as soon as you want to)
Question 1 - If we are still at NTFC next season (2014/15), what will you do?
A Go to games at Northampton
B Boycott Northampton but go to away games
C Boycott all CCFC games
D Give up supporting CCFC
E Don’t know/other
Question 2 - Which of these statements do you agree with most?
A As long as CCFC exists it will always be my club
B I no longer consider CCFC to be my club
C There might be a time when I think CCFC is no longer my club but I don’t think that yet
D Don't know/other
Question 3 - Which of these statements best reflects how you feel?
A What matters most is supporting the lads and I will continue doing that
B CCFC is in a mess but I still support the team
C I feel like giving up supporting CCFC
D I have stopped supporting CCFC
E Don’t know/other
Question 4 - If an AFC/Phoenix club was set up would you
A Support it immediately
B Never support it
C Might support it at some point but not yet
D Don’t know/other
Question 5 - kcic has made a concrete contribution to football in Coventry by sponsoring Coventry Sphinx.* For 2014/15 would you be willing to:
A Make a donation of £25 (roughly the price of one ticket at the Ricoh) to a Coventry Sphinx fund for new facilities
B Make a donation of £50 (roughly the price of two tickets at the Ricoh) to a Coventry Sphinx fund for new facilities
C Make a donation of £100 to a Coventry Sphinx fund for new facilities (this would entitle you to a Coventry Sphinx season ticket if you wanted one)
D No
(The reason for kcic asking this question is explained at the bottom of this message)
Question 6 - Do you agree or disagree with the kcic approach?
kcic's view is that playing at NTFC is a disaster ● kcic's priority is not debating the rights and wrongs of the situation but how we get back to the Ricoh ● because of the damage being done by playing at CCFC an immediate return to the Ricoh overrides all other considerations ● an offer for CCFC to play at the Ricoh has been made, which CWR have said is financially better than being at NTFC ● an immediate return to the Ricoh would be followed by taking as much time as is needed to agree a long-term solution, but without causing the damage incurred by being at NTFC ● to achieve this we need to: 1. Put pressure on sisu to make an immediate return to the Ricoh - we know they don't want to, so that's why pressure needs to be put on them; 2. If sisu say they want an immediate return to the Ricoh and acl/ccc are then obstructive, pressure will turn on them (full details of the kcic approach are at the bottom of this message). So is your view:
A I agree with the kcic approach.
B I disagree with the kcic approach
C Don't know/other
---------------------
kcic and Coventry Sphinx
kcic sponsoring Sphinx is about what it says on the label ie a concrete way of doing something to help football in Coventry. Sphinx are absolutely clear they do not want to be seen as a CCFC alternative - they have their own history, ground etc etc. Sphinx could have been promoted a couple of years back but didn't have the required facilities eg pitchside changing rooms, to go up a level. Sphinx are very aware that when CCFC return to Coventry they (Sphinx) will be forgotten about and they don't want to end up as a white elephant. But if they again earn promotion they would very much like to go up a league if they can fund the required ground improvements. If roughly 6k people each paid £300 for a ST the last season at the Ricoh that is £1.8million which is a lot of money taken out of football in Coventry. Only a small fraction of that would be required to help Sphinx get their improved facilities. It would at least be one positive to come out of the CCFC mess.
The kcic approach
Given the damage being done by playing at NTFC, kcic's view is that an immediate return to the Ricoh overrides all other considerations
How to get us back to the Ricoh
To achieve this we need to
1. Put pressure on sisu to make an immediate return to the Ricoh - we know they don't want to, which is why pressure is needed
2. If sisu say they want an immediate return to the Ricoh and acl/ccc are then obstructive, pressure will turn on them (acl/ccc). As a pragmatic campaign, any action required against acl/ccc really is the easy bit - the council is a democratic body, councillors live locally and are widely known, mobilising people in Coventry is a lot easier than getting them to down to London, etc
Note: kcic does not propose any further campaigning against the Football League because the FL's position is now an issue of broader concern than its (in)action in relation to CCFC and is now very much one for government. kcic has a good relationship with sympathetic MPs
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(kcic mailout 23 March 2014)
Tell the world you want CCFC in Coventry not at NTFC - with a kcic t-shirt!
Buy them at
www.creativemidfielder.co.uk/shop.php?c=keep-coventry-in-coventry
As well as telling the world about our plight, kcic gets £2 from each sale which will mean more campaign resources
Go for it!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beer at Brentford
kcic had a very pleasant time in the sunshine outside The Griffin at Brentford yesterday but reports are appearing that Tim Fisher had a drink thrown at him, or glasses and chairs plus City fans fighting among themselves, depending on which story you read
http://www.coventrycity-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/fisher_has_drink_thrown_at_him_828443/index.shtml
http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/coventry-city-chief-executive-tim-6866233
A massive thank you to the Chelsea Supporters Trust (CST)
There’s a great video clip at http://tinyurl.com/o4n5eh5
So…
And amidst all the off the field stuff let’s not forget we’ve got two big games this week - PUSB!
kcic t-shirts now available!
- Help the kcic campaign fund and spread the kcic message
- Mens, Ladies and Youth sizes
- Choice of designs.
- Just £10 (plus post and packing) from
ePetition for an Independent Inquiry – www.FixFootball.co.uk
- If everyone who has signed the ePetition gets four more people to sign we'd be virtually at the 100,000 target
- Getting family, friends and workmates to sign
- It can take half a dozen reminders before someone signs a petition so keep at it!
What will you do next season – fans poll!
Just five weeks today and the season will be over
People are starting to talk about next season
It would be good to get an idea of what everyone’s thinking
So it's time for an end of season poll!
Setting up a survey page is very time consuming so this one will work the same as the first kcic fan poll...
There are six questions.
Choose your answers to the six questions e.g. 1B 2D 3B 4C 5B 6A
Then email your answers to [email protected]
Answers must be received by no later than 5pm Sunday 6 April 2014.
(If your email address is not already on the kcic mailing list it will be added so you can receive the results but you can then unsubscribe from the list as soon as you want to)
Question 1 - If we are still at NTFC next season (2014/15), what will you do?
A Go to games at Northampton
B Boycott Northampton but go to away games
C Boycott all CCFC games
D Give up supporting CCFC
E Don’t know/other
Question 2 - Which of these statements do you agree with most?
A As long as CCFC exists it will always be my club
B I no longer consider CCFC to be my club
C There might be a time when I think CCFC is no longer my club but I don’t think that yet
D Don't know/other
Question 3 - Which of these statements best reflects how you feel?
A What matters most is supporting the lads and I will continue doing that
B CCFC is in a mess but I still support the team
C I feel like giving up supporting CCFC
D I have stopped supporting CCFC
E Don’t know/other
Question 4 - If an AFC/Phoenix club was set up would you
A Support it immediately
B Never support it
C Might support it at some point but not yet
D Don’t know/other
Question 5 - kcic has made a concrete contribution to football in Coventry by sponsoring Coventry Sphinx.* For 2014/15 would you be willing to:
A Make a donation of £25 (roughly the price of one ticket at the Ricoh) to a Coventry Sphinx fund for new facilities
B Make a donation of £50 (roughly the price of two tickets at the Ricoh) to a Coventry Sphinx fund for new facilities
C Make a donation of £100 to a Coventry Sphinx fund for new facilities (this would entitle you to a Coventry Sphinx season ticket if you wanted one)
D No
(The reason for kcic asking this question is explained at the bottom of this message)
Question 6 - Do you agree or disagree with the kcic approach?
kcic's view is that playing at NTFC is a disaster ● kcic's priority is not debating the rights and wrongs of the situation but how we get back to the Ricoh ● because of the damage being done by playing at CCFC an immediate return to the Ricoh overrides all other considerations ● an offer for CCFC to play at the Ricoh has been made, which CWR have said is financially better than being at NTFC ● an immediate return to the Ricoh would be followed by taking as much time as is needed to agree a long-term solution, but without causing the damage incurred by being at NTFC ● to achieve this we need to: 1. Put pressure on sisu to make an immediate return to the Ricoh - we know they don't want to, so that's why pressure needs to be put on them; 2. If sisu say they want an immediate return to the Ricoh and acl/ccc are then obstructive, pressure will turn on them (full details of the kcic approach are at the bottom of this message). So is your view:
A I agree with the kcic approach.
B I disagree with the kcic approach
C Don't know/other
---------------------
kcic and Coventry Sphinx
kcic sponsoring Sphinx is about what it says on the label ie a concrete way of doing something to help football in Coventry. Sphinx are absolutely clear they do not want to be seen as a CCFC alternative - they have their own history, ground etc etc. Sphinx could have been promoted a couple of years back but didn't have the required facilities eg pitchside changing rooms, to go up a level. Sphinx are very aware that when CCFC return to Coventry they (Sphinx) will be forgotten about and they don't want to end up as a white elephant. But if they again earn promotion they would very much like to go up a league if they can fund the required ground improvements. If roughly 6k people each paid £300 for a ST the last season at the Ricoh that is £1.8million which is a lot of money taken out of football in Coventry. Only a small fraction of that would be required to help Sphinx get their improved facilities. It would at least be one positive to come out of the CCFC mess.
The kcic approach
- kcic is 100% peaceful
- kcic is pro team and pro fans and has never bought into the pro/anti acl/sisu argument, as evidenced by the ePetition seeking to call to account all those responsible for the CCFC mess.
- kcic's view is that playing at NTFC is a disaster - record low attendances, people turning their back on CCFC, fears of a lost generation of City fans etc. See Callum Wilson's recent comments for a player's perspective. The situation is bad enough now but what will be left of CCFC if this continues to drag on well into the future as appears likely? (the JR is unlikely to see a resolution, simply further legal action. No land has been purchased for the promised new stadium, never mind a planning application submitted, etc)
Given the damage being done by playing at NTFC, kcic's view is that an immediate return to the Ricoh overrides all other considerations
How to get us back to the Ricoh
- An offer for CCFC to play at the Ricoh has been made, which CWR found financially advantageous compared with being at NTFC
- An immediate return to the Ricoh would be followed by taking as much time as is needed to agree a long-term solution, but without causing the damage incurred by being at NTFC
To achieve this we need to
1. Put pressure on sisu to make an immediate return to the Ricoh - we know they don't want to, which is why pressure is needed
2. If sisu say they want an immediate return to the Ricoh and acl/ccc are then obstructive, pressure will turn on them (acl/ccc). As a pragmatic campaign, any action required against acl/ccc really is the easy bit - the council is a democratic body, councillors live locally and are widely known, mobilising people in Coventry is a lot easier than getting them to down to London, etc
Note: kcic does not propose any further campaigning against the Football League because the FL's position is now an issue of broader concern than its (in)action in relation to CCFC and is now very much one for government. kcic has a good relationship with sympathetic MPs
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(kcic mailout 23 March 2014)
Tell the world you want CCFC in Coventry not at NTFC - with a kcic t-shirt!
Buy them at
www.creativemidfielder.co.uk/shop.php?c=keep-coventry-in-coventry
As well as telling the world about our plight, kcic gets £2 from each sale which will mean more campaign resources
Go for it!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beer at Brentford
kcic had a very pleasant time in the sunshine outside The Griffin at Brentford yesterday but reports are appearing that Tim Fisher had a drink thrown at him, or glasses and chairs plus City fans fighting among themselves, depending on which story you read
http://www.coventrycity-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/fisher_has_drink_thrown_at_him_828443/index.shtml
http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/coventry-city-chief-executive-tim-6866233
- kcic has always said that violence and disruption risks those who object to the move to Northampton being dismissed as thugs, hooligans, etc
- The kcic War of Attrition, 100% peaceful long-term approach is really hard to follow because if you care about CCFC then you’ve got to be angry about what’s happening to us
- But what kcic wants to see is Fisher and all those responsible for the mess we’re in not just with a damp patch on their coat but sweating and squirming under a grilling by MPs in a public, televised Independent Inquiry
- We achieve that by the hard slog of getting signatures on the ePetition which leads to...
A massive thank you to the Chelsea Supporters Trust (CST)
- CST provided awesome support for the kcic campaign this last week
- Before they played Arsenal yesterday they jointly handed out ePetition leaflets - check out the story at http://tinyurl.com/osngq7x
- Getting support from fans at the club at the top of the football pyramid, and before such a vital game, was brilliant
- Not a single negative comment from fans going into the game but a huge amount of sympathy for our plight and encouragement to keep on fighting
- A big thank you also to the mainly London/South East based City fans who dragged themselves out of bed early on a Saturday morning to help out on their way to Brentford
There’s a great video clip at http://tinyurl.com/o4n5eh5
So…
- There are fans at other clubs supporting us
- City fans based in other parts of the country are doing their bit
- People in Coventry are putting up ePetition flyers in car/house windows, asking local shops to display them and have some on their counter, even leafleting their street and neighbouring ones
- Let’s follow the example of other City fans and keep pushing the ePetition
And amidst all the off the field stuff let’s not forget we’ve got two big games this week - PUSB!
Saturday - Fighting - Newsround (kcic mailout 18 March 2014)
First off, congrats to Franck Moussa for winning the Football League Goal of the Season Award!
(full details and vid are at www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/football/football-news/franck-moussas-wonderstrike-wins-goal-6841984)
Saturday (22 March)
- We are meeting up with the Chelsea Supporters Trust to jointly hand out leaflets asking Chelsea fans to sign our ePetition on their way into Chelsea v Arsenal 12.45 Sky game – then onto Brentford for CCFC 3pm kick off
- Huge respect to Chelsea Supporters Trust for their brilliant support
- We will be meeting 10.45 by Fulham Broadway tube station. More people to help would be great - email [email protected] for details
- And if everyone who reads this gets just 1 other person to sign the ePetition atwww.FixFootball.co.uk we’ll hit the 20,000 mark easy - nag, nag, nag!
Fighting: City Till I Die?
- Are we going to fight for our Club?
- Or 7 months into the war of attrition are we giving up?
- Couple of ‘celeb’ fans seem to be giving up already (‘Sky Blues love affair is well and truly over’ says Tom Lowe, comparing CCFC to a long distance relationship and he’s not going to Crewe - www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/sport-opinion/fans-zone-sky-blues-love-6806472 and there’s alsowww.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/football/football-news/i-created-life-doesnt-include-6834593)
- But kcic just gets ever more determined and our response is atwww.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/coventry-telegraph-letters-march-17-6840946, and as follows:
Tom Lowe (Fans’ Zone, Telegraph, March 13) expresses eloquently the despair that so many Coventry City fans feel today, but he is wrong to talk in terms of the position with CCFC being a long distance relationship – people who call it a ‘hostage’ situation are much nearer the mark.
Last year the overwhelming majority of fans made it clear they opposed the move to Northampton Town. But our view was ignored and our beloved club was taken away from Coventry.
The fans’ campaign symbol is a sky blue ribbon which is to show, just like in real hostage situations as some people say, we are waiting for a loved one’s return.
But this isn’t quite a hostage situation because we can still support our team at away games. We can also continue to fight for a return to Coventry. This was always going to be a war of attrition and it has a long way to run yet.
So as fans we have a choice – we could give up and consign our club to the history books, or just as Steven Pressley and the players have fought against all odds this season, we can keep fighting every step of the way and for as long as it takes.
So, Tom, buy your tickets for the games at Brentford and Crewe. Stand shoulder to shoulder with your fellow City fans and bellow out as loud as you can our unique anthem which today means more than ever before: ‘While we sing together, we will never lose… we’ll fight ‘til the game is won’.
Newsround
Coventry City Owners Must be Unmasked www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/coventry-city-owners-must-unmasked-6844965
No End in Sight to the Agony of Coventry City Supporters
http://twohundredpercent.net/?p=25537
Coventry City – Does Anyone Care? http://footballleagueworld.com/2014/03/15/feature-coventry-city-does-anyone-care/
Sign the Independent Inquiry epetition at
www.FixFootball.co.uk and spread the word!
Like kcic at https://www.facebook.com/KeepCovInCovCampaign
Visit kcic at http://keepcovincov.weebly.com/
Follow kcic on twitter @KeepCovInCov
Time for plain speaking (kcic mailout 9 March 2014)
1. We could be back at the Ricoh tomorrow on the most recent rental offer which would be good for the team, good for the fans and better financially than playing at Northampton Town FC
2. There is not a scrap of evidence to suggest the ‘new ground’ is anything but a smokescreen – a feasible site has not been identified, no land has been purchased, no planning application has been submitted, not even a serious discussion with a local council
3. There seems to be only one rational explanation for sisu’s actions - they want ownership of the Ricoh, and they want it on the cheap
4. No realistic way forward is offered by those whose main interest is being pro/anti acl/sisu, those who advocate the currently unachievable ‘AFC’ option and those who call for disrupting matches (what would SP say to that!)
So kcic will continue to
And we’ll continue to call things just as we see them…
- sisu are now claiming CCFC were ‘Frogmarched’ out of Highfield Road
- the truth is CCFC sold HR despite not having a new ground to move to
- listen to the interview for yourself at http://tinyurl.com/npu84zg
- with sisu now openly reinventing history it’s time for a reality check and some plain speaking
1. We could be back at the Ricoh tomorrow on the most recent rental offer which would be good for the team, good for the fans and better financially than playing at Northampton Town FC
2. There is not a scrap of evidence to suggest the ‘new ground’ is anything but a smokescreen – a feasible site has not been identified, no land has been purchased, no planning application has been submitted, not even a serious discussion with a local council
3. There seems to be only one rational explanation for sisu’s actions - they want ownership of the Ricoh, and they want it on the cheap
4. No realistic way forward is offered by those whose main interest is being pro/anti acl/sisu, those who advocate the currently unachievable ‘AFC’ option and those who call for disrupting matches (what would SP say to that!)
So kcic will continue to
- be pro team and pro fans
- boycott City games at Northampton Town FC as without a shadow of a doubt the boycott has attracted most attention and support for our plight
- support football in Coventry by working with Coventry Sphinx, the senior team now playing in the City
- promote the epetition at www.FixFootball.co.uk to call to account all those responsible for the mess we are in
- shortly undertake a fan survey on what to do next season
And we’ll continue to call things just as we see them…
The Sky Blues belong in Coventry! Please sign our epetition here
Westminster Diary – Jeremy Wright MP
The [Leamington] Observer 6 March 2014
Several constituents have contacted me over recent months about the ongoing situation facing Coventry City Football Club.
A large number of Coventry fans living in Kenilworth and Southam are part of the wider Sky Blues fanbase across the West Midlands.
Readers will no doubt we aware of difficult times the club has faced in the last few years, both on and off the pitch.
These difficulties have culminated in the club leaving the Ricoh Arena and playing outside Coventry for the first time in its 130 year history.
The fact that the club is now playing its home games in Northampton, 35 miles from Coventry, is clearly a matter of great concern to fans, who want to see the club back playing in its home town.
I have been working with the supporters group Keep Cov in Cov and alongside Bob Ainsworth MP, who has been leading the campaign in Parliament.
We met with the Minister for Sport in January and will continue to engage with representatives from the Football League.
Unfortunately, the nature of the dispute at the heart of these events continues to make progress towards a settlement very difficult.
Keep Cov in Cov have set up an e-petition on the dedicated Government website with the title ‘Without Fans there is No Football’ [www.FixFootball.co.uk] to highlight some of the wider issues in football governance that the situation in Coventry has brought to light.
The Government has made it clear that it is dissatisfied with governance practices that are placing the future of many local clubs in doubt, and that a solution may have to be imposed if further action is not taken by the football authorities.
In the meantime, we will continue to do what we can in Westminster to bring Coventry City back home where it belongs.
Westminster Diary – Jeremy Wright MP
The [Leamington] Observer 6 March 2014
Several constituents have contacted me over recent months about the ongoing situation facing Coventry City Football Club.
A large number of Coventry fans living in Kenilworth and Southam are part of the wider Sky Blues fanbase across the West Midlands.
Readers will no doubt we aware of difficult times the club has faced in the last few years, both on and off the pitch.
These difficulties have culminated in the club leaving the Ricoh Arena and playing outside Coventry for the first time in its 130 year history.
The fact that the club is now playing its home games in Northampton, 35 miles from Coventry, is clearly a matter of great concern to fans, who want to see the club back playing in its home town.
I have been working with the supporters group Keep Cov in Cov and alongside Bob Ainsworth MP, who has been leading the campaign in Parliament.
We met with the Minister for Sport in January and will continue to engage with representatives from the Football League.
Unfortunately, the nature of the dispute at the heart of these events continues to make progress towards a settlement very difficult.
Keep Cov in Cov have set up an e-petition on the dedicated Government website with the title ‘Without Fans there is No Football’ [www.FixFootball.co.uk] to highlight some of the wider issues in football governance that the situation in Coventry has brought to light.
The Government has made it clear that it is dissatisfied with governance practices that are placing the future of many local clubs in doubt, and that a solution may have to be imposed if further action is not taken by the football authorities.
In the meantime, we will continue to do what we can in Westminster to bring Coventry City back home where it belongs.
For minutes of SCG meeting on 20 Feb just scroll down
Callum #Hero - Labo #? (kcic mailout 28 Feb 2014)
****If we’re going to push on with the Independent Inquiry epetition we really need help handing out leaflets beginning Saturday 1 March 10am Bedworth town centre then at other venues in coming weeks. Please email[email protected]****
Callum Wilson #hero
- Callum Wilson’s return to fitness is just about the only bit of good news this week
- His goal scoring this season is phenomenal and so are his comments about our situation in an interview with Sky Sports at http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11719/9186055/blue-sky-thinking:
As a club is it still a bit weird lining up at Sixfields? Coventry is a club that deserves its own home doesn't it?
CW: Coventry is a massive club and to be playing somewhere else - with me being from Coventry - it's a 60-mile round trip which isn't needed really. I live walking distance from the Ricoh, I can see it from my house, so it's not great to be that far away and playing your home games in front of 1,000 or 2,000 people when you are used to playing in front of 10-15,000 at the Ricoh. I know a lot of my friends and family would be at the Ricoh supporting but because it's so far away now, they can't make that commitment every week.
As players do you all feel for the fans and understand their frustrations?
CW: Yeah. Taking Coventry out of the city, some people were getting buses to the ground but Northampton is a lot further and more expensive - it's not just the ticket they have to buy, it's the transport and people getting the time to travel that far to watch us. Hopefully it's something that can be sorted in the near future and get back to playing at the Ricoh or a new stadium in the city where everyone can come and support and my friends and family can come more often as well.
Mark Labovitch #????
- Labovitch used the recent sisu Consultative Group (SCG) meeting to attack City fan Steve Brown
- Steve is one of the most loyal fans you could ever meet, a top bloke and at SCG meetings represents the Sky Blue Trust
- Steve was subjected to questioning about if he has contact with ACL’s PR company, communication with the media and Labovitch saying “other parties might have been working with CCC in a campaign to discredit the Club”. See for yourself - the minutes are further down this page
- Steve is a City fan – what is Labovitch?
New ACL Chairman - same old comments
- The Cov Tel reports that Chris Robinson, the new ACL Chairman, “has hinted the door is open for fresh talks about a Sky Blues return"
- But in the same interview he also said: “We have turned the corner of what’s happened in the last 18 months. I think (council leader) Coun Lucas recently talked about moving on, in all honesty we moved on before then
What kcic being pro team and pro fans means (cos some people don’t seem to understand!)
- If you are pro team and pro fan you look at everything by asking what is best for the team and fans
- Some people are just pro sisu or pro acl and their starting point is to excuse anything their ‘side’ does and just criticise the other ‘side’
- kcic judges every issue by whether it is pro team and pro fans
Fingers crossed for 3 points on Sunday – we could really do with them…
Cheers,
Michael
Please:
Sign the Independent Inquiry epetition at
www.FixFootball.co.uk and spread the word!
Like kcic at https://www.facebook.com/KeepCovInCovCampaign
Visit kcic at http://keepcovincov.weebly.com/
Follow kcic on twitter @NotOnePennyMore
Supporters’ Consultative Group Meeting
Thursday 20th February 2014, 6.30pm
The Squirrel Pub, Coventry
M I N U T E S
In attendance:-
Pat Abel (Tickets for Schools) Sandra Garlick (New Stadium Advisory Group)
Moz Baker (Sky Blue Trust) Mark Labovitch (CCFC)
SBA (CovSupportNews) Chris McGrath
Ian Barnes Kevin Monks (CovSupportNews)
Jim Brown (CCFC Historian) Pat Raybould (Junior Sky Blues)
Steve Brown (Sky Blue Trust) Tynan Scope (CCFC)
Nick Connoll (CCFC) Jonathan Strange - Chairman
Ian Davidson (CCFC London Supporters’ Club/SBI) Peter Ward – Vice Chairman
Adam Dent (Advent Communications) Elaine Ward (Minutes Secretary)
1. Apologies
Apologies were received from:-
Darren Davies
Ray Stephens (Diamond Club)
Mark Sorbie (Disabled Supporters)
2. Matters Arising from Last Minutes
* JS asked ML if he had raised the subject of filing Accounts at the Board Meeting. ML advised that the accounts were almost finalised and the expectation is that the accounts will be filed on time and directors suffer personally if they are not. He also pointed out that Weber Shandwick had blown up the story last year that accounts were filed late and that it is quite commonplace for companies to file late.
* JS also raised the subject of an independent valuation of the Ricoh. ML said his personal opinion was that a reputable firm of chartered surveyors – or preferably two – should be appointed to perform an independent valuation of the Ricoh, with full access to any ACL records they required, and their findings should be made public. This would kill myths about the value of the Ricoh.
* JS would like to present ideas of how to improve the SCG section of the CCFC web-site and feels that this demands further discussion in terms of presentation, identity and status of the SCG.
* ID pointed out that the Minutes of the January meeting were not on the website, despite being circulated generally. NC to add January Minutes to website.
3. CCFC Update (Mark Labovitch)
As discussed at the last meeting, Higgs Charity is suing SISU and the press has reported disclosure provided for the defence, running to thousands of pages.
ML pointed out that PW had raised the subject of Weber Shandwick being retained by ACL with tax payers’ money. ML reiterated his concerns expressed at the last meeting that other parties might have been working with CCC in a campaign to discredit the Club and its owner and wanted to know if any parties other than ACL had ever been in contact with Weber Shandwick: CCC, Joe Elliott and the Sky Blue Trust.
ML asked if Steve Brown or Jan Mokrzycki had had any communications with Weber Shandwick. Steve Brown stated categorically several times during the meeting that he had not knowingly had any communications with them and Jan would need to be asked if he had. SBR subsequently phoned Jan and asked this of him. Jan’s answer was that he received a phone call from a Weber Shandwick representative the day before the charity match being held at the Ricoh at the beginning of the season regarding the wearing of ‘Save our City’ wristbands, but had no other contact, either as an individual or on behalf of the SBT. SBR reiterated that the SBT have had no dealings with Weber Shandwick.
PW asked SBR how he and JM differentiated when they are speaking as individuals or on behalf of SBT. ML was sceptical of individuals claiming to wear multiple hats, recalling Peter Knatchbull Hugesen voting for the CVA on behalf of the Alan Edward Higgs Centre Trust but against it as a shareholder of ACL.
TS asked for clarification of how the SBT communicate with the press – as individuals or as the SBT?
ML recognises that some people would prefer a different owner of the Club, and does not have a problem with them campaigning for such; but he does have a problem with a concerted effort by two or more parties to attempt to conspire and damage the business, which is unlawful. ML just wants everyone to be up front, honest and truthful. ML pointed out that when the case is heard, all relevant evidence is likely to be provided and the truth will be known.
PW advised that when he was Chairman of SCG, Tim Fisher had requested him several times to ask SBT members to stand down from the SCG, believing that their position is conflicted. However, PW stood against this and supported the SBT being a part of the SCG. However, he would now be annoyed if it transpires that the SBT has conspired with other parties against the current owners.
PW feels that the most disappointing thing is that there is no football being played in Coventry and the second most disappointing thing is the division of the fans. He feels that the SBT should help to unite the fans and can’t ‘wear two hats’. SBR advised that they are happy to talk to everyone, hold open meetings and encourage all fans to attend and hear both sides. PW pointed out that the SBT Minutes indicated continual re-writing of the SBT vision, and asked for clarification of what the SBT stands for. SBR stated that he is not bothered who owns the Club, but would like it in Coventry.
ML had been interviewed on CWR regarding him and Tim Fisher signing the Enquiry petition and spoke positively on air about why they had both felt happy to sign the petition in anticipation that the truth would come out.
ML put forward the idea of him holding a Fans’ Forum, along with Martin Reeves and Ann Lucas with Shane O’Connor to chair. ML had met with at least 60 fans in the past ten days who would be keen for this to happen. He would like to do this before Council Elections in May. The pros and cons of this was discussed at length. It was felt that Ann Lucas would not accept this invitation, possibly for the reason of prejudicing any JR court case. ML says that their legal advice has always been that telling the truth cannot prejudice any legal proceedings, so wonders why the council leadership feels there is a problem. JS was concerned for reputation, any slip of the tongue comments etc. After much discussion, however, JS agreed on behalf of the SCG to endorse this format of a Fans’ Forum, but pointed out that the audience would most likely be fired up by Weber Shandwick. KM believes that it could attract ‘Rent a Mob’. ML will write to Shane O’Connor to ask if he would Chair the Forum and if so, go ahead and book a venue and date.
JB asked if everyone felt that the whole idea should be checked over by a PR company. ML explained that London based PR companies don’t understand football in Coventry or the fanbase. JB pointed out that there are PR industry people amongst the CCFC fanbase. ML assured everyone that the Forum would be planned properly, along with Adam Dent.
SBA asked what would happen if SISU won the JR. ML said that he felt the Club had a very strong case but pointed out that one can never predict the outcome of any litigation with 100% certainty. The consequences for CCC and key individuals there of an adverse outcome in the JR are likely to be very serious; ML continues to be baffled by CCC's refusal to have a sensible discussion about the sale of the Ricoh to the Club it was built for, on the basis of an independent valuation.
SBA also asked when fans would get to know information exposed by the JR. ML advised that during the JR the Judge can ask both sides for full disclosure and everything will be known. Once the hearing has taken place then the information will be in the public domain.
PA advised that elected Councillors have expressed their interest to SCG members for an independent valuation, but have been forbidden to speak on this issue by Ann Lucas and Martin Reeves. ML has had constructive conversations with councillors on the phone who had been urged to speak with him by fans who are their constituents; however, they told him that Ann Lucas and Martin Reeves have since forbidden them to meet with him.
PA asked if SCG knows of anyone who would stand against Ann Lucas in the Holbrooks Ward in the forthcoming elections.
ID asked what SISU are doing with money such as the ‘windfall’ Arsenal match revenue and the proceeds from the Leon Clarke sale. ML assured everyone that all money stays in the Club. Leon Clarke was sold and loan players have come in, as Steve Waggott is not prepared to buy until the price and time is right. ML trusts Steve Waggott implicitly in his decision-making.
ML assured everyone that the Club is now being run properly as a business for the first time in many years.
ML advised that CCC is finally refunding the business rates for which the Club has been over-charged since it started playing at the Ricoh, after a reassessment by the central valuation office: some £400k for the last few years.
IB raised concern that if we stay in Northampton for five years that the fan base would not return. ML advised that the damage to revenue, by playing at Sixfields, will only be corrected when CCFC has its own stadium.
The discussion of the area of a new stadium was discussed briefly at this point. IB asked if they should be playing in Coventry itself and not just in the ‘Coventry area’. ML pointed out that realistically with the required parking at the modern day game, then a site on the outskirts of the city is the only feasible solution and for obvious reasons, the Club cannot build within the jurisdiction of CCC.
4. Stadium Consultation Group (Sandra Garlick)
JS welcomed and thanked Sandra Garlick for joining tonight’s meeting. Sandra, a lawyer, who has been a City fan for over 40 years, has been tasked with Chairing the Stadium Consultation Group.
Sandra explained that her remit is to consult with the fan base about what they want to see and experience in the new stadium. She is aware of Tim Fisher’s and Joy Seppala’s views, having met with them, and they feel it is important to have input from the fans as well. Currently the owners have identified two potential sites and matters are progressing with both.
Sandra would like to know from fans what they would like to experience on match days and non-match days from the stadium. In terms of the technical spec, there are many aspects being looked at – health and safety issues etc, but there are aspects which the fans can influence at an early stage whereas the cosmetic side can be dealt with much later. Fans are welcome to give their ideas and views. Sandra has been receiving many emails from fans.
The first forum meeting took place in January, where Season Ticket holders only were invited. This was well attended with around 80 fans. Views were given and lots of positive input received. The second meeting, where non-season ticket holders were invited (and some season ticket holders turned up who couldn’t make the first meeting), unfortunately was hijacked by those wishing to “have their say”. This was an opportunity for fans to have their say, and the next day Sandra received over thirty e-mails from fans who sadly had not felt comfortable airing their views on the night for fear of intimidation. All the feedback is being given to the Board.
Current land purchase information and dealings with architects has to remain confidential at this stage.
In order to establish a balanced fan base on the Committee, the demographics over the past few years have been looked at such as JSBs, Teens, Disabled, ethnic minorities, different age groups to 70+.
Sandra would like to offer a rolling seat to the SCG and one to stakeholders (SB in the Community/FPA, Stephen Pressley, players) as well, on a rolling basis. It is also important that the players have their input about what they feel is important on match day from their point of view.
The feel of the stadium is also being considered at this stage – issues such as food and beverage. Some fans have expressed a wish to have f & b available outside the ground as well as inside, seating on the concourses etc. Sandra is also looking at rail seating system.
Sandra is collating this information over the next few weeks and will be consulting with the owners. It has been felt that the suggested capacity of 12K is not enough as a starting point. She stressed that the owners are committed to investment in the Club.
JS sees the Committee as an opportunity for fans to put their views on our new home in a positive way. He pointed out that whilst the original functions of the SCG had been ‘put on ice’, that the SCG members would give their support and input into ideas for the new stadium and thanked Sandra for the opportunity of a seat on the newly formed Committee. It was agreed that JS would attend the first meeting on behalf of the SCG.
ID asked if the views collated would be transferrable if the Club were to go back to the Ricoh and Sandra confirmed that this was not a futile exercise. The information would be used by the Club, whatever the outcome of its permanent new home.
TS advised that it had become clear at both of Sandra’s initial new stadium meetings that no Coventry City season ticket holders, fans, fans’ groups etc had ever been consulted on what they would like in the Ricoh Arena – it was simply a case of ‘here is your stadium’. It was a common theme from those fans that attended both meetings. PW said that Paul Fletcher was conscious at the time that fans had not been consulted, one reason for the formation of the SCG
PW advised that the SCG had spent much of its influence in the early years at the Ricoh to improve the match day experience for fans, one example was the eventual abolition of the cashless system.
PW applauded what is being done with new stadium plans, but stated that his personal opinion was that he personally would only support the idea of a new stadium when every effort had been exhausted to get back to the Ricoh – a stadium which is already in place and totally fit for purpose. He welcomed the SCG seat on the Committee but would not himself get involved at this stage.
AD mentioned that the match day attendance figures initially increased from an average 14,000 at Highfield Road to 22,000 at the Ricoh but this soon tailed off as three dreadful seasons pursued. Fans are very fickle and when the team are doing well, the fans stay.
SBR asked if the new stadium would be managed by AEG to stimulate non-matchday revenues. ML replied that it was too early to say. He pointed out that AEG was the largest global player and preferred by stars as its ownership of
venues all over the world allowed them to run world tours. The typical UK tour schedule to give access to most of the population involves the O2 (owned by AEG), the Midlands and Glasgow Arena (managed by them). The original deal which SISU agreed with CCC appealed to AEG because a Midlands venue is essential and the Ricoh could have been an alternative to NEC.
Other new stadium ideas were discussed such as local procurement of f & b, programme sellers being raised and covered to improve programme sales – lots of suggestions made at this point, but Sandra says that these will be second stage of consideration after technical issues.
KM proposed that the need to prevent City supporters from having to wade through visiting supporters before and after the game needs serious attention, as events at the Ricoh Arena have made this hugely unpopular with women and families.
First meeting of the new Committee is Wednesday 26th February and it was confirmed that JS will attend on behalf of the SCG. JS suggested that the SCG members bring ideas to SCG meetings which can then be passed on by the representative attending the Stadium Committee Meetings.
Any Other Business
* JB would like the Club to consider taking match day team photos for posterity and feels that the annual beginning of season squad photo is too big and more frequent smaller team photos would be beneficial. NC could see no reason why this could not be done and would take appropriate action.
* TS advised that he is taking part in a charity bike ride in aid of prostate cancer, along with 4 or 5 others. Sponsorship would be appreciated. TS to email sponsorship details to the group.
* ID feels that the SCG needs to consult with overseas supporters and for this reason a venue with stronger Wi-Fi would be beneficial to link up on FaceTime to fans etc. Also ID would like to be able to dial-in from Kent if he can’t always make the meeting from such a distance. TS subsequently, after the meeting, spoke to staff at the Squirrel, who gave him access to the private Wi-Fi which is apparently stronger and more reliable. TS will endeavour to test this in the next week or two head of confirming a venue for the next meeting.
* TS gave some Football League stats which are very commendable for the Club. For example, second best Club for social media clicks, strong for news stories and first for wall posts. Also second in League One or 13/90 for unique visitors. KM congratulated Nick and Kieran for achieving such great stats. The Club have been awarded ‘Best Designed Programme in League One’ by Programme Monthly (an industry recognised organisation) and have been nominated for an award at the FL Awards for ‘Contents and Audience Growth’.
* SBA asked if the Club would consider any ticket subsidy for away fans, but it is building on the FSF Twenty's Plenty Campaign that is calling for away ticket prices to be capped at £20. IB pointed out that away fans transport used to be subsidised. SBR advised that the SBT currently organise coaches at cost price.
* ID asked if a SBI section could be added to web-site. They currently have fans in 59 countries and ID sends them newsletters etc. NC agreed to add ID’s details to web-site.
5. Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting is to be held on Thursday 20th March 2014, 6.30pm, at a venue to be confirmed by TS.
(thanks to Paul Horne for above graphic) kcic mailout 23.2.14
After yesterday’s performance, being laughed at by Tranmere fans and more bickering between City fans
I’M FEELING REALLY FED UP WITH…
kcic is PRO TEAM & PRO FANS…
So let’s fight for OUR Sky Blues, put our energy into one thing that puts pressure on all parties and could see a public grilling of all those responsible for the mess we’re in – the epetiton at www.FixFootball.co.uk - and get on and do what other City fans are already doing, like:
kcic DRINK!
A chance to talk with other City fans this Wednesday, 26 February, Spencer Club CV5 6JR 8pm – see you there!
PUSB!
Michael
Please:
Sign the 'No Fans = No Football' epetition at www.FixFootball.co.uk and spread the word!
Like kcic at https://www.facebook.com/KeepCovInCovCampaign
Visit kcic at http://keepcovincov.weebly.com/
Follow kcic on twitter @NotOnePennyMore
After yesterday’s performance, being laughed at by Tranmere fans and more bickering between City fans
I’M FEELING REALLY FED UP WITH…
- Lack of proper investment in the team - we’ve leaked goals pretty much all season; yesterday we again couldn’t even field a striker; and we are left using a merry-go-round of loans to try to patch things up
- Seeing a brilliant new manager, who could really take us places, not being supported with the resources he deserves
- People who are more interested in supporting sisu or acl than the interests of the team and fans, and who just interpret any comment as being pro/anti acl/sisu
- Those who refuse to accept there are questions about acl and we had major problems before sisu arrived
- Those who refuse to accept it is sisu who decided to move us to Northampton, have promised a new stadium but not even bought any land, and with one ‘phone call could have us back at the Ricoh for the rest of the season not playing 35 miles away in front of record low crowds
kcic is PRO TEAM & PRO FANS…
So let’s fight for OUR Sky Blues, put our energy into one thing that puts pressure on all parties and could see a public grilling of all those responsible for the mess we’re in – the epetiton at www.FixFootball.co.uk - and get on and do what other City fans are already doing, like:
- Print copies of the flyer below – or email [email protected] and copies can be sent to you - and put one in your house window, car window, noticeboard at work, local shops, pubs and wherever else you can think of
- Get just one extra person to sign the epetition this week – if everyone who has already signed did this, we’d be a third of the way to 100k
- Or if you can do nothing else, chuck a few quid to kcic to spend on getting Public Liability Insurance so we can leaflet in town plus get more signs, banners and posters, all to help the epetition. Either use internet banking or go into any branch of HSBC Bank and make a payment to Account Number 11529110 Sort Code 40-18-38
kcic DRINK!
A chance to talk with other City fans this Wednesday, 26 February, Spencer Club CV5 6JR 8pm – see you there!
PUSB!
Michael
Please:
Sign the 'No Fans = No Football' epetition at www.FixFootball.co.uk and spread the word!
Like kcic at https://www.facebook.com/KeepCovInCovCampaign
Visit kcic at http://keepcovincov.weebly.com/
Follow kcic on twitter @NotOnePennyMore
Without Fans there is No Football!
#SignUp
- Inflated ticket prices, club colours and even names being changed - football is our national game but the interests of fans are being disregarded
- The game’s governing bodies are failing to address the situation
- Government action is needed
We want a Parliamentary Select Committee to undertake an Inquiry into one particular club, Coventry City (we have been relocated from the City of Coventry to Northampton, 35 miles away), to highlight problems faced across the game and show the need for action.
Please sign the Without Fans there is no Football epetition
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/59884
Produced by the Keep Cov in Cov (kcic) Campaign #SignUp Please:
Like kcic at https://www.facebook.com/KeepCovInCovCampaign
Visit kcic at http://keepcovincov.weebly.com/
Follow kcic on twitter @NotOnePennyMore
The full wording of the petition is:
Football is our national game but the interests of fans are being disregarded by club owners and ruling bodies - government action is needed. UK football clubs are not financial franchises: they are rooted in their local communities and are an important part of local identity and heritage. But a new type of club owner is disregarding all that, pricing many people out of the game with inflated ticket and other costs, alienating people by seeking to change clubs’ names, colours and so on. Football's governing bodies are failing to address the situation. We therefore ask that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee revisits its work on football governance and illustrates growing problems by undertaking a short Inquiry into one particular club, Coventry City, whose owner has relocated the club from the City of Coventry to Northampton, 35 miles away. This will highlight concerns shared by football fans across the country, and the need for action.
Drink + Independent Inquiry petition + £1million questions (kcic mailout 9.2.14)
Great win at Bristol City but less said about the Notts County game the better, although Pressley’s post match interview made me respect him even more and the ‘WHY?’ on 35 minutes was brilliant as in the pic. All part of the ccfc rollercoaster
Incredible first week for Independent Inquiry epetition - http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/59884
- 10,000 signatures in its first week
- Consistently trending and at times being the number 1 epetition in the UK
- Great support from fans of other clubs, national journalists, former players and a lot of other people too
So if you like the idea of Tim Fisher and all the other people responsible for the CCFC mess being grilled in public by a Parliamentary Committee here are two things you can do this week –
- Once you've signed the epetition, nag everyone you know to sign it too - partner, husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, sons, daughters, parents, grandparents, grandkids, uncles, aunties, cousins, second cousins and that's just family. There's friends, neighbours people at work and lots more besides - go for it!
- One suggestion is handing out leaflets in town on Saturday 15 February. It will only be worth doing if a few people will help so if you are up for it please email [email protected].
Drink! Wednesday 26th Feb
kcic doesn’t do meetings but a drink and shooting the breeze with fellow City fans is always a good way to spend an evening so on Wednesday 26th Feb a couple of us will be having a pint 8pm at the Spencer Club CV5 6JR http://www.thespencerclub.co.uk/ and anyone who fancies it is very welcome.
The £1million questions
- What's happened to the money sisu got from the Arsenal game and the sale of Leon Clarke?
- Why just more loans and no proper investment in the team?
- It’s been said plenty of times that sisu have deep pockets and can afford to subsidise losses at sixfields so isn’t the recent £1 million pay day just an unexpected bonus and why’s it then not being used for the team?
Please:
#SignUp to the 'No Fans = No Football' epetition at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/59884
Like kcic at https://www.facebook.com/KeepCovInCovCampaign
Visit kcic at http://keepcovincov.weebly.com/
Follow kcic on twitter @NotOnePennyMore
Press release - 6.2.14
Coventry City crisis - more protests on Saturday 8 Feb
The founders of the world's oldest professional association football club are likely to be turning in their grave this Saturday when their team, Notts County, take on crisis torn Coventry City whose 'home' games are now played not in Coventry, but in Northampton.
County pre-date the creation of the Football Association and were founder members of the Football League. From starting out in 1862, they played at several venues - ranging from the grounds of the old Nottingham Castle to Trent Bridge cricket ground - until in 1910 settling at Meadow Lane which remains their home over a century later. In looking for a suitable ground it doesn't seem these football pioneers considered playing anywhere other than in Nottingham. A move to somewhere like Derby or Leicester would still have been nearer than Northampton is to Coventry. What would those founders of the Football League make of someone like Joy Seppala, head of the sisu hedge fund which owns Coventry City, who has stated publicly that she knows nothing about football but has made very clear that she does want "return on my investment";* or other owners completely disregarding fans' wishes and changing club colours like at Cardiff or name as at Hull City? And what would they think of the football authorities who rubber stamp all this and this very week deem a convicted fraudster a fit and proper person to take over Leeds United, one of the best supported teams in the country?
Coventry City supporters from the 'Keep Cov in Cov' campaign will certainly make their feelings clear on Saturday when they visit County. They will repeat the hugely successful protest they held at the Emirates in an FA Cup match at the end of last month, when on 35 minutes (signifying that their 'home' games are now played 35 miles away from Coventry) they will hold up signs displaying a very simple message: 'Why?', meaning why has this situation been allowed to happen and why can't Coventry play at the purpose built, Olympic standard Ricoh Arena which was their home since 2005.
Fans have also launched an epetition - http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/59884 - calling for government action to address problems across the game with supporters' interests being disregarded by owners and the football authorities. It is currently the number 1 trending epetition in the UK receiving widespread support among concerned fans across the country. On Saturday, Coventry supporters will also be handing out leaflets to Notts County followers asking them to sign the epetition.
As for the founders of Notts County looking down at events on Saturday, they no doubt had little idea they were building the base for what would become the global phenomenon that is modern football. But they do provide a reminder that Britain's football clubs are not financial franchises and it is time for action to reassert the interests of fans and remind owners and football authorities that clubs in this country are rooted in local communities and are an important of local identities and heritage.
*Source: http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/coventry-city-fc-owner-joy-6096912
----------------------------
Contact: Michael Orton at [email protected]
Michael Orton
Keep Cov in Cov Campaign (kcic) Co-ordinator
Please:
Like kcic at https://www.facebook.com/KeepCovInCovCampaign
Visit kcic at http://keepcovincov.weebly.com/
Follow kcic on twitter @NotOnePennyMore
Coventry City crisis - more protests on Saturday 8 Feb
The founders of the world's oldest professional association football club are likely to be turning in their grave this Saturday when their team, Notts County, take on crisis torn Coventry City whose 'home' games are now played not in Coventry, but in Northampton.
County pre-date the creation of the Football Association and were founder members of the Football League. From starting out in 1862, they played at several venues - ranging from the grounds of the old Nottingham Castle to Trent Bridge cricket ground - until in 1910 settling at Meadow Lane which remains their home over a century later. In looking for a suitable ground it doesn't seem these football pioneers considered playing anywhere other than in Nottingham. A move to somewhere like Derby or Leicester would still have been nearer than Northampton is to Coventry. What would those founders of the Football League make of someone like Joy Seppala, head of the sisu hedge fund which owns Coventry City, who has stated publicly that she knows nothing about football but has made very clear that she does want "return on my investment";* or other owners completely disregarding fans' wishes and changing club colours like at Cardiff or name as at Hull City? And what would they think of the football authorities who rubber stamp all this and this very week deem a convicted fraudster a fit and proper person to take over Leeds United, one of the best supported teams in the country?
Coventry City supporters from the 'Keep Cov in Cov' campaign will certainly make their feelings clear on Saturday when they visit County. They will repeat the hugely successful protest they held at the Emirates in an FA Cup match at the end of last month, when on 35 minutes (signifying that their 'home' games are now played 35 miles away from Coventry) they will hold up signs displaying a very simple message: 'Why?', meaning why has this situation been allowed to happen and why can't Coventry play at the purpose built, Olympic standard Ricoh Arena which was their home since 2005.
Fans have also launched an epetition - http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/59884 - calling for government action to address problems across the game with supporters' interests being disregarded by owners and the football authorities. It is currently the number 1 trending epetition in the UK receiving widespread support among concerned fans across the country. On Saturday, Coventry supporters will also be handing out leaflets to Notts County followers asking them to sign the epetition.
As for the founders of Notts County looking down at events on Saturday, they no doubt had little idea they were building the base for what would become the global phenomenon that is modern football. But they do provide a reminder that Britain's football clubs are not financial franchises and it is time for action to reassert the interests of fans and remind owners and football authorities that clubs in this country are rooted in local communities and are an important of local identities and heritage.
*Source: http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/coventry-city-fc-owner-joy-6096912
----------------------------
Contact: Michael Orton at [email protected]
Michael Orton
Keep Cov in Cov Campaign (kcic) Co-ordinator
Please:
Like kcic at https://www.facebook.com/KeepCovInCovCampaign
Visit kcic at http://keepcovincov.weebly.com/
Follow kcic on twitter @NotOnePennyMore
Independent Inquiry epetition + Notts County + supporting football in Coventry (kcic mailout 3.2.14)
Way too much going on to try and list everything...looking forward to going to Bristol tomorrow and hoping some of our new loans will be playing (and won't all have done a Donnelly).
And in other news:
Independent Inquiry epetition - http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/59884
- kcic's campaign for an Independent Inquiry to call to account all those responsible for the mess CCFC is in, was launched on Thursday with an epetition at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/59884
- The response has been incredible with an average of over 1,000 people a day signing it, and it's currently the number one trending UK epetition
- But this is just the start and there's a very long way to go yet
- It's very simple - we need more and more and more people to sign the epetition so once you've signed it yourself get your family, friends, work mates and anyone else you know to sign up too - and nag them to make sure they do it! Spread the word to fans of other clubs as well - whether it's people you know, or by using twitter or going on other clubs fans' forums. Contact national programmes like 5Live's 606 or Call Collymore on Talksport. And do anything else you can think of to keep the momentum going
Notts County on 8 Feb - 'WHY?' signs again!
Lots of people have been asking for another event like at Arsenal so for Notts County -
- We'll be able to get around another 2,000 'WHY?' signs (the pr advice is to stick to 'WHY?' on 35 mins but not to bother with 'WHEN?' because it didn't have so much impact)
- We'll also have a couple of thousand leaflets aimed at fans of other clubs, asking them to sign the epetition
- To make it work, volunteers will be needed to hand out the signs and leaflets - anyone who can help please meet at 2pm by the turnstiles for us away fans
Supporting Football in Coventry - kcic sponsorship of Coventry Sphinx
Saturday saw Coventry Sphinx wear their kcic sponsored kit. Amidst the CCFC mess it's really good to feel that kcic has made a concrete contribution to football in Coventry. For the full story and pics see http://tinyurl.com/o55l8xd
WITHOUT FANS THERE IS NO FOOTBALL!
CAMPAIGN FOR AN INDEPENDENT INQUIRY AT
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/59884
Football is our national game but the interests of fans are being disregarded by club owners and ruling bodies - government action is needed. UK football clubs are not financial franchises: they are rooted in their local communities and are an important part of local identity and heritage. But a new type of club owner is disregarding all that, pricing many people out of the game with inflated ticket and other costs, alienating people by seeking to change clubs’ names, colours and so on. Football's governing bodies are failing to address the situation. We therefore ask that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee revisits its work on football governance and illustrates growing problems by undertaking a short Inquiry into one particular club, Coventry City, whose owner has relocated the club from the City of Coventry to Northampton, 35 miles away. This will highlight concerns shared by football fans across the country, and the need for action.
SIGN THE PETITION NOW AT http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/59884
CAMPAIGN FOR AN INDEPENDENT INQUIRY AT
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/59884
Football is our national game but the interests of fans are being disregarded by club owners and ruling bodies - government action is needed. UK football clubs are not financial franchises: they are rooted in their local communities and are an important part of local identity and heritage. But a new type of club owner is disregarding all that, pricing many people out of the game with inflated ticket and other costs, alienating people by seeking to change clubs’ names, colours and so on. Football's governing bodies are failing to address the situation. We therefore ask that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee revisits its work on football governance and illustrates growing problems by undertaking a short Inquiry into one particular club, Coventry City, whose owner has relocated the club from the City of Coventry to Northampton, 35 miles away. This will highlight concerns shared by football fans across the country, and the need for action.
SIGN THE PETITION NOW AT http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/59884
Arsenal + thx + Next Action (kcic mailout 27.1.14)
Carl Baker said the SBA at Arsenal
“were unbelievable but we’ve come to expect that from them because this wasn’t a one-off; they’re like that all the time away from home...To be honest I shouldn’t say it but I took my eye off the game a couple of times to see the papers held up and they were so loud out on the pitch. Sometimes you hear protests and sometimes you don’t but it was impossible not to hear that one."
Yet again so proud of our incredible manager and team on Friday night. We came so close to making it 2-1 second half and who knows what might have happened then.
And so proud of the SBA with the Why/When signs. The applause from Arsenal fans was awesome and media coverage was excellent – too much for an email but vids, pics and links are at http://keepcovincov.weebly.com/whywhen-event-at-arsenal-24114.html
So thank you to Steven Pressley and every one of our players. Also a sincere thank you for all the very kind messages of support I’ve received and which are greatly appreciated - I’m only sorry I can no longer reply to every message – but the way kcic operates is through literally hundreds (thousands?) of Sky Blues supporters doing things as and when they can. So thank you also to the City fans who:
● produced all the Why?/When? signs ● transported them across London to be ready on the night ● did media stuff ● handed out the signs ● brought their own signs and banners ● negotiated with Emirates stadium management ● liaised with Arsenal fans and got their support ● were there from day 1 of organising this ● when the plan was attacked by internet trolls, defended it ● chipped in with a bit of cash when we really needed it. And while we’re at it, thank you to ● the City fan who founded nopm which became the sixfields boycott and kcic ● everyone who has been involved in previous kcic events which built the foundations for Friday to happen.
AND THANK YOU TO THE THOUSANDS OF CITY FANS WHO HELD UP THE SIGNS ON FRIDAY, SANG THEIR HEARTS OUT AND MADE THE WORLD HEAR OUR MESSAGE – WE WANT TO GO HOME!
What next? Campaign for an Independent Inquiry: ‘Without Fans there is no Football’
Watch a football game in Coventry this Saturday afternoon!
For anyone who fancies watching a game in Coventry this weekend, Sphinx are at home on Saturday, 1 February, kick off 3pm. kcic is continuing to make a positive contribution to football in Coventry through now being the official sponsor of the Coventry Sphinx away kit. Sphinx’s crowds are increasing so why not give it a try? Further details are at http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/coventrysphinx/s/fixtures-results-65072.html
kcic t-shirts?
A few people have been asking about producing a kcic t-shirt/hoodie etc. Someone has kindly volunteered to do a design but we would need a company to produce them and do sales/post and packaging. Any ideas of a firm who might be interested would be very welcome – please email [email protected].
Follow kcic on twitter @NotOnePennyMore
Like kcic at https://www.facebook.com/KeepCovInCovCampaign
Visit kcic at http://keepcovincov.weebly.com/
Carl Baker said the SBA at Arsenal
“were unbelievable but we’ve come to expect that from them because this wasn’t a one-off; they’re like that all the time away from home...To be honest I shouldn’t say it but I took my eye off the game a couple of times to see the papers held up and they were so loud out on the pitch. Sometimes you hear protests and sometimes you don’t but it was impossible not to hear that one."
Yet again so proud of our incredible manager and team on Friday night. We came so close to making it 2-1 second half and who knows what might have happened then.
And so proud of the SBA with the Why/When signs. The applause from Arsenal fans was awesome and media coverage was excellent – too much for an email but vids, pics and links are at http://keepcovincov.weebly.com/whywhen-event-at-arsenal-24114.html
So thank you to Steven Pressley and every one of our players. Also a sincere thank you for all the very kind messages of support I’ve received and which are greatly appreciated - I’m only sorry I can no longer reply to every message – but the way kcic operates is through literally hundreds (thousands?) of Sky Blues supporters doing things as and when they can. So thank you also to the City fans who:
● produced all the Why?/When? signs ● transported them across London to be ready on the night ● did media stuff ● handed out the signs ● brought their own signs and banners ● negotiated with Emirates stadium management ● liaised with Arsenal fans and got their support ● were there from day 1 of organising this ● when the plan was attacked by internet trolls, defended it ● chipped in with a bit of cash when we really needed it. And while we’re at it, thank you to ● the City fan who founded nopm which became the sixfields boycott and kcic ● everyone who has been involved in previous kcic events which built the foundations for Friday to happen.
AND THANK YOU TO THE THOUSANDS OF CITY FANS WHO HELD UP THE SIGNS ON FRIDAY, SANG THEIR HEARTS OUT AND MADE THE WORLD HEAR OUR MESSAGE – WE WANT TO GO HOME!
What next? Campaign for an Independent Inquiry: ‘Without Fans there is no Football’
- kcic has for a long time wanted an Independent Inquiry to call to account all those responsible for the mess CCFC is in and Friday has provided a great platform to do this
- Having looked at different options the best one is a Parliamentary Select Committee (remember when Rupert Murdoch had a foam cake thrown at him – that was at a Parliamentary Select Committee)
- The Department for Culture, Media and Support Select Committee has looked at football previously so we need to persuade them to do an Inquiry into CCFC using an on-line petition
- For them to be interested it has to be of national significance so it needs to be about using us as an example of problems facing the game generally and the need for action
- It will need very large numbers of people to sign the on-line petition so we will need support from fans of other clubs too
- Details are being finalised and will be published asap.
Watch a football game in Coventry this Saturday afternoon!
For anyone who fancies watching a game in Coventry this weekend, Sphinx are at home on Saturday, 1 February, kick off 3pm. kcic is continuing to make a positive contribution to football in Coventry through now being the official sponsor of the Coventry Sphinx away kit. Sphinx’s crowds are increasing so why not give it a try? Further details are at http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/coventrysphinx/s/fixtures-results-65072.html
kcic t-shirts?
A few people have been asking about producing a kcic t-shirt/hoodie etc. Someone has kindly volunteered to do a design but we would need a company to produce them and do sales/post and packaging. Any ideas of a firm who might be interested would be very welcome – please email [email protected].
Follow kcic on twitter @NotOnePennyMore
Like kcic at https://www.facebook.com/KeepCovInCovCampaign
Visit kcic at http://keepcovincov.weebly.com/
WHY has this mess been allowed to happen?
WHEN will we return to Coventry where we belong?
kcic got huge coverage for our plight at the live televised 4th round FA Cup tie at Arsenal on 24 January 2014.
Over 5,000 Sky Blues fans were at the Emirates and:
- On 35 minutes held up signs saying ‘WHY’ and sang: ‘I wanna go home, I wanna go home, Back to the Ricoh, I wanna our home’ (the reason for 35 minutes was to highlight we’re playing 35 miles from home).
- On 61 minutes held up signs saying 'WHEN?' and sang the Sky Blue song (the link is Jimmy Hill became manager in 1961 and wrote the Sky Blue song containing the lines 'Let's all sing together' and ‘We’ll fight till the game is won’ which is what fans need do to get us back to Coventry.
Here's some of the coverage...
Video from the Coventry end -http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=nesQX4GBrfQ
Video from an Arsenal fan - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgZAt_D7u80
Post match Arsenal video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjZI1L0nWeU
World Soccer Talk - http://worldsoccertalk.com/2014/01/24/coventry-city-supporters-protest-against-club-playing-its-home-matches-35-miles-away-photos/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Daily Mail - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2545518/Arsenal-4-Coventry-0-match-report-Lukas-Podolski-nets-early-double-FA-Cup.html
Daily Telegraph - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/fa-cup/10595284/Arsenal-4-Coventry-City-0-match-report.html
News Summary posted on skybluestalk.co.uk by RPHunt
Guardian
Challenging as it is for the FA Cup to cling to old fashioned romantic ideals, a moment to stir the soul came off the pitch rather than on it. A televised game gave the visitors from Coventry the opportunity to publicise their plight. They came with armfuls of printed protest notes about their ordeal, exiled from the Ricoh Arena in their heartland. "Keep Cov in Cov" is the slogan, and fans held aloft their banners in the 35th minute – symbolic of the 35 miles they have to travel out of the city to play home games in Northampton – and again in the 61st minute, to mark the year that Jimmy Hill became manager. In a show of solidarity, the Coventry faithful were given a standing ovation by the Arsenal support.
Telegraph
The quality of Coventry’s manager and the football he espouses should also show Sisu, and all the people stopping Coventry returning to the Ricoh, of the club’s potential if everyone pulls in the same direction – and that direction is just off Junction Three of the M6. Not off the M1 at Northampton.
When the clock showed 35, Coventry fans increased their protests, choosing that minute to represent the number of miles from Sixfields. They held up placards saying “WHY?” demanding reasons for not being allowed to play at the Ricoh. Arsenal supporters, who had been made aware of the visitors’ plans via the REDaction group, showed solidarity in standing and applauding. Coventry fans then chanted of their desire for Sisu to quit the club, also holding up a banner that read “Wake Up Little Sisu We Gotta Get Home”. They also applauded the Arsenal fans for their support.
Times
Coventry had their moments, Carl Baker, the captain, bringing a magnificent save from Lukasz Fabianski after a brilliant run through the middle of the park, but the most memorable came in the stands. In the 35th minute, all 6,000 of the travelling fans stood up bearing banners saying “Why?” in protest at the 35-mile distance between their city and notional home ground in Northampton, a dignified gesture that received a sympathetic standing ovation from the majority of the home crowd. These long-suffering fans must be the only people who yearn to be sent to Coventry
Independent
In the stands, the 5,000 Coventry City fans were exceptional, loud throughout and with two coordinated minutes of protest against the club’s temporary relocation to Northampton. There were banners, protest songs and signs saying ‘Why?’ This was met with supportive applause from the home fans and it nearly stopped feeling like a football match.
WHEN will we return to Coventry where we belong?
kcic got huge coverage for our plight at the live televised 4th round FA Cup tie at Arsenal on 24 January 2014.
Over 5,000 Sky Blues fans were at the Emirates and:
- On 35 minutes held up signs saying ‘WHY’ and sang: ‘I wanna go home, I wanna go home, Back to the Ricoh, I wanna our home’ (the reason for 35 minutes was to highlight we’re playing 35 miles from home).
- On 61 minutes held up signs saying 'WHEN?' and sang the Sky Blue song (the link is Jimmy Hill became manager in 1961 and wrote the Sky Blue song containing the lines 'Let's all sing together' and ‘We’ll fight till the game is won’ which is what fans need do to get us back to Coventry.
Here's some of the coverage...
Video from the Coventry end -http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=nesQX4GBrfQ
Video from an Arsenal fan - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgZAt_D7u80
Post match Arsenal video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjZI1L0nWeU
World Soccer Talk - http://worldsoccertalk.com/2014/01/24/coventry-city-supporters-protest-against-club-playing-its-home-matches-35-miles-away-photos/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Daily Mail - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2545518/Arsenal-4-Coventry-0-match-report-Lukas-Podolski-nets-early-double-FA-Cup.html
Daily Telegraph - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/fa-cup/10595284/Arsenal-4-Coventry-City-0-match-report.html
News Summary posted on skybluestalk.co.uk by RPHunt
Guardian
Challenging as it is for the FA Cup to cling to old fashioned romantic ideals, a moment to stir the soul came off the pitch rather than on it. A televised game gave the visitors from Coventry the opportunity to publicise their plight. They came with armfuls of printed protest notes about their ordeal, exiled from the Ricoh Arena in their heartland. "Keep Cov in Cov" is the slogan, and fans held aloft their banners in the 35th minute – symbolic of the 35 miles they have to travel out of the city to play home games in Northampton – and again in the 61st minute, to mark the year that Jimmy Hill became manager. In a show of solidarity, the Coventry faithful were given a standing ovation by the Arsenal support.
Telegraph
The quality of Coventry’s manager and the football he espouses should also show Sisu, and all the people stopping Coventry returning to the Ricoh, of the club’s potential if everyone pulls in the same direction – and that direction is just off Junction Three of the M6. Not off the M1 at Northampton.
When the clock showed 35, Coventry fans increased their protests, choosing that minute to represent the number of miles from Sixfields. They held up placards saying “WHY?” demanding reasons for not being allowed to play at the Ricoh. Arsenal supporters, who had been made aware of the visitors’ plans via the REDaction group, showed solidarity in standing and applauding. Coventry fans then chanted of their desire for Sisu to quit the club, also holding up a banner that read “Wake Up Little Sisu We Gotta Get Home”. They also applauded the Arsenal fans for their support.
Times
Coventry had their moments, Carl Baker, the captain, bringing a magnificent save from Lukasz Fabianski after a brilliant run through the middle of the park, but the most memorable came in the stands. In the 35th minute, all 6,000 of the travelling fans stood up bearing banners saying “Why?” in protest at the 35-mile distance between their city and notional home ground in Northampton, a dignified gesture that received a sympathetic standing ovation from the majority of the home crowd. These long-suffering fans must be the only people who yearn to be sent to Coventry
Independent
In the stands, the 5,000 Coventry City fans were exceptional, loud throughout and with two coordinated minutes of protest against the club’s temporary relocation to Northampton. There were banners, protest songs and signs saying ‘Why?’ This was met with supportive applause from the home fans and it nearly stopped feeling like a football match.
FA CUP SPECIAL! (kcic mailout 22.1.14)
For those of us old enough to have been at Sutton in '89 we know FA Cup upsets happen so why not on Friday - a couple of Moussa specials would do very nicely!
Friday is also a great chance to highlight our plight.
The plan is dead simple
- We have, thanks to the incredible efforts of fellow CCFC fans, over 5,000 signs on double sided sheets which on one side say 'WHY? (meaning why has the mess we're in been allowed to happen, and why aren't we playing in Coventry where we belong?) and on the other side 'WHEN?' (meaning when will this madness end and we return to our home?)
- A group of City fans will hand out the signs by the turnstiles going into the Emirates stadium
- When the stadium clock shows 35:00 minutes please hold up the side of the sign that says ‘WHY’ and sing: ‘I wanna go home, I wanna go home, Back to the Ricoh, the Ricoh’s our home’ (the reason for 35:00 minutes is to highlight we’re playing 35 miles from home).
- When the stadium clock shows 61:00 minutes please hold up the side of the sign that says 'WHEN?' and sing the Sky Blue song (the link is Jimmy Hill became manager in 1961 and wrote the Sky Blue song containing the lines 'Let's all sing together' and ‘We’ll fight till the game is won’ which is what fans need do to get us back to Coventry.
BTsport and the media in general are being briefed so they understand and can explain what's going on.
Arsenal fans are being really helpful - have a look athttp://www.onlinearsenal.com/content.php?300-Arsenal-vs-Coventry-More-than-a-game-for-Sky-Blues and http://redaction.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=510&catid=75&Itemid=91
Another idea is for those on twitter is to see if once the game kicks offs we can get #KeepCovInCov trending
So a Cup upset and the chance to tell the world our home is Coventry - let's go for it!
(kcic mailout 18.1.14)
Moussa!!!!!!!! How good was that today? A really ugly Preston performance but even with the pleasure of seeing Kevin Davies sent off it looked like it was going to be a disappointing result until up stepped Franck on 90+6 mins with another stunner and a perfect view from the SBA end (the goal is at http://www.mobypicture.com/user/chrisseventeen/view/16479984). Came away feeling like a victory and St Steven Pressley continues to work miracles. So another great Sky Blues away day and bring on the Arsenal...
Getting support for our plight at Arsenal - the plan
The Arsenal game offers a brilliant opportunity to get support for our plight so here's the plan.
There isn't a deal to be made?... After more tit for tat between Anne Lucas of Coventry City Council and sisu's Mark Labovitch a lot of people seem to be coming to the view that despite everyone's hopes, there is absolutely no chance of a deal being done. There also seem to be a lot of people saying the Judicial Review shows sisu are still clearly wanting to get hold of the Ricoh but not through negotiating with the Council. The Judicial Review is still months away so the CCFC saga isn't going to end any time soon.
sisu 'battering a charity'?...Just when you think you've seen it all this week's top story was that the Higgs Charity are claiming £30,000 from sisu relating to a negotiation clause so sisu have responded with a massive counter claim reported to be for a six figure sum. Tim Fisher has said that "SISU is a distressed debt fund and therefore batters people in court" but 'battering' a Charity that helps deprived children? Really? A brilliant suggestion, from Lewis Walsh, is sisu will get a nice payday from the Arsenal game so why not just give the Higgs Charity £30k and get some decent PR. But it seems Joy Seppala wants a Childrens Charity to stop helping deprived kids and instead donate money to sisu? Full story is at http://twohundredpercent.net/?p=25254
kcic supporting football in Coventry - with Coventry Sphinx...kcic sponsorship of Sphinx's away kit is sorted so thanks again to all those who contributed. The kcic logo above, kindly designed by Sharon Taylor, will now appear on Sphinx's away shirt spreading the kcic message in a positive way while we have also made a concrete contribution to football in Coventry. We should also mention:
London drink... For anyone who fancies it, a couple of us kcic-ers will be having a drink and shooting the breeze 5.30/6pm onwards Thursday 23 January at the Bree Louise, 69 Cobourg St NW1 2HH - www.thebreelouise.com - all welcome!
Cheers,
Michael
Follow kcic on twitter @NotOnePennyMore
Like kcic at https://www.facebook.com/KeepCovInCovCampaign
kcic website http://keepcovincov.weebly.com/
Moussa!!!!!!!! How good was that today? A really ugly Preston performance but even with the pleasure of seeing Kevin Davies sent off it looked like it was going to be a disappointing result until up stepped Franck on 90+6 mins with another stunner and a perfect view from the SBA end (the goal is at http://www.mobypicture.com/user/chrisseventeen/view/16479984). Came away feeling like a victory and St Steven Pressley continues to work miracles. So another great Sky Blues away day and bring on the Arsenal...
Getting support for our plight at Arsenal - the plan
The Arsenal game offers a brilliant opportunity to get support for our plight so here's the plan.
- On 35 mins – hold up signs saying ‘WHY’ and sing: ‘I wanna go home, I wanna go home, Back to the Ricoh, the Ricoh’s our home’ (The link is we’re playing 35 miles from home and they question is 'Why has the mess we're in been allowed to happen, and why aren't we playing in Coventry where we belong')
- On 61 mins – hold up signs saying ‘WHEN’ and sing the Sky Blue song (The link is Jimmy Hill became manager in 1961 and wrote the Sky Blue song containing the lines 'Let's all sing together' and ‘We’ll fight till the game is won’ which is what fans need do to get us back to Coventry. The 'When' means 'when will this madness end and we return to our home')
There isn't a deal to be made?... After more tit for tat between Anne Lucas of Coventry City Council and sisu's Mark Labovitch a lot of people seem to be coming to the view that despite everyone's hopes, there is absolutely no chance of a deal being done. There also seem to be a lot of people saying the Judicial Review shows sisu are still clearly wanting to get hold of the Ricoh but not through negotiating with the Council. The Judicial Review is still months away so the CCFC saga isn't going to end any time soon.
sisu 'battering a charity'?...Just when you think you've seen it all this week's top story was that the Higgs Charity are claiming £30,000 from sisu relating to a negotiation clause so sisu have responded with a massive counter claim reported to be for a six figure sum. Tim Fisher has said that "SISU is a distressed debt fund and therefore batters people in court" but 'battering' a Charity that helps deprived children? Really? A brilliant suggestion, from Lewis Walsh, is sisu will get a nice payday from the Arsenal game so why not just give the Higgs Charity £30k and get some decent PR. But it seems Joy Seppala wants a Childrens Charity to stop helping deprived kids and instead donate money to sisu? Full story is at http://twohundredpercent.net/?p=25254
kcic supporting football in Coventry - with Coventry Sphinx...kcic sponsorship of Sphinx's away kit is sorted so thanks again to all those who contributed. The kcic logo above, kindly designed by Sharon Taylor, will now appear on Sphinx's away shirt spreading the kcic message in a positive way while we have also made a concrete contribution to football in Coventry. We should also mention:
- If you are not going to Arsenal and want to watch the game, the Sphinx clubhouse has BTsport and will be showing it
- And Sphinx's next home game is on Saturday 1 February (CCFC are at sixfields v Walsall) so if you fancy watching football in Coventry why not give it a go
London drink... For anyone who fancies it, a couple of us kcic-ers will be having a drink and shooting the breeze 5.30/6pm onwards Thursday 23 January at the Bree Louise, 69 Cobourg St NW1 2HH - www.thebreelouise.com - all welcome!
Cheers,
Michael
Follow kcic on twitter @NotOnePennyMore
Like kcic at https://www.facebook.com/KeepCovInCovCampaign
kcic website http://keepcovincov.weebly.com/
kcic plan for Arsenal!
Theme will be 'Keep Cov in Cov - Your club could be next' and we think we can get a couple of decent sized banners made which can be displayed pre match, half time etc.
We also think we can get a few thousand signs printed for people to hold up so:
Media will be briefed so they understand and can explain what's going on. We are also talking to Arsenal fans about this.
So who's up for it?
Theme will be 'Keep Cov in Cov - Your club could be next' and we think we can get a couple of decent sized banners made which can be displayed pre match, half time etc.
We also think we can get a few thousand signs printed for people to hold up so:
- On 35 mins – hold up signs saying ‘WHY’ and sing: ‘I wanna go home, I wanna go home, Back to the Ricoh, the Ricoh’s our home’ (link is we’re playing 35 miles from home and they question is why is being allowed to happen)
- On 61 mins – hold up signs saying ‘WHEN’ and sing the Sky Blue song (link is JH became manager in 1961 and wrote the Sky Blue song containing the line ‘We’ll fight till the game is won’ which is what fans will do to get us back to cov with the question being when will this madness end and we return to our home)
Media will be briefed so they understand and can explain what's going on. We are also talking to Arsenal fans about this.
So who's up for it?
Arsenal + kcic sponsoring football in Coventry!
(kcic mailout 10.1.14)
Let’s start the New Year with some positives!
2014 has kicked off with Steven Pressley continuing to weave his magic – I still can’t quite believe the second half at Rotherham. In case anyone hasn’t seen them yet, the goals from that game and Barnsley are at http://keepcovincov.weebly.com/vids-of-ccfc-goals.html.
And kcic has decided it will follow suit and start 2014 in positive fashion too, so…
kcic is going to sponsor football in Coventry!
- kcic is all about football being played in Coventry so we’ve been thinking how we can make a concrete contribution combined with spreading the kcic message in a positive way
- Having looked at various options, we heard that Coventry Sphinx need a sponsor for their away kit
- Several kcik-ers (and a very big thank you to them) have generously chipped in with the price of a Ricoh ticket i.e. £25
- So the Sphinx away shirt will now have the kcic logo – a Sky Blue ribbon with the words ‘keep cov in cov’
- Further donations are still very welcome – please email [email protected] for details
Getting attention and support for the kcic message – the Arsenal game
- Total respect to people who will boycott the Arsenal game
- But kcic has always argued that nopm is one of several tactics we can use and for many people nopm now means the sixfields boycott
- A 100% boycott of the Arsenal game would be a powerful message but we have to be realistic and recognise that won't happen
Lots of people have been contacting kcic suggesting things that could be done so we are looking at possible options
- Organise a coach and have an afternoon event at sisu and the Football League before going to the Emirates
- Co-ordinate a pre match media opportunity with Arsenal fans
- People can bring individual flags but we’ll see if we can get a couple of larger ones saying ‘keep cov in cov’ and because this will have a national audience ‘your club could be next’
For something bigger, the message has to be dead simple and something everyone can get on board with. And remember the target is NOT City fans, Arsenal fans or the local media – it’s going for national attention and will involve detailed media briefing. So the key message is we belong in Coventry, and WHY is this happening and WHEN will we return to Cov. So:
- On 35 mins – hold up signs saying ‘WHY’ and sing: ‘I wanna go home, I wanna go home, Back to the Ricoh, the Ricoh’s our home’ (link is we’re playing 35 miles from home)
- On 61 mins – hold up signs saying ‘WHEN’ and sing the Sky Blue song (link is JH became manager in 1961 and wrote the Sky Blue song containing the line ‘We’ll fight till the game is won’ which is what fans will do to get us back to cov)
- ‘Why’ and ‘When’ will attract people’s attention and make them wonder what is meant; in explaining this, tv and other media will in effect put a spotlight on the relevant parties; it is something that hopefully just about every City fan can sign up to (you might have different ideas about how to do things, but the real question is could you live with this approach?)
More details will follow as soon as we have them.
Cheers,
Michael
Follow kcic on twitter @NotOnePennyMore
Like kcic at https://www.facebook.com/KeepCovInCovCampaign
kcic website http://keepcovincov.weebly.com/
Coventry: supporters thrown out of their home
A Spanish view of the CCFC mess: Coventry – una aficion defenestrada
at http://www.diariosdefutbol.com/2014/01/03/coventry-una-aficion-defenestrada/
WARNING – THIS IS ONLY A ROUGH TRANSLATION AND MAY CONTAIN ERRORS
Coventry: supporters thrown out of their home
A Spanish view of the CCFC mess: Coventry – una aficion defenestrada
at http://www.diariosdefutbol.com/2014/01/03/coventry-una-aficion-defenestrada/
WARNING – THIS IS ONLY A ROUGH TRANSLATION AND MAY CONTAIN ERRORS
Coventry: supporters thrown out of their home
Coventry [City]
had lived quietly at the Ricoh Arena until March of last year. Now they appear
like the elephant on their coat of arms, balancing dangerously on a soccer
ball. The lives of their fans have changed radically since Sisu, the investment
vehicle specializing in hedge-fund operations which took over in 2007, stopped
paying the rent and a club with 130 years of history was forced to occupy a
modest ground in Northampton, 54 kilometres from home. Since that time the
original Stadium, a brand new arena for 32,000 people opened in 2005, has welcomed
everything except football: a gala
concert by Bruce Springsteen, some tournament Poker and even a Conference for Bible
scholars. Along with Wembley and the Emirates it will compete in the upcoming
Live Music Awards for being the best venue for events in England and if it wins
it will create a strange paradox. It would be the most profitable Football Stadium
in the country without football. The sad thing is that neither the club nor
fans are benefiting from this success. Rather the contrary applies.
David Conn explained recently in The Guardian the unfortunate events surrounding Sisu in regard to the current stadium and the future of the club, but I wanted to know how the people of Coventry are living with this forced exile. So I got in touch with Michael Orton, the Coordinator of "Keep Cov in Cov" (kcic), a tremendously active voluntary organisation that opposes the change of ground and that works to preserve the identity of its team. Orton sees a very bleak future as long as the club remains in the hands of the current owners. "They are ripping the heart out of the Club and they are losing a generation of fans. We look forward to a positive resolution but at the moment there is no evidence that Coventry can return to Coventry at all." It is the anger of a man hardened by circumstance. A 50-year-old who has witnessed 40 years of ups and downs.
Obviously, you have cause to wonder at what is happening. Since the Club moved, season ticket sales have decreased by 90% and the proposals put forward by the owners generate mistrust. Joy Seppala, in charge at Sisu, refused to return to the [Ricoh] arena even when offered zero rent. Arena Coventry Limited offered a hard-to-improve agreement in which the club only had to pay matchday expenses. Seppala declined the offer, perhaps because her master plan seems to be different - buy the Ricoh cheaply to fully exploit the stadium. It [Sisu] talks of £4 million for a stadium whose construction cost £113m, borne partly by taxpayers in Coventry, which is really the city's legacy. To achieve its goal [Sisu] has not hesitated to pressure the authorities by taking the club out of the city over the next five years or, lately, to trumpet a project for a new ground of 12,000 people. It was not considered important to clarify why the stadium is inferior in capacity to the previous [arena] nor where it intends to build it or how they plan to pay for it.
Meanwhile, the fans only have the power of insubordination. "We have protested outside the offices of Sisu in London, opposite the headquarters of the Football League and there were 7,000 people demonstrating in Coventry. The majority of fans are boycotting matches in Northampton and crowds at [Sixfields] are at historic lows. At the same time, attendance at away games has increased dramatically because fans want to support the team but not the owners." Thus, the team is playing front of some 2,000 fans at its new ‘home’ while outside it has provoked amazing sell-outs [of away ticket allocations] at grounds such as Milton Keynes Dons, Bradford, and Wolverhampton. The supporters are making this sacrificie to protect the spirit of their chosen club from greedy and incompetent owners but without deserting the team, while displaying exemplary conduct.
"The club was founded in Coventry 130 years ago and is an integral part of the identity of the city. The people of Coventry are opposed to the relocation and fans of other teams, journalists and others have recognized that this situation is not right". Orton says with pride that the soccer world has sympathized with his fight; his claim has found support even in the national television channels. Danny Kelly of BT sports (one of the two channels that show the Premier League matches in England) recently chose them [Coventry] as the best fans of the year. But popular support is not being translated in solutions mainly because no governing body has lifted a finger. Orton points directly to the Football League as complicit in the mess. "It demonstrated the lack of character of the Football League which has left sisu to do whatever it wanted." The League, perhaps fearing that Coventry could have been removed from the competition due to lack of a stadium, has failed to do much to protect the interests of the fans of a club which has been so important in the history of football in England with its 34 consecutive seasons in the first tier. The irony is that the motto of the Football League is "Real Football, Real fans”…
However, against all odds, the players are performing at an acceptable level despite the surrounding climate. "The team is doing incredibly well given the crisis in the club and all this mess" explains the Coordinator of KCIC. And how! Coventry stand in 10th place, six points off the play-off positions required for the right to compete for promotion to the second tier. Not bad for a weakened squad in which 80% of the players are under 25 years of age. On the opposite side and paddling in reverse are the current owners, who achieved relegation (in 2012 [the club] fell to the third tier for the first time in 42 years) and whose immediate objective is to continue pushing a City Council to give them a public site using a century-old club as a hostage.
In one passage of conversation I tried to switch from the misery of modern football to asking Michael Orton about the good times. Of the years in the Premier League, about the [FA] Cup won against Tottenham with Hoddle, about Cyrille Regis in that shirt sponsored by Talbot: but the present situation obscures his perspective so much that prefers to pass over the beautiful photos to focus on his fight. “There have been many positive changes since the 1970s and 1980s when hooliganism and other problems were standing in the way of football. But the way any unprincipled person can buy an English club and do what they want is creating new crises." It stands to reason, knowing that winning this fight may be the key to ensuring that Coventry does not die and that football can return to giving some joy.
David Conn explained recently in The Guardian the unfortunate events surrounding Sisu in regard to the current stadium and the future of the club, but I wanted to know how the people of Coventry are living with this forced exile. So I got in touch with Michael Orton, the Coordinator of "Keep Cov in Cov" (kcic), a tremendously active voluntary organisation that opposes the change of ground and that works to preserve the identity of its team. Orton sees a very bleak future as long as the club remains in the hands of the current owners. "They are ripping the heart out of the Club and they are losing a generation of fans. We look forward to a positive resolution but at the moment there is no evidence that Coventry can return to Coventry at all." It is the anger of a man hardened by circumstance. A 50-year-old who has witnessed 40 years of ups and downs.
Obviously, you have cause to wonder at what is happening. Since the Club moved, season ticket sales have decreased by 90% and the proposals put forward by the owners generate mistrust. Joy Seppala, in charge at Sisu, refused to return to the [Ricoh] arena even when offered zero rent. Arena Coventry Limited offered a hard-to-improve agreement in which the club only had to pay matchday expenses. Seppala declined the offer, perhaps because her master plan seems to be different - buy the Ricoh cheaply to fully exploit the stadium. It [Sisu] talks of £4 million for a stadium whose construction cost £113m, borne partly by taxpayers in Coventry, which is really the city's legacy. To achieve its goal [Sisu] has not hesitated to pressure the authorities by taking the club out of the city over the next five years or, lately, to trumpet a project for a new ground of 12,000 people. It was not considered important to clarify why the stadium is inferior in capacity to the previous [arena] nor where it intends to build it or how they plan to pay for it.
Meanwhile, the fans only have the power of insubordination. "We have protested outside the offices of Sisu in London, opposite the headquarters of the Football League and there were 7,000 people demonstrating in Coventry. The majority of fans are boycotting matches in Northampton and crowds at [Sixfields] are at historic lows. At the same time, attendance at away games has increased dramatically because fans want to support the team but not the owners." Thus, the team is playing front of some 2,000 fans at its new ‘home’ while outside it has provoked amazing sell-outs [of away ticket allocations] at grounds such as Milton Keynes Dons, Bradford, and Wolverhampton. The supporters are making this sacrificie to protect the spirit of their chosen club from greedy and incompetent owners but without deserting the team, while displaying exemplary conduct.
"The club was founded in Coventry 130 years ago and is an integral part of the identity of the city. The people of Coventry are opposed to the relocation and fans of other teams, journalists and others have recognized that this situation is not right". Orton says with pride that the soccer world has sympathized with his fight; his claim has found support even in the national television channels. Danny Kelly of BT sports (one of the two channels that show the Premier League matches in England) recently chose them [Coventry] as the best fans of the year. But popular support is not being translated in solutions mainly because no governing body has lifted a finger. Orton points directly to the Football League as complicit in the mess. "It demonstrated the lack of character of the Football League which has left sisu to do whatever it wanted." The League, perhaps fearing that Coventry could have been removed from the competition due to lack of a stadium, has failed to do much to protect the interests of the fans of a club which has been so important in the history of football in England with its 34 consecutive seasons in the first tier. The irony is that the motto of the Football League is "Real Football, Real fans”…
However, against all odds, the players are performing at an acceptable level despite the surrounding climate. "The team is doing incredibly well given the crisis in the club and all this mess" explains the Coordinator of KCIC. And how! Coventry stand in 10th place, six points off the play-off positions required for the right to compete for promotion to the second tier. Not bad for a weakened squad in which 80% of the players are under 25 years of age. On the opposite side and paddling in reverse are the current owners, who achieved relegation (in 2012 [the club] fell to the third tier for the first time in 42 years) and whose immediate objective is to continue pushing a City Council to give them a public site using a century-old club as a hostage.
In one passage of conversation I tried to switch from the misery of modern football to asking Michael Orton about the good times. Of the years in the Premier League, about the [FA] Cup won against Tottenham with Hoddle, about Cyrille Regis in that shirt sponsored by Talbot: but the present situation obscures his perspective so much that prefers to pass over the beautiful photos to focus on his fight. “There have been many positive changes since the 1970s and 1980s when hooliganism and other problems were standing in the way of football. But the way any unprincipled person can buy an English club and do what they want is creating new crises." It stands to reason, knowing that winning this fight may be the key to ensuring that Coventry does not die and that football can return to giving some joy.
Oldham fans on the hill yesterday! (29.12.13) #Legends
Festive football in Cov!
kcic day out at Coventry Sphinx Saturday 28 December 2013 - 3pm CV3 1WA + post-match pint in Sphinx's v nice clubhouse
kcic day out at Coventry Sphinx Saturday 28 December 2013 - 3pm CV3 1WA + post-match pint in Sphinx's v nice clubhouse
We are fans of the year!!!
Danny Kelly (BT Sport) alternative football awards in TV & Satellite Week Xmas edition
kcic mailout 21 December 2013 - season's greetings + Cov Spinx on 28 Decemeber
2013 - the short version
CCFC's last game of 2012 was on 29 December with an incredible away following at MK Dons and, having been behind at half-time, a brilliant comeback by the Sky Blues to bag all three points. For most City fans 2013 ended on 30 November with an incredible away following at MK Dons and, having been behind at half-time, a brilliant comeback by the Sky Blues to bag all three points. In between some other stuff happened but as this is the season of goodwill to all, the less said about that the better (although kcic will be announcing a change of tactics after Christmas).
But as City fans, which means there's no plastics and no glory hunters, it's fingers crossed that 2014 sees us on the up and a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to one and all.
kcic will be taking a festive break but just one plug -
Let's try and do something positive - kcic day out at Coventry Sphinx on Saturday 28 December!
Coventry Sphinx v Alvechurch, 3pm Saturday 28 December 2013 (doesn't clash with anything CCFC related)
Easy to get to and free parking
Just a fiver to get in (£3 concessions)
Under 16s are free if they are with an adult which is excellent given all the concerns about the next generation of football fans in Coventry
Very nice clubhouse with bar.
For more details see http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/coventrysphinx/
Location/map are at http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/coventrysphinx/location/
So why not try it and at the very least we'll be giving a bit of a financial boost to a local team!
Cheers,
Michael
Like kcic at https://www.facebook.com/KeepCovInCovCampaign
Follow kcic on twitter @NotOnePennyMore
watch a Coventry team playing in Coventry!
Coventry sphinx - 3pm Saturday 28 December
If you're looking for some festive football and want to watch a Coventry team playing in Coventry, why not try Coventry Sphinx on Saturday 28 December. I went to see Sphinx last Saturday, for the first time ever. Easy to get to, free parking and just a fiver to get in (£3 concessions and under 16s free if they are with an adult which is excellent given all the concerns about the next generation of football fans in Coventry). Very nice clubhouse with bar. Cup of tea at pitchside kiosk for a quid. I had very low expectations but the standard of football was better than I thought it would be - Ashley Cain was playing. There's one tiny shelter otherwise you stand at the barrier that runs round the pitch. Atmosphere was...relaxed. Average crowd is about 140 so don't expect any noise! I didn't realise that Sphinx is an OAP ie over 65 years old with its roots in the Coventry motor industry - definitely part of our local heritage.
Location/map for Sphinx is at http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/coventrysphinx/location/
And if you turn up and hate it at least you will have donated £5 to a Coventry team that plays in Coventry.
Location/map for Sphinx is at http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/coventrysphinx/location/
And if you turn up and hate it at least you will have donated £5 to a Coventry team that plays in Coventry.
kcic mailout 16 December 2013 - Survey Results + AFC + more
Results from 1,522 votes in the Keep Cov in Cov (kcic) Survey of CCFC Fans
***A report on the survey results is in the Coventry Telegraph at http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/new...-blame-6413777 ***
A big thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the survey! With 1,522 votes, this is the biggest survey of CCFC fans since the Club was relocated to Northampton. A wide range of Sky Blues supporters participated including people who do and don’t go to sixfields, supporters in Coventry and Warwickshire, elsewhere in the UK and overseas, and so on. The survey does not claim to provide definitive answers regarding the views of CCFC fans but it is reasonable to believe it is strongly indicative of supporters’ views and that will remain the case until an even bigger survey is conducted.
Key findings
An overwhelming majority of those who voted in the survey (89.7%) said they would support a campaign for an Independent Inquiry into CCFC.
There was no consensus in the survey about the idea of setting up a new ‘AFC Coventry’ Club playing in a much lower league, but there is certainly some support. 23.3% said they might support an ‘AFC Coventry’ club at some point but 2014-15 is too soon; 16.9% said they would support a new ‘AFC Coventry’ club in 2014-15 but only if it played at the Ricoh; 16.4% said they would support a new ‘AFC Coventry’ club in 2014-15 as long as it played somewhere in Coventry; 7% said they would prefer to support a current non-league team like Coventry Sphinx; 23.5% said they would never support a new ‘AFC Coventry’ club; and 12.9% said they don’t know.
A very large majority (68.7%) said they do not believe sisu will build a new stadium and only a tiny minority (2.2%) believe they will, while 22.7% believe sisu will build a new stadium if they are unable to buy the Ricoh.
If CCFC return to the Ricoh with sisu as owners, crowds will be higher than in Northampton but are likely to be lower than in 2012/13 because while 73.3% said they would attend games at the Ricoh, 19.1% said they would not attend games at the Ricoh while sisu are owners.
A clear majority of those who voted in the survey (57.7%) said the current situation facing CCFC is all or mainly the fault of sisu and only a very small minority (5.3%) said it is all or mainly the fault of ACL/Coventry City Council while 34.9% said sisu and ACL/Coventry City Council are equally at fault.
Only a very small minority (3.7%) said the Ricoh should be sold to sisu at a cut price rate with no restrictions but several complaints were made that the wording of other answers did not provide people with the options they wanted to vote for. This question will therefore be revised and included in a second survey which will be conducted in the New Year.
The full results with tables and more details about the survey are at http://keepcovincov.weebly.com/kcic-survey-of-ccfc-fans---december-2013.html
‘AFC Coventry’
The survey shows that there is no consensus on this but there is some support. A new mailing list will therefore be set up specifically relating to ‘AFC Coventry’ for those who are interested. So if you would like to receive updates about this please email [email protected] and as the subject put ‘AFC’.
kcic Festive Football Programme! As well as away games at Swindon on 21 December and Rotherham on New Year's Day, how about...
Boxing Day on the hill. I haven't been on the hill recently (and respect to those who went on Saturday v Crewe and nearly got blown back to Cov by the wind) but am going on Boxing Day v Posh, ko 12 noon. Anyone else going? Is it going to be low key or is it worth digging out the kcic flags and banners and see if a few more people can make it?
kcic day out at Cov Sphinx on Saturday 28 December. I went to see Sphinx on Saturday, for the first time ever. Easy to get to, free parking and just a fiver to get in. Very nice clubhouse with bar. Cup of tea at pitchside kiosk for a quid. I had very low expectations but the standard of football was better than I thought it would be - Ashley Cain was playing. There's one tiny shelter otherwise you stand at the barrier that runs round the pitch. Atmosphere was...relaxed. Average crowd is about 140 so don't expect any noise! I didn't realise that Sphinx is an OAP ie over 65 years old with its roots in the Coventry motor industry - definitely part of our local heritage. Their next home game clashes with Swindon away but then they are home on Saturday 28 December. Every now and again someone suggests we have a kcic day out at a different sporting event so anyone up for it?
AndCCFC in the news
Yet more criticism of sisu. After the article by UK Sports Journalist of 2013, David Conn http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/dec/02/coventry-city-owners-northampton-league-one-sisu, another Fleet Street big hitter - Oliver Kay, Chief Football Correspondent for The Times - waded in with "Nobody at Coventry/SISU seems to worry about the long-term issues arising from the fact that a Sky Bet League One club, facing a battle to attract young supporters, has, out of bloody-mindedness, ended up playing its home matches in front of crowds of less than 2,000 and a 40-minute drive away in Northampton." Full story available at http://www.skybluestalk.co.uk/threads/40031-Times-Today-SISU-Indictment . Plus great pieces by Alan Poole http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/football/football-news/sky-blue-thinking-blogs-links-6400024 and Andy Turner http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/sport-opinion/sisu-rejected-latest-ricoh-arena-6373747 in the Evening Telegraph.
Like kcic at https://www.facebook.com/KeepCovInCovCampaign
Follow kcic on twitter @NotOnePennyMore
Results from 1,522 votes in the Keep Cov in Cov (kcic) Survey of CCFC Fans
***A report on the survey results is in the Coventry Telegraph at http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/new...-blame-6413777 ***
A big thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the survey! With 1,522 votes, this is the biggest survey of CCFC fans since the Club was relocated to Northampton. A wide range of Sky Blues supporters participated including people who do and don’t go to sixfields, supporters in Coventry and Warwickshire, elsewhere in the UK and overseas, and so on. The survey does not claim to provide definitive answers regarding the views of CCFC fans but it is reasonable to believe it is strongly indicative of supporters’ views and that will remain the case until an even bigger survey is conducted.
Key findings
An overwhelming majority of those who voted in the survey (89.7%) said they would support a campaign for an Independent Inquiry into CCFC.
There was no consensus in the survey about the idea of setting up a new ‘AFC Coventry’ Club playing in a much lower league, but there is certainly some support. 23.3% said they might support an ‘AFC Coventry’ club at some point but 2014-15 is too soon; 16.9% said they would support a new ‘AFC Coventry’ club in 2014-15 but only if it played at the Ricoh; 16.4% said they would support a new ‘AFC Coventry’ club in 2014-15 as long as it played somewhere in Coventry; 7% said they would prefer to support a current non-league team like Coventry Sphinx; 23.5% said they would never support a new ‘AFC Coventry’ club; and 12.9% said they don’t know.
A very large majority (68.7%) said they do not believe sisu will build a new stadium and only a tiny minority (2.2%) believe they will, while 22.7% believe sisu will build a new stadium if they are unable to buy the Ricoh.
If CCFC return to the Ricoh with sisu as owners, crowds will be higher than in Northampton but are likely to be lower than in 2012/13 because while 73.3% said they would attend games at the Ricoh, 19.1% said they would not attend games at the Ricoh while sisu are owners.
A clear majority of those who voted in the survey (57.7%) said the current situation facing CCFC is all or mainly the fault of sisu and only a very small minority (5.3%) said it is all or mainly the fault of ACL/Coventry City Council while 34.9% said sisu and ACL/Coventry City Council are equally at fault.
Only a very small minority (3.7%) said the Ricoh should be sold to sisu at a cut price rate with no restrictions but several complaints were made that the wording of other answers did not provide people with the options they wanted to vote for. This question will therefore be revised and included in a second survey which will be conducted in the New Year.
The full results with tables and more details about the survey are at http://keepcovincov.weebly.com/kcic-survey-of-ccfc-fans---december-2013.html
‘AFC Coventry’
The survey shows that there is no consensus on this but there is some support. A new mailing list will therefore be set up specifically relating to ‘AFC Coventry’ for those who are interested. So if you would like to receive updates about this please email [email protected] and as the subject put ‘AFC’.
kcic Festive Football Programme! As well as away games at Swindon on 21 December and Rotherham on New Year's Day, how about...
Boxing Day on the hill. I haven't been on the hill recently (and respect to those who went on Saturday v Crewe and nearly got blown back to Cov by the wind) but am going on Boxing Day v Posh, ko 12 noon. Anyone else going? Is it going to be low key or is it worth digging out the kcic flags and banners and see if a few more people can make it?
kcic day out at Cov Sphinx on Saturday 28 December. I went to see Sphinx on Saturday, for the first time ever. Easy to get to, free parking and just a fiver to get in. Very nice clubhouse with bar. Cup of tea at pitchside kiosk for a quid. I had very low expectations but the standard of football was better than I thought it would be - Ashley Cain was playing. There's one tiny shelter otherwise you stand at the barrier that runs round the pitch. Atmosphere was...relaxed. Average crowd is about 140 so don't expect any noise! I didn't realise that Sphinx is an OAP ie over 65 years old with its roots in the Coventry motor industry - definitely part of our local heritage. Their next home game clashes with Swindon away but then they are home on Saturday 28 December. Every now and again someone suggests we have a kcic day out at a different sporting event so anyone up for it?
AndCCFC in the news
Yet more criticism of sisu. After the article by UK Sports Journalist of 2013, David Conn http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/dec/02/coventry-city-owners-northampton-league-one-sisu, another Fleet Street big hitter - Oliver Kay, Chief Football Correspondent for The Times - waded in with "Nobody at Coventry/SISU seems to worry about the long-term issues arising from the fact that a Sky Bet League One club, facing a battle to attract young supporters, has, out of bloody-mindedness, ended up playing its home matches in front of crowds of less than 2,000 and a 40-minute drive away in Northampton." Full story available at http://www.skybluestalk.co.uk/threads/40031-Times-Today-SISU-Indictment . Plus great pieces by Alan Poole http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/football/football-news/sky-blue-thinking-blogs-links-6400024 and Andy Turner http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/sport-opinion/sisu-rejected-latest-ricoh-arena-6373747 in the Evening Telegraph.
Like kcic at https://www.facebook.com/KeepCovInCovCampaign
Follow kcic on twitter @NotOnePennyMore
kcic mailout 7 December 2013
On the pitch Pressley has steadied the ship after a bit of a blip with that fantastic display at MK Dons and even managing a draw at Hartlepool with no strikers – yet again an incredible achievement by him and the team. If only the
same could be said about matters off the field…
Last week’s ‘highlights’
I’ve listed some links at the end of this message but main points are
sisu rejected an offer to play at the Ricoh rent-free - analysis seems to show (e.g. by Clive Eakin on CWR) that even with match day costs, the offer to play at the Ricoh would be financially better for CCFC compared with being in Northampton.
sisu continue not to table an offer for the Ricoh, while constantly saying they want to buy it.
The judicial review will go ahead meaning months of more uncertainty.
Fisher talked a lot about a new stadium again – it would be really helpful if anyone who sees acl-the council as culprits and remains willing to give sisu the benefit of the doubt, could explain why if sisu are so committed to building a new ground they are still saying they want to buy the Ricoh?
sisu turned on CCFC fans – totally shocking news that the Sky Blue Trust were threatened with legal action by sisu
relating to posting a link to a newspaper story. Being on the receiving end of something like that is horrible and I’m sure the vast majority of fans support the Trust 100% on this.
What does it all mean?
1. Any hopes of us returning to the Ricoh in the short-term are dead – when sisu won’t accept an offer that would be financially beneficial compared with playing in Northampton, the message is loud and clear.
2. It’s looking like we will be in Northampton for the 2014/15 season – however appalling and painful a prospect this is we cannot bury our heads in the sand and pretend everything will somehow turn out ok. The reality is the
Judicial Review is unlikely to be heard for several months and potentially further legal action could follow. We can all keep our fingers crossed that something changes but the facts are that the likelihood of the situation being
resolved by the end of this season ready for the next is pretty remote.
3. Some people are even saying we have played our last game in Coventry – this is an even more appalling prospect. But the logic is that sisu will only return to the Ricoh as owners and are determined to drive down the price as low as possible. So unless acl-the council hand over the Ricoh to sisu for peanuts, and that ain’t gonna happen, that’s it because sisu have always said their new stadium would be outside Coventry anyway. Sincerely hope that one’s wide of the mark.
4. sisu’s attitude to fans is now absolutely clear – the Sky Blue Trust didn’t say or do anything, they just posted a link to a newspaper story. sisu don’t like the newspaper story so threatened the Trust, who are just fans like the rest of us, with legal action. Absolutely shocking.
So what do we do?
One view is sisu are getting desperate so the first thing is to keep the sixfields boycott strong.
Ideas for an Independent Inquiry, large-scale City Centre event and applying for the Ricoh to be an Asset of Community Value, are now with the Sky Blue Trust and kcic will offer whatever support it can.
‘AFC Coventry’, this is a controversial one and I’m completely torn on it. It would be nice to wait till the end of this season and see where things are at. But unfortunately, to register a new team for the 2014/15 season has an initial deadline in February so if anything is to be done there is some urgency. A new suggestion is that instead of setting up a team as an alternative to ccfc, it is done as part of the protest about what is happening to CCFC. So the suggestion is an option should be explored setting up a new team whose badge would be a sky blue ribbon, the symbol of opposition to the Northampton move. The team name would need to reflect the protest idea e.g. something like 'Coventry in Coventry' or the 'Coventry Ribboners'. It would give people a team to watch in Coventry, show sisu that we will not stand idly by and let them do what they want, and every mention of the new team would be a reminder to the world of what is being done to CCFC. This is all very much people talking about options but a small group are looking at practicalities so if you would like to be involved please email [email protected].
CCFC in the news
The Guardian ‘Coventry City owners lead club to Northampton and towards the abyss’
http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/dec/02/coventry-city-owners-northampton-league-one-sisu?CMP=twt_gu
200% ‘No speedy resolution to the Ricoh Arena dispute’ http://twohundredpercent.net/?p=24994
Coventry Telegraph ‘Why have sisu rejected the latest Ricoh Arena rent offer’
http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/sport-opinion/sisu-rejected-latest-ricoh-arena-6373747
CCFC fan's story called 'How To Destroy a Football Club' in Stand Fanzine, £2 at http://tinyurl.com/p7a2nkt
Minutes of the CCFC Supporters Consultative Group http://www.skybluestalk.co.uk/threads/39774-The-minutes-from-the-Supporters-Consultative-Group-meeting-on-December-4th
Sky Blue Trust statement about legal action - http://www.skybluetrust.co.uk/
On the pitch Pressley has steadied the ship after a bit of a blip with that fantastic display at MK Dons and even managing a draw at Hartlepool with no strikers – yet again an incredible achievement by him and the team. If only the
same could be said about matters off the field…
Last week’s ‘highlights’
I’ve listed some links at the end of this message but main points are
sisu rejected an offer to play at the Ricoh rent-free - analysis seems to show (e.g. by Clive Eakin on CWR) that even with match day costs, the offer to play at the Ricoh would be financially better for CCFC compared with being in Northampton.
sisu continue not to table an offer for the Ricoh, while constantly saying they want to buy it.
The judicial review will go ahead meaning months of more uncertainty.
Fisher talked a lot about a new stadium again – it would be really helpful if anyone who sees acl-the council as culprits and remains willing to give sisu the benefit of the doubt, could explain why if sisu are so committed to building a new ground they are still saying they want to buy the Ricoh?
sisu turned on CCFC fans – totally shocking news that the Sky Blue Trust were threatened with legal action by sisu
relating to posting a link to a newspaper story. Being on the receiving end of something like that is horrible and I’m sure the vast majority of fans support the Trust 100% on this.
What does it all mean?
1. Any hopes of us returning to the Ricoh in the short-term are dead – when sisu won’t accept an offer that would be financially beneficial compared with playing in Northampton, the message is loud and clear.
2. It’s looking like we will be in Northampton for the 2014/15 season – however appalling and painful a prospect this is we cannot bury our heads in the sand and pretend everything will somehow turn out ok. The reality is the
Judicial Review is unlikely to be heard for several months and potentially further legal action could follow. We can all keep our fingers crossed that something changes but the facts are that the likelihood of the situation being
resolved by the end of this season ready for the next is pretty remote.
3. Some people are even saying we have played our last game in Coventry – this is an even more appalling prospect. But the logic is that sisu will only return to the Ricoh as owners and are determined to drive down the price as low as possible. So unless acl-the council hand over the Ricoh to sisu for peanuts, and that ain’t gonna happen, that’s it because sisu have always said their new stadium would be outside Coventry anyway. Sincerely hope that one’s wide of the mark.
4. sisu’s attitude to fans is now absolutely clear – the Sky Blue Trust didn’t say or do anything, they just posted a link to a newspaper story. sisu don’t like the newspaper story so threatened the Trust, who are just fans like the rest of us, with legal action. Absolutely shocking.
So what do we do?
One view is sisu are getting desperate so the first thing is to keep the sixfields boycott strong.
Ideas for an Independent Inquiry, large-scale City Centre event and applying for the Ricoh to be an Asset of Community Value, are now with the Sky Blue Trust and kcic will offer whatever support it can.
‘AFC Coventry’, this is a controversial one and I’m completely torn on it. It would be nice to wait till the end of this season and see where things are at. But unfortunately, to register a new team for the 2014/15 season has an initial deadline in February so if anything is to be done there is some urgency. A new suggestion is that instead of setting up a team as an alternative to ccfc, it is done as part of the protest about what is happening to CCFC. So the suggestion is an option should be explored setting up a new team whose badge would be a sky blue ribbon, the symbol of opposition to the Northampton move. The team name would need to reflect the protest idea e.g. something like 'Coventry in Coventry' or the 'Coventry Ribboners'. It would give people a team to watch in Coventry, show sisu that we will not stand idly by and let them do what they want, and every mention of the new team would be a reminder to the world of what is being done to CCFC. This is all very much people talking about options but a small group are looking at practicalities so if you would like to be involved please email [email protected].
CCFC in the news
The Guardian ‘Coventry City owners lead club to Northampton and towards the abyss’
http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/dec/02/coventry-city-owners-northampton-league-one-sisu?CMP=twt_gu
200% ‘No speedy resolution to the Ricoh Arena dispute’ http://twohundredpercent.net/?p=24994
Coventry Telegraph ‘Why have sisu rejected the latest Ricoh Arena rent offer’
http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/sport-opinion/sisu-rejected-latest-ricoh-arena-6373747
CCFC fan's story called 'How To Destroy a Football Club' in Stand Fanzine, £2 at http://tinyurl.com/p7a2nkt
Minutes of the CCFC Supporters Consultative Group http://www.skybluestalk.co.uk/threads/39774-The-minutes-from-the-Supporters-Consultative-Group-meeting-on-December-4th
Sky Blue Trust statement about legal action - http://www.skybluetrust.co.uk/
Does no one care about us fans? There will now be a full judicial review and no talks between council-sisu are planned - 29 Nov
Lot of people seem to be saying it's time to set up afc Coventry for 2014/15 season in case we are still in Northampton. What do you think? email [email protected] - 29 Nov
@WMPCovFc advice for tomoz is at http://www.twitlonger.com/show/n_1rsgfrd - 29 Nov
Forget the Judicial Review, we've got 3 new players for tomoz! #JustWhatWeNeeded http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/football/football-news/look-steven-pressley-completes-treble-6353167 - 29 Nov
Decision on Judicial Review application won't be made till tomorrow #LosingTheWillToLive? http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/coventry-city-owners-back-high-6351066 - 28 Nov
Judicial Review outcome today. Will it really make any difference if acl-sisu haven't been able to agree previously? #SickToDeathOfItAll - 28 Nov
On Sat let's be SUPPORTERS. No booing our own. No leaving early if we're behind. Give MK hell & back OUR team 100%, win or lose #retro #kcic - 27 Nov
Always said with -10 & small squad avoiding relegation would be huge achievement. Let's get behind the team on Sat - they need the SBA! - 26 Nov
Six English League Clubs in Financial Peril - http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/national/103480- 26 Nov
Lot of people seem to be saying it's time to set up afc Coventry for 2014/15 season in case we are still in Northampton. What do you think? email [email protected] - 29 Nov
@WMPCovFc advice for tomoz is at http://www.twitlonger.com/show/n_1rsgfrd - 29 Nov
Forget the Judicial Review, we've got 3 new players for tomoz! #JustWhatWeNeeded http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/football/football-news/look-steven-pressley-completes-treble-6353167 - 29 Nov
Decision on Judicial Review application won't be made till tomorrow #LosingTheWillToLive? http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/coventry-city-owners-back-high-6351066 - 28 Nov
Judicial Review outcome today. Will it really make any difference if acl-sisu haven't been able to agree previously? #SickToDeathOfItAll - 28 Nov
On Sat let's be SUPPORTERS. No booing our own. No leaving early if we're behind. Give MK hell & back OUR team 100%, win or lose #retro #kcic - 27 Nov
Always said with -10 & small squad avoiding relegation would be huge achievement. Let's get behind the team on Sat - they need the SBA! - 26 Nov
Six English League Clubs in Financial Peril - http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/national/103480- 26 Nov
Previous News
URGENT - Help Save CCFC Right Now!
You can help save CCFC right now by following three really simple steps. On Tuesday (22 October) there will be a Parliamentary debate on football governance and CCFC, thanks to the efforts of Bob Ainsworth, MP for Coventry North East. It is a great opportunity to bring our plight to national and Government attention. The more MPs who attend the better, so here's what you can do to help achieve that.
1. Go to the completely free and dead easy to use 'Write to Them' website by clicking here (or the full address is https://www.writetothem.com/?a=WMC&pc) - enter your postcode and click 'Go' which then takes you straight to a form
addressed to your MP.
2. In the form, enter your name, address and email, then write your message:
•The key point is to urge your MP to attend the Adjournment Debate in Westminster Hall on Tuesday 22 October 2013 between 4pm – 4:30pm. Say the debate is being led by Bob Ainsworth MP and will focus on Football Governance and the situation at Coventry City Football Club.
•You can also say why the issue matters to you, the effect the move to Northampton is having on you and why it is important for you that CCFC returns to Coventry.
•You could add things like: how there are implications for every club and our national game as a whole; how important football clubs are to community and local identity; and how the move to Sixfields has adversely affected local businesses in Coventry with no positive impact evident in Northampton so there is an overall negative impact on economic growth.
•Feel free to say that more information is available by contacting [email protected].
• If your MP is Bob Ainsworth, why not just thank him for all the great work he is doing on this!
It does not matter where in the UK you live - your MP is there to help you and if you are concerned about
CCFC then whether you are in Land's End, John O'Groats or anywhere in between, just explain why the issue is important to you and that you really would appreciate it if your MP would attend Tuesday's debate.
You then click on 'Preview message' and then can either re-edit or hit send.
3. The website then emails you to ask you to confirm you want your message to be sent to your MP - reply to that and then give yourself a pat on the back for having done something to help save CCFC!
The Parliamentary debate is open to the public and for anyone interested in attending, access to Westminster Hall
is by queuing at the visitors centre near St Stephen’s entrance.
Seppala, Seppala, Seppala - things can only get...worse?!
Your loses are mounting week by week, month by month.
Crowds at sixfields remain 80% down on last season's average at the Ricoh - despite cut price tickets etc.
Investors will "not... have been impressed by the history of the Coventry City investment", says Private Eye.
Your name is appearing in the media more and more, but you say you are a very private person.
There is deep scepticism about your promise of a new stadium. Many people have claimed all along that your aim was to get ownership of the Ricoh and now you have said you will only return there if you are owner.
Seems a bit of a 'sell to sisu' campaign started last week but all the whispers are it's already dying a death.
So where do you go from here Joy? Time to wake up and smell the coffee and think about exit options?
(and thanks to Paul Horne for another wonderful pic)
Your loses are mounting week by week, month by month.
Crowds at sixfields remain 80% down on last season's average at the Ricoh - despite cut price tickets etc.
Investors will "not... have been impressed by the history of the Coventry City investment", says Private Eye.
Your name is appearing in the media more and more, but you say you are a very private person.
There is deep scepticism about your promise of a new stadium. Many people have claimed all along that your aim was to get ownership of the Ricoh and now you have said you will only return there if you are owner.
Seems a bit of a 'sell to sisu' campaign started last week but all the whispers are it's already dying a death.
So where do you go from here Joy? Time to wake up and smell the coffee and think about exit options?
(and thanks to Paul Horne for another wonderful pic)
The Elephant in the Room - 6.10.13 - Keep Cov in Cov weekly mailout
There's nothing like 3 points to put a smile on the face so this week's feel-good kcic news is:
- We're all City fans so let's be nice to each other!
- Getting us back to Coventry: acl-sisu need to talk
- Alzheimer's Society and Sheffield United televised game
on 13 October
- "Are summons on the way to Sky Blue/Otium/Coventry City directors Tim Fisher and Mark Labovitch?"
We're all City fans so let's be nice to each other!
There's been a big wake up call for us City fans this week with so much attention being given to divisions between supporters: we need to remember we are all true Sky Blues (you don't follow Coventry City cos you're a plastic or glory hunter!) and insulting each other achieves nothing. I'm pretty sure 99.9% of City fans agree that CCFC belongs in Coventry, the sooner we’re back at the Ricoh the better and the way to make that happen is for all parties to sit down and talk. So through whatever means we speak to each other, by email, on twitter, facebook, internet forums, letters to the Coventry Telegraph , radio phone-ins – and even face to face (!) let’s get back on track, stop calling each other names and instead put all our efforts into getting us back to Coventry.
Getting us back to Coventry: acl-sisu need to talk
Only two things should matter: the team and the fans. If we agree that we need to be back at the Ricoh asap then acl-sisu need to talk about how to make that happen. The Sky Blue Trust say acl are willing to talk. Joy Seppala’s statement that that she will only return to the Ricoh if she gains ownership of the Arena was disappointing because
talking doesn’t mean just making a demand and saying ‘take it or leave it’. It’s also incorrect that selling the Ricoh to sisu is now the only way forward because there remain lots of options: a short-term deal to get us back to the
Ricoh followed by hammering out a long-term sustainable agreement; some people are starting to say the Ricoh should become a Community Asset; offering sisu exit options should also be on the table. As fans we have to keep on exerting
what pressure we can so sense finally prevails. Further kcic initiatives will be announced shortly.
Alzheimer's Society and Sheffield United televised game on 13 October
The game against Sheffield United on 13 October which is live on Sky, is an opportunity to get our voice heard but some people are completely exaggerating its importance. This is a war of attrition and there are going to be a lot more battles yet.13 October isn't going to be when the war is won or lost. There is no consensus as to what to do for the Sheff U game but personally I don't see that as a problem. If we all agree that CCFC should play in Coventry then whether/how to get that message heard on 13 Oct is entirely up to each individual to choose. The line I will give to the media is that the empty seats at sixfields show the overwhelming majority of City fans oppose the move to Northampton, we want CCFC back in Cov and on 13 October supporters will be demonstrating that in different
ways. So for those members of the Sky Blue Army who want to go to the hill, Kev Kelly will be organising things including transport. I have been approached by The Old Shepherd on Keresley Road CV6 2JJ who will be providing a family friendly screening of the game and at the same time, given last weekend’s really sad news about Jimmy Hill, will be raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society. The Old Shepherd website is here and full details are –
“Coventry City fans wondering what to do for the Sky Blues’ televised game against Sheffield United on Sunday 13 October (kick off 4pm) are being offered a family friendly screening of the game by The Old Shepherd on Keresley Road, working with fans’ campaign group Keep Cov in Cov and the Alzheimer’s Society.
Old Shepherd Manager, Clive Brookes, and his Assistant Manager, Ashley Sharpe, are both City fans. Ashley
explained: “Clive and me are big sports fans. We sponsor three football teams in our community including The Shepherd FC and Coventrians Ladies Football Club”. Like the overwhelming majority of City fans they are opposed to CCFC playing in Northampton and decided to contact Keep Cov in Cov Coordinator, Michael Orton, to see if there was any way they could help. As Ashley explained “it is obviously up to every City fan to choose what they want to do but there are many fans who are not going to travel to Northampton but would welcome watching the televised game against Sheffield United in the company of other fans rather than on their own. Michael suggested a family-friendly approach might be an idea because we are all concerned about what is happening to the next generation of Sky Blues fans. At The Old Shepherd we pride ourselves on welcoming all ages. We have a children’s outdoor play area and we always have things like colouring sheets available – and our mars bar milkshakes are very popular with the kids too!”
While City supporters are hurting over the move to Northampton, many local businesses have suffered too. Several in the vicinity of the Ricoh Arena have reported a downturn in trade on match days and The Old Shepherd itself is
less than a 10 minute drive from what was the Sky Blues’ home for the last eight years. But while pubs and clubs might be hoping for a boost from the televised game, The Old Shepherd event is also going to be used as an opportunity to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society. As Ashley went on: “We are always keen to help good causes so, given the really sad news about City Legend Jimmy Hill, when the Alzheimer’s Society was mentioned we thought that was a great idea. We will be doing a half-time collection which we hope both regulars and those coming to watch the City game will generously support.” Anyone wanting more information can contact Ashley at The Old Shepherd on 02476 33
3351.”
“Are summons on the way to Sky Blue/Otium/Coventry City directors Tim Fisher and Mark
Labovitch?"
If you haven’t seen it already, CCFC has for the second time in recent weeks featured in the Private Eye magazine with more questions about what’s happening off the field.
There's nothing like 3 points to put a smile on the face so this week's feel-good kcic news is:
- We're all City fans so let's be nice to each other!
- Getting us back to Coventry: acl-sisu need to talk
- Alzheimer's Society and Sheffield United televised game
on 13 October
- "Are summons on the way to Sky Blue/Otium/Coventry City directors Tim Fisher and Mark Labovitch?"
We're all City fans so let's be nice to each other!
There's been a big wake up call for us City fans this week with so much attention being given to divisions between supporters: we need to remember we are all true Sky Blues (you don't follow Coventry City cos you're a plastic or glory hunter!) and insulting each other achieves nothing. I'm pretty sure 99.9% of City fans agree that CCFC belongs in Coventry, the sooner we’re back at the Ricoh the better and the way to make that happen is for all parties to sit down and talk. So through whatever means we speak to each other, by email, on twitter, facebook, internet forums, letters to the Coventry Telegraph , radio phone-ins – and even face to face (!) let’s get back on track, stop calling each other names and instead put all our efforts into getting us back to Coventry.
Getting us back to Coventry: acl-sisu need to talk
Only two things should matter: the team and the fans. If we agree that we need to be back at the Ricoh asap then acl-sisu need to talk about how to make that happen. The Sky Blue Trust say acl are willing to talk. Joy Seppala’s statement that that she will only return to the Ricoh if she gains ownership of the Arena was disappointing because
talking doesn’t mean just making a demand and saying ‘take it or leave it’. It’s also incorrect that selling the Ricoh to sisu is now the only way forward because there remain lots of options: a short-term deal to get us back to the
Ricoh followed by hammering out a long-term sustainable agreement; some people are starting to say the Ricoh should become a Community Asset; offering sisu exit options should also be on the table. As fans we have to keep on exerting
what pressure we can so sense finally prevails. Further kcic initiatives will be announced shortly.
Alzheimer's Society and Sheffield United televised game on 13 October
The game against Sheffield United on 13 October which is live on Sky, is an opportunity to get our voice heard but some people are completely exaggerating its importance. This is a war of attrition and there are going to be a lot more battles yet.13 October isn't going to be when the war is won or lost. There is no consensus as to what to do for the Sheff U game but personally I don't see that as a problem. If we all agree that CCFC should play in Coventry then whether/how to get that message heard on 13 Oct is entirely up to each individual to choose. The line I will give to the media is that the empty seats at sixfields show the overwhelming majority of City fans oppose the move to Northampton, we want CCFC back in Cov and on 13 October supporters will be demonstrating that in different
ways. So for those members of the Sky Blue Army who want to go to the hill, Kev Kelly will be organising things including transport. I have been approached by The Old Shepherd on Keresley Road CV6 2JJ who will be providing a family friendly screening of the game and at the same time, given last weekend’s really sad news about Jimmy Hill, will be raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society. The Old Shepherd website is here and full details are –
“Coventry City fans wondering what to do for the Sky Blues’ televised game against Sheffield United on Sunday 13 October (kick off 4pm) are being offered a family friendly screening of the game by The Old Shepherd on Keresley Road, working with fans’ campaign group Keep Cov in Cov and the Alzheimer’s Society.
Old Shepherd Manager, Clive Brookes, and his Assistant Manager, Ashley Sharpe, are both City fans. Ashley
explained: “Clive and me are big sports fans. We sponsor three football teams in our community including The Shepherd FC and Coventrians Ladies Football Club”. Like the overwhelming majority of City fans they are opposed to CCFC playing in Northampton and decided to contact Keep Cov in Cov Coordinator, Michael Orton, to see if there was any way they could help. As Ashley explained “it is obviously up to every City fan to choose what they want to do but there are many fans who are not going to travel to Northampton but would welcome watching the televised game against Sheffield United in the company of other fans rather than on their own. Michael suggested a family-friendly approach might be an idea because we are all concerned about what is happening to the next generation of Sky Blues fans. At The Old Shepherd we pride ourselves on welcoming all ages. We have a children’s outdoor play area and we always have things like colouring sheets available – and our mars bar milkshakes are very popular with the kids too!”
While City supporters are hurting over the move to Northampton, many local businesses have suffered too. Several in the vicinity of the Ricoh Arena have reported a downturn in trade on match days and The Old Shepherd itself is
less than a 10 minute drive from what was the Sky Blues’ home for the last eight years. But while pubs and clubs might be hoping for a boost from the televised game, The Old Shepherd event is also going to be used as an opportunity to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society. As Ashley went on: “We are always keen to help good causes so, given the really sad news about City Legend Jimmy Hill, when the Alzheimer’s Society was mentioned we thought that was a great idea. We will be doing a half-time collection which we hope both regulars and those coming to watch the City game will generously support.” Anyone wanting more information can contact Ashley at The Old Shepherd on 02476 33
3351.”
“Are summons on the way to Sky Blue/Otium/Coventry City directors Tim Fisher and Mark
Labovitch?"
If you haven’t seen it already, CCFC has for the second time in recent weeks featured in the Private Eye magazine with more questions about what’s happening off the field.
Follow/contact kcic -
On Facebook
On Twitter @notonepennymore
And by email to [email protected] (comments and suggestions are always very welcome - all emails are read but volume means it is sadly no longer possible to reply to every single one)
Cheers,
Michael
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A candid review of where we are up to, yesterday’s events, 13 Oct v Sheff U and next steps
The plan was to review kcic strategy after the Sheffield United game on 13 October but a lot has happened in
the last week so it seems right to reflect on things now and comments on the following, to [email protected] will be very welcome (I still read every email I receive but volume means I’m sadly no longer able to reply to them all).
kcic Strategy
Joy Seppala has now made clear that she will only return to the Ricoh if she gains ownership of the Arena • There is no
evidence that the Higgs Charity and Coventry City Council are willing to sell to sisu • We can expect absolutely no help from the Football League • Bottom line is we remain in Northampton with record low crowds
So what do we do next?
Nopm continues to be a key tactic but we also need to think in terms of how to get CCFC out of the current mess. Calling on all sides to talk feels like flogging a dead horse – if they wanted to talk they’ve had every opportunity to do so including offers of arbitration. Some people say the Higgs Charity and Coventry Council should be urged to sell the Ricoh to sisu but many supporters oppose that and the Council has to consider the interests of council
taxpayers not just City fans so that seems unlikely. The idea of a Phoenix/AFC club means saying CCFC is no longer our team and giving up the fight and not many people think we’re at that point yet. We could always just wait and see -
Seppala has promised that a new stadium will be built but there remains deep scepticism about that and even if one was built how many supporters would be left by the time it was completed?
What about thinking in terms of an exit strategy for sisu?
Seppala says she wants return on her investment but what she is currently getting is losses increasing week on week, mounting scrutiny of sisu and herself e.g. Private Eye, Parliamentary motions and calls for an Independent Inquiry (see below). CCFC is homeless, debt-laden and asset-light. Many people are puzzled why, when there are potential buyers,
Seppal does not save further losses and agree a sale. With supporter-led ownership models becoming increasingly common, options are even available for Seppala to recapture some of sisu's reputational losses by talking to supporters
and exploring possible ways forward.
So what might an exit strategy for sisu look like? Ideas welcome!
The end of Jimmy’s Hill? And watch CCFC v Sheffield Utd 13 October in Coventry!
Yesterday (Sunday), hundreds of City fans with very different views of the current situation were again at
sixfields and as in previous weeks acted impeccably. Given the divisions created by the rival acl-sisu spin machines such behaviour by City fans is admirable. A handful abused each other at the end of the game, gaining wholly
disproportionate media and internet attention. I refuse to give them any more attention whatsoever but this does raise a number of issues. Confrontation at sixfields was always a possibility and as soon as it happens that becomes the
story and the kcic message is drowned out. So for the live Sky game v Sheffield United I am investigating a suitable venue where anyone who wants to can meet together to watch the match on a big screen, in Coventry. Anyone up for
it?
Also, is it time to ditch the name ‘Jimmy’s Hill’? Given events there yesterday and the terribly sad news about JH’s health shouldn’t we be thinking of a true Sky Blue hero in terms of the magnificent statue at the Ricoh not a grotty bank down in Northampton?
For completeness, Kev Kelly is still seeing if he can organise something small scale at Northampton for 13
October that will get media coverage for our plight but avoids any potential confrontation between City fans.
Event at Coventry Cathedral?
I have raised with Coventry Cathedral whether there is a possibility of holding some kind of special event for City fans – a candlelight vigil maybe – perhaps on a theme of reconciliation for all those involved in CCFC. Possibly an attempt
at recreating the great spirit of the Broadgate rally in another appropriate setting. Comments welcomed.
Independent Inquiry
The Independent Inquiry initiative remains a key part of the kcic strategy and has been narrowed down to two possible options. These are being worked through and progress is being made.
And finally on a personal note, I had very much hoped to be stepping down as kcic coordinator but it looks like I’m in too deep to walk away that easily so you’re stuck with me for a bit longer!
Cheers,
Michael
On Facebook
On Twitter @notonepennymore
And by email to [email protected] (comments and suggestions are always very welcome - all emails are read but volume means it is sadly no longer possible to reply to every single one)
Cheers,
Michael
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A candid review of where we are up to, yesterday’s events, 13 Oct v Sheff U and next steps
The plan was to review kcic strategy after the Sheffield United game on 13 October but a lot has happened in
the last week so it seems right to reflect on things now and comments on the following, to [email protected] will be very welcome (I still read every email I receive but volume means I’m sadly no longer able to reply to them all).
kcic Strategy
Joy Seppala has now made clear that she will only return to the Ricoh if she gains ownership of the Arena • There is no
evidence that the Higgs Charity and Coventry City Council are willing to sell to sisu • We can expect absolutely no help from the Football League • Bottom line is we remain in Northampton with record low crowds
So what do we do next?
Nopm continues to be a key tactic but we also need to think in terms of how to get CCFC out of the current mess. Calling on all sides to talk feels like flogging a dead horse – if they wanted to talk they’ve had every opportunity to do so including offers of arbitration. Some people say the Higgs Charity and Coventry Council should be urged to sell the Ricoh to sisu but many supporters oppose that and the Council has to consider the interests of council
taxpayers not just City fans so that seems unlikely. The idea of a Phoenix/AFC club means saying CCFC is no longer our team and giving up the fight and not many people think we’re at that point yet. We could always just wait and see -
Seppala has promised that a new stadium will be built but there remains deep scepticism about that and even if one was built how many supporters would be left by the time it was completed?
What about thinking in terms of an exit strategy for sisu?
Seppala says she wants return on her investment but what she is currently getting is losses increasing week on week, mounting scrutiny of sisu and herself e.g. Private Eye, Parliamentary motions and calls for an Independent Inquiry (see below). CCFC is homeless, debt-laden and asset-light. Many people are puzzled why, when there are potential buyers,
Seppal does not save further losses and agree a sale. With supporter-led ownership models becoming increasingly common, options are even available for Seppala to recapture some of sisu's reputational losses by talking to supporters
and exploring possible ways forward.
So what might an exit strategy for sisu look like? Ideas welcome!
The end of Jimmy’s Hill? And watch CCFC v Sheffield Utd 13 October in Coventry!
Yesterday (Sunday), hundreds of City fans with very different views of the current situation were again at
sixfields and as in previous weeks acted impeccably. Given the divisions created by the rival acl-sisu spin machines such behaviour by City fans is admirable. A handful abused each other at the end of the game, gaining wholly
disproportionate media and internet attention. I refuse to give them any more attention whatsoever but this does raise a number of issues. Confrontation at sixfields was always a possibility and as soon as it happens that becomes the
story and the kcic message is drowned out. So for the live Sky game v Sheffield United I am investigating a suitable venue where anyone who wants to can meet together to watch the match on a big screen, in Coventry. Anyone up for
it?
Also, is it time to ditch the name ‘Jimmy’s Hill’? Given events there yesterday and the terribly sad news about JH’s health shouldn’t we be thinking of a true Sky Blue hero in terms of the magnificent statue at the Ricoh not a grotty bank down in Northampton?
For completeness, Kev Kelly is still seeing if he can organise something small scale at Northampton for 13
October that will get media coverage for our plight but avoids any potential confrontation between City fans.
Event at Coventry Cathedral?
I have raised with Coventry Cathedral whether there is a possibility of holding some kind of special event for City fans – a candlelight vigil maybe – perhaps on a theme of reconciliation for all those involved in CCFC. Possibly an attempt
at recreating the great spirit of the Broadgate rally in another appropriate setting. Comments welcomed.
Independent Inquiry
The Independent Inquiry initiative remains a key part of the kcic strategy and has been narrowed down to two possible options. These are being worked through and progress is being made.
And finally on a personal note, I had very much hoped to be stepping down as kcic coordinator but it looks like I’m in too deep to walk away that easily so you’re stuck with me for a bit longer!
Cheers,
Michael
Game up for secretive seppala's mayfair hedgie?
Under pressure Hedge Fund Sisu Capital boss Joy Seppala, will again be the focus of protests by angry football fans at her London office (W1K 6PL, Wednesday 25 September 4pm-6pm). Questions are mounting about Seppala's judgement in buying failing football club Coventry City, the level of losses she is accruing and apparent lack of strategy. Notoriously reclusive Seppala – there is no known publicly available photograph of her in existence - will not have been pleased to see her name appearing in a recent issue of Private Eye. The magazine claimed investors in the SISU-managed ARVO Master Fund will "not have been impressed by the history of the Coventry City investment". Nor will she be pleased with a raft of recent Parliamentary Early Day Motions raising questions about the involvement of several individuals and parties in the Coventry City affair including auditors BDO, Paul Appleton of David Rubin & Partners and Adam
Bradley of Taylor Vinters, along with Seppala and her right hand man, Tim Fisher. Seppala has previously been described by a High Court Judge, in finding against SISU in a bitter and long-running battle with KPMG, as having "a
distorted recollection of some events" and being "prone to exaggerate". One Parliamentary motion has gone so far as to question "how assets assigned to CCFC Ltd were transferred elsewhere" and "whether there has been a conspiracy to defraud".
But it is the lack of strategy for stemming and recouping losses that will be most troubling for investors. Seppala has a reputation for playing hardball in the distressed-debt market so tactics such as simply stopping paying rent to Arena Coventry Limited, owners of the Ricoh Arena where Coventry City formerly played home games, and relocating the team to Northampton may be seen as par for the course. But with a fans' boycott of Northampton meaning attendances are at a record low, cash losses for SISU grow week on week. SISU even talked of building a new football stadium but with repeated statements about identifying suitable sites yielding neither a land purchase nor planning application, many fans are openly ridiculing this. There is speculation that distressing ACL may have been an option but this seems unlikely given that Coventry City Council has bought out ACL's mortgage - SISU unsuccessfully sought a Judicial Review of the Council's action although the outcome of a subsequent appeal by SISU is awaited. With Seppala's expertise in the distressed-debt market she may have a very different goal in sight but with allegations such as "conspiracy to defraud" being made, scrutiny of Seppala is intensifying. Many are puzzled as to why when a number of consortia are keen to purchase Coventry, she does not save further losses and agree a sale. Some fans even point out that with supporter-led ownership models becoming increasingly common, options are available for Seppala to recapture some of SISU's reputational losses by selling to a supporter-led consortium while exploring recouping losses against future profitability of Coventry City.
Fans from the Keep Cov in Cov campaign group have previously invited Seppala to join them for a pint at a neighbouring pub and this time will be setting up a table and chairs to offer a rather more genteel ‘Mayfair Afternoon Tea’ including a chair reserved for the SISU boss. Whether Seppala continues to ignore campaigners’ requests for her to engage in talks remains to be seen. She has previously stated that: “I’m not one for publicity and I do not care what people — beyond my investors and my family — think of me”. Given the anger of Coventry City fans that is perhaps no bad thing, but with the American-Finn increasingly in the public eye and her judgement and the modus operandi of herself and others being questioned, what her investors think is likely to be a growing concern.
Is the Sky Blue bus half full or half empty?
It's more like two thirds full for Sunday's trip to Jimmy's Hill but BBC and Sky are
getting interested so wd b really good to say it's 100% sold out. Come on ppl.
let's do this!!!
getting interested so wd b really good to say it's 100% sold out. Come on ppl.
let's do this!!!
Love sisu!!!
Ok, I haven't completely lost my marbles
but am feeling bewildered by the Mayfair hedgie fans who seem to take the fact
that not giving away key players during the transfer window shows that Ms
Seppala is truly a goddess and the saviour of CCFC. Third tier football for
first time in a generation, 10 point deduction last season, 10 point deduction
this season, plus the very small matter of ripping us from our home to paly 35
miles away in front of 2k crowds, is truly an amazing success story in some
people's eyes. I really want a pint of whatever they're on -
wtf?!?!?!?!?
***still got places for Sky Blue bus to Picnic on Jimmy's
Hill this Sunday - email [email protected]***
but am feeling bewildered by the Mayfair hedgie fans who seem to take the fact
that not giving away key players during the transfer window shows that Ms
Seppala is truly a goddess and the saviour of CCFC. Third tier football for
first time in a generation, 10 point deduction last season, 10 point deduction
this season, plus the very small matter of ripping us from our home to paly 35
miles away in front of 2k crowds, is truly an amazing success story in some
people's eyes. I really want a pint of whatever they're on -
wtf?!?!?!?!?
***still got places for Sky Blue bus to Picnic on Jimmy's
Hill this Sunday - email [email protected]***
It's time for an Independent Inquiry
Kcic is calling for an Independent Inquiry into the causes of the problems facing CCFC
and for all the parties and individuals involved to be called to account. There
are a number of options for doing this, and for a public launch of the
initiative, which are being considered. Details will be published
shortly.
What is kcic all about???
Getting some requests to make clear what kcic is about -
comments on the following v welcome!
The Keep Cov in Cov (kcic) view
is:
•Coventry City FC belongs in the City of Coventry - it is where the
Club was founded and has been its home for 130 years...
•There is currently no concrete plan for CCFC to
return to Coventry and no guarantee it will ever happen
•Action by supporters
can change things - if we do nothing then nothing will change, but if we try we
have a chance
The kcic approach
•Any action must always be 100%
peaceful
•It is vital to keep our plight and fight in the public eye
•Pressure must be brought to bear on those with the power to get CCFC
playing in Coventry
•Arguing about who is to blame is not the best use of
kcic resources – it divides not unites fans and much key information remains a
matter of conjecture not fact
Fancy a pint, Mrs Seppala ?
CCFC supporters are on our way to your office for 4.30-6 today then at neighbouring
Marlborough Head pub 6pm onwards. Join us Joy! Speak to us! Laters..
Marlborough Head pub 6pm onwards. Join us Joy! Speak to us! Laters..
Speak to us Joy!
Everything sorted for tomoz at sisu offices*. Have even got a bottle of Byatt's Coventry bitter to
leave for her as a tempter to join us for drink!!!
(*Wed 28 Aug at sisu offices London W1K 6PL 4.30-6pm, followed by meeting for London-based City fans
at neighbouring Marlborough Head pub)
leave for her as a tempter to join us for drink!!!
(*Wed 28 Aug at sisu offices London W1K 6PL 4.30-6pm, followed by meeting for London-based City fans
at neighbouring Marlborough Head pub)
Taking the 'Keep Cov in Cov' Message Direct to Joy Seppala!
And meeting for London-based City fans
Spotlight on Seppala. She's the one calling the shots so 'Talk to us, Joy' is the theme for a protest at sisu's offices in London, W1K 6PL, on Wednesday 28 August 4.30-6.00pm.
Keep Cov in Cov needs to work on several fronts, and one is protests in London at the sisu and Football League offices. We can't get big numbers down to London for when the offices are open i.e. daytime weekdays, so the tactic is to have smaller scale focused events to remind sisu, the Football League and others that we will keep fighting and making our voice heard - a 'nagging toothache' style approach.
London-based City fans are already getting involved but to maintain the nagging toothache approach means having regular London events so the more people involved the better!
So if you are interested in getting involved in the Keep Cov in Cov campaign in London, or would just like to find out more about the campaign, then after the protest we will have a meeting in the Marlborough Head pub London, W1K 6WD 6pm onwards, Wednesday 28 August.
Keep Cov in Cov needs to work on several fronts, and one is protests in London at the sisu and Football League offices. We can't get big numbers down to London for when the offices are open i.e. daytime weekdays, so the tactic is to have smaller scale focused events to remind sisu, the Football League and others that we will keep fighting and making our voice heard - a 'nagging toothache' style approach.
London-based City fans are already getting involved but to maintain the nagging toothache approach means having regular London events so the more people involved the better!
So if you are interested in getting involved in the Keep Cov in Cov campaign in London, or would just like to find out more about the campaign, then after the protest we will have a meeting in the Marlborough Head pub London, W1K 6WD 6pm onwards, Wednesday 28 August.
Pre match build-up for 2pm at Ricoh 25 August
Pre match build-up for 2pm at Ricoh 25 Aug - CCLFC
team info courtesy of Tim the manager:
Natasha Lynch - Lynchy is grand old dame at the age of 29 and team captain
Sue Wood is in our opinion the best keeper in the country. We wouldn't swap her for anyone else
Full back Nat Wilcox joined us in 2003 from Villa’s Centre of Excellence. She achieved her greatest ambition in May of this year by playing at Villa Park ......in the skyblues' 4-1 victory over the hosts.
Centre back Kim Walton joined the Sky Blues from Leicester in 2012....a big presence in both penalty areas!
Left back Katy Ward has been playing at the top level in the Ladies game for 10 years. She’s a teacher by profession and a new mum to Sky Blue Seb. Wardy does a fair turn in somersaults
Midfield anchor Hayley Ladd is a Welsh International and a student at Loughborough Uni. Has come out of every tackle with the ball since joining us in 2012 from Arsenal
Callan Barber is a stylish midfielder and product of Birmingham City's Centre of Excellence. Cal is a student.
Jade Formaston - Mighty Formo is our Beduff bred right sided midfielder ...represented England at u19. Has a ball trick or three up her sleeve. Professional blonde.
Helen Dermody is known to us as 'H' plays everywhere and does everything. Got her masters degree in Sports at Coventry Uni, administrator for our youth set up and coaches. Can play just a bit as well.
Maz Gauntlett. Recently returned after 20 months out of the game with injury v Reading in October 2011. Still finished season as top scorer in May! Scores when she wants.....
Karen Clough striker signed from Lichfield Diamonds now in her third stint with SkyBlues....lots of pace and just keeps
getting better
Nicole Dale ...LilNic is a winger, has played for Sheff Wed and Man City....loves to beat a defender or two, quick feet and likes a strike at goal
Becky Anderson signed from Forest in 2012 and previous clubs include Arsenal. Plagued by an ankle injury most of her first season, but now looking to establish a regular starting place. Student at Loughborough Uni
Ashleigh Neville striker signed from West Brom in close season, pacey and a proven goalscorer
first ever kcic-nopm mailout! to subscribe email [email protected]
Hi
This is the first mailout from the Keep Cov in Cov-not one penny more campaign (kcic-nopm) so if this has reached you in error and you don't want to receive further messages just hit reply and put 'unsubscribe' as the heading.
The kcic-nopm campaign is about trying everything we can think of to get CCFC back to Coventry, including not going to games at sixfields. Comments and ideas are always very welcome and to get things started here are details of two
forthcoming events, a copy of a Private Eye article about CCFC in case you haven't seen it, and a couple of miscellaneous extras.
The campaign can be followed at http://keepcoventryincoventry-nopm.weebly.com/ on facebook at http://tinyurl.com/mn4p9lw and on twitter @notonepennymore.
Cheers,
Michael
Michael Orton
Keep Cov in Cov-nopm Campaign Coordinator
Sky Blue Trust Board Member
Sunday 25 August @ the Ricoh
Want to support a Sky Blues team playing in Coventry at our home, the Ricoh Arena? Coventry City Ladies FC are kicking off their league season 2pm, Sunday 25 August, at the Ricoh, tickets £5 (concessions £3) car parking £2. For more info about CCLFC see http://tinyurl.com/lzjvymo
Wednesday 28 August London
Protest at sisu offices, 1 Red Place, London W1K 6PL 4.30pm-6pm (theme will be 'Seppala, please talk to us!'), then meeting at The Marlborough Head pub (same post code) 6pm onwards, to plan further London events. Everyone welcome and would be great to meet even more London (and environs) based City fans.
Private Eye article about sisu and CCFC
In case you haven't seen it (and are interested in a different perspective) here's an article from Private Eye.
Coventry City
The sad demise of the Sky Blues - now a homeless former Premiership club playing League One "home" games in Northampton - has not been reflected in the fortunes of Joy Seppala and Dermot Coleman, the owners of the London-based SISU Capital hedge-fund management group which effectively controls the financially precarious club.
The recently filed accounts for SISU Capital show the chief executive and major shareholder Seppala shared with Coleman £359,432 during 2013 in drawings from their limited partnership interests, compared with £139,000 in 2012 and £145,000 in 2011. This is despite an increase in redemptions from the SISU hedge-funds - as happened in 2011. During 2012, management fees fell because the volume of funds dropped. SISU's fees and earnings by Seppala and Coleman are much reduced since 2007, the year SISU took over Coventry.
Last April SISU changed auditors - KPMG is out, BDO is in. Back in 2011, SISU settled an investigation by HM Revenue & Customs into the company accounts from 2006 to 2008 with a payment of £161,750. Any
outside investors in the SISU-managed ARVO Master Fund would not have been impressed in the history of the Coventry City investment. The Club was forced into administration in March by the Cayman Island hedge fund, owed £10m as a secured creditor for money advanced to the club, as a result of a row with the owners of the Ricoh stadium over the £1m annual rent. ARVO is still backing the latest post-administration owners, Otium Entertainment Group, with a charge over its shares in the club registered last month and signed by Seppala as an ARVO director. But then Otium is in turn controlled by a Cayman limited partnership managed by SISU.
No doubt Seppala enjoys discussing the vicissitudes of football finance with her fellow members of the City Takeover Panel, which exists to ensure that "shareholders are treated fairly, are not denied the opportunity to decide on the merits of a takeover and are afforded equivalent treatment". Just like the Sky Blues fans.
SixReasons not to go sixfields on 25 August
This is something I've been knocking round so comments very welcome.
1. The cold, hard reality is that every City fan inside sixfields helps the justification of the move to Northampton – when looking at the big picture, individual reasons for going don't alter that reality.
2. A short-term move could have been justified if a new ground in Coventry was guaranteed but no new site has been purchased, no planning application has been submitted etc etc. There is no concrete evidence that a new ground will be built or that moving out of Coventry is temporary.
3. Support the team not Sisu! We can go to away games or even watch from Jimmy's Hill, but for this Sunday the best option is…
4. On 25 August we can support a Sky Blues team at the Ricoh - Coventry City Ladies FC (£5, or £3 for concessions – kick off 2pm).
5. Let’s think about the next generation of City fans – not going to sixfields is short-term pain for the long-term gain of getting CCFC back to Coventry.
6. If people want CCFC to return to Coventry but go inside sixfields, what is the suggested strategy instead of not one penny more and boycotting Northampton?
Plus this one suggested by a long-standing City fan -
Standing up for the people of Coventry and fellow supporters who can't go to Northampton because of age, disability and those who can't afford it. Coventry City FC should be for the people of Coventry.
And if you're in need of a smile...
Have you tried the Sky Blue Daily's off beat look at all things CCFC (warning - might not be to everyone's taste!) at http://tinyurl.com/mmjmvqq
This is the first mailout from the Keep Cov in Cov-not one penny more campaign (kcic-nopm) so if this has reached you in error and you don't want to receive further messages just hit reply and put 'unsubscribe' as the heading.
The kcic-nopm campaign is about trying everything we can think of to get CCFC back to Coventry, including not going to games at sixfields. Comments and ideas are always very welcome and to get things started here are details of two
forthcoming events, a copy of a Private Eye article about CCFC in case you haven't seen it, and a couple of miscellaneous extras.
The campaign can be followed at http://keepcoventryincoventry-nopm.weebly.com/ on facebook at http://tinyurl.com/mn4p9lw and on twitter @notonepennymore.
Cheers,
Michael
Michael Orton
Keep Cov in Cov-nopm Campaign Coordinator
Sky Blue Trust Board Member
Sunday 25 August @ the Ricoh
Want to support a Sky Blues team playing in Coventry at our home, the Ricoh Arena? Coventry City Ladies FC are kicking off their league season 2pm, Sunday 25 August, at the Ricoh, tickets £5 (concessions £3) car parking £2. For more info about CCLFC see http://tinyurl.com/lzjvymo
Wednesday 28 August London
Protest at sisu offices, 1 Red Place, London W1K 6PL 4.30pm-6pm (theme will be 'Seppala, please talk to us!'), then meeting at The Marlborough Head pub (same post code) 6pm onwards, to plan further London events. Everyone welcome and would be great to meet even more London (and environs) based City fans.
Private Eye article about sisu and CCFC
In case you haven't seen it (and are interested in a different perspective) here's an article from Private Eye.
Coventry City
The sad demise of the Sky Blues - now a homeless former Premiership club playing League One "home" games in Northampton - has not been reflected in the fortunes of Joy Seppala and Dermot Coleman, the owners of the London-based SISU Capital hedge-fund management group which effectively controls the financially precarious club.
The recently filed accounts for SISU Capital show the chief executive and major shareholder Seppala shared with Coleman £359,432 during 2013 in drawings from their limited partnership interests, compared with £139,000 in 2012 and £145,000 in 2011. This is despite an increase in redemptions from the SISU hedge-funds - as happened in 2011. During 2012, management fees fell because the volume of funds dropped. SISU's fees and earnings by Seppala and Coleman are much reduced since 2007, the year SISU took over Coventry.
Last April SISU changed auditors - KPMG is out, BDO is in. Back in 2011, SISU settled an investigation by HM Revenue & Customs into the company accounts from 2006 to 2008 with a payment of £161,750. Any
outside investors in the SISU-managed ARVO Master Fund would not have been impressed in the history of the Coventry City investment. The Club was forced into administration in March by the Cayman Island hedge fund, owed £10m as a secured creditor for money advanced to the club, as a result of a row with the owners of the Ricoh stadium over the £1m annual rent. ARVO is still backing the latest post-administration owners, Otium Entertainment Group, with a charge over its shares in the club registered last month and signed by Seppala as an ARVO director. But then Otium is in turn controlled by a Cayman limited partnership managed by SISU.
No doubt Seppala enjoys discussing the vicissitudes of football finance with her fellow members of the City Takeover Panel, which exists to ensure that "shareholders are treated fairly, are not denied the opportunity to decide on the merits of a takeover and are afforded equivalent treatment". Just like the Sky Blues fans.
SixReasons not to go sixfields on 25 August
This is something I've been knocking round so comments very welcome.
1. The cold, hard reality is that every City fan inside sixfields helps the justification of the move to Northampton – when looking at the big picture, individual reasons for going don't alter that reality.
2. A short-term move could have been justified if a new ground in Coventry was guaranteed but no new site has been purchased, no planning application has been submitted etc etc. There is no concrete evidence that a new ground will be built or that moving out of Coventry is temporary.
3. Support the team not Sisu! We can go to away games or even watch from Jimmy's Hill, but for this Sunday the best option is…
4. On 25 August we can support a Sky Blues team at the Ricoh - Coventry City Ladies FC (£5, or £3 for concessions – kick off 2pm).
5. Let’s think about the next generation of City fans – not going to sixfields is short-term pain for the long-term gain of getting CCFC back to Coventry.
6. If people want CCFC to return to Coventry but go inside sixfields, what is the suggested strategy instead of not one penny more and boycotting Northampton?
Plus this one suggested by a long-standing City fan -
Standing up for the people of Coventry and fellow supporters who can't go to Northampton because of age, disability and those who can't afford it. Coventry City FC should be for the people of Coventry.
And if you're in need of a smile...
Have you tried the Sky Blue Daily's off beat look at all things CCFC (warning - might not be to everyone's taste!) at http://tinyurl.com/mmjmvqq
Six Reasons to watch CCLFC at the Ricoh on Sunday, 25 August 2pm
1. As the advert says, when was the last time you tried something new?
2. This is a Coventry City team that wins things and gets promoted!
3. It is supporting a Sky Blues team in Coventry at our home ground.
4. Every person inside sixfields provides justification for the move to Northampton but everyone at the Ricoh on Sunday shows our opposition to the move.
5. Don't knock it till you've tried it.
6. CCFC has been taken over by a money grubbing hedgefund which has no interest in football - supporting CCLFC and making the Ricoh our own is part of the fight to get OUR club back from sisu and make it supporter focused and rooted in OUR city.
Six Reasons Not To Go To Sixfields this Sunday, 25 August
1. The cold, hard reality is that every City fan inside sixfields helps the justification of the move to Northampton –
when looking at the big picture, individual reasons for going don't alter that reality.
2. A short-term move could have been justified if a new ground in Coventry was guaranteed but no new site has been
purchased, no planning application has been submitted etc etc. There is no concrete evidence that a new ground will be built or that moving out of Coventry is temporary.
3. Support the team not Sisu! We can go to away games or even watch from Jimmy's Hill, but for this Sunday the best option is…
4. On 25 August we can support a Sky Blues team at the Ricoh - Coventry City Ladies FC (£5, or £3 for concessions – kick off 2pm).
5. Let’s think about the next generation of City fans – not going to sixfields is short-term pain for the long-term gain of getting CCFC back to Coventry.
6. If people want CCFC to return to Coventry but go inside sixfields, what is the suggested strategy instead of not one penny more and boycotting Northampton?
And an additional great point submitted by a long-standing City fan - Standing up for the people of Coventry and fellow supporters who can't get to Northampton because of age, disability and those who can't afford it. Coventry City FC
should be for the people of Coventry.
breaking news: football league chairman - resign now!
Greg Clarke, chairman of the Football League, has said on BBC Cov&Warks radio that he 'hasn't checked on the rules' regarding CCFC!!! Brilliant
interview by Shane O'Connor. Greg Clarke is a feeble man with feeble excuses, he is not a fit and proper custodian of our game. RESIGN NOW! City fans, spread the word on twitter, 5Live and Talksport phone-ins and any other way you can think of.
CITY FANS TO TELL FOOTBALL LEAGUE: ‘SORT IT OUT!’
Press release
Sunday saw Sky Blues supporters boycott sisu’s move to Northampton in massive numbers
and fans from the Keep Cov in Cov campaign are now going to take their message direct to the Football League offices in London, W1U 8FL from 4.30-6.30pm on Wednesday, 14 August. Scarcely 1,000 fans paid to enter Northampton Town’s Sixfields ground on Sunday, while an estimated 8,000 people watched a CCFC Legends game at the Ricoh. That figure is higher than the total capacity at Sixfields.
Michael Orton, Coordinator of the Keep Cov in Cov campaign explained: ‘Sunday sent out a massive message that City fans do not want to be in Northampton and our home is here in Coventry, at the Ricoh Arena. Only Joy Seppala of sisu and Greg Clarke, Chairman of the Football League, seem to think it’s a good idea – the rest of the football world knows it is completely wrong. So as a follow up to Sunday we will meet outside the Football League office in London and hand deliver a Keep Cov in Cov message to make sure they know exactly how fans are feeling’.
There has been considerable criticism of the League’s handling of the sisu situation including questions raised in Parliament by Coventry North East MP Bob Ainsworth. Concerns include whether there was a breakdown in the League’s verification procedures for Sky Blues players and whether the League has even followed its own rules. But in addition to seeking answers, Michael believes it is now time for the Football League to address the situation with CCFC head on: ‘Sunday also showed that the move to sixfields is unsustainable. No matter what Greg Clarke and Joy Seppala say, the reality is staying in Northampton is simply not a viable option. They've got to bite the bullet so why not do it sooner rather than later?’
Further information about this Wednesday, 14 August, at the Football League offices, London W1U 8FL, 4.30-6.30pm, is available by emailing [email protected]
Sunday saw Sky Blues supporters boycott sisu’s move to Northampton in massive numbers
and fans from the Keep Cov in Cov campaign are now going to take their message direct to the Football League offices in London, W1U 8FL from 4.30-6.30pm on Wednesday, 14 August. Scarcely 1,000 fans paid to enter Northampton Town’s Sixfields ground on Sunday, while an estimated 8,000 people watched a CCFC Legends game at the Ricoh. That figure is higher than the total capacity at Sixfields.
Michael Orton, Coordinator of the Keep Cov in Cov campaign explained: ‘Sunday sent out a massive message that City fans do not want to be in Northampton and our home is here in Coventry, at the Ricoh Arena. Only Joy Seppala of sisu and Greg Clarke, Chairman of the Football League, seem to think it’s a good idea – the rest of the football world knows it is completely wrong. So as a follow up to Sunday we will meet outside the Football League office in London and hand deliver a Keep Cov in Cov message to make sure they know exactly how fans are feeling’.
There has been considerable criticism of the League’s handling of the sisu situation including questions raised in Parliament by Coventry North East MP Bob Ainsworth. Concerns include whether there was a breakdown in the League’s verification procedures for Sky Blues players and whether the League has even followed its own rules. But in addition to seeking answers, Michael believes it is now time for the Football League to address the situation with CCFC head on: ‘Sunday also showed that the move to sixfields is unsustainable. No matter what Greg Clarke and Joy Seppala say, the reality is staying in Northampton is simply not a viable option. They've got to bite the bullet so why not do it sooner rather than later?’
Further information about this Wednesday, 14 August, at the Football League offices, London W1U 8FL, 4.30-6.30pm, is available by emailing [email protected]
it's matchday so here we go...to the ricoh 2pm!
It's match day - **** the finances, here we go...to the Sky Blue Legends game at the Ricoh 2pm!!! The sun is shining and for once it's all about football (sort of).
Ticket sales for Ricoh are looking good but seppala-sisu have gone very quiet which I've learnt is never a good sign so we've got to make sure we get as many people at the Legends game as we can. Sixfields capacity is 7,653 - imagine if we can get more than that at the Ricoh today. How stupid will that make Seppala and the Football League look!!
Banners and flags are welcome but no poles or sticks please.
10 turnstiles will be open for cash on the gate but get there early cos there's gonna be a fair walk up number. If there's a queue and you're late in don't say you weren't warned - LOL
The whole theme is a celebration of the Sky Blues - OUR club is not dead so no minute's silence or anything like that. In fact it's the exact opposite and be ready to make some serious noise cos we're letting the whole world know we want to Keep Cov in Cov. And at 3pm we're gonna have to sing loud enough that OUR players, OUR team can
hear us 35 miles away and know we are 100% behind them and hoping for out first 3 points of the season.
So make sure you've got your singing voice on, banners and flags ready and you've nagged and dragged absolutely every last person you can think of. PUSB!
(Picture is the fantastic Pinley u10s who were all ST holders last season but none will be going to Northampton.
They're setting us all a brilliant example and even held a protest at a Bees meeting this week - copied from skybluestalk, tommy hutch)
KEEP COV IN COV - getting our message heard: 12 mins 15 secs into this
Ricoh 2pm Sunday - and remember last month's march!
Let's get the same spirit going we had on the brilliant march and rally last month. If there are more
people at the Ricoh than the attendance is at sixfields it's going to send out a massive message. But the success of the march and rally was down to you, me and everyone else getting involved and getting our family, friends, neighbours and whoever else we can think of to be there too and we need to keep doing that for the next 41 hours and 50 mins. If you oppose the move to Northampton there's only one place to be Sunday - the Ricoh. And for a reminder of the march click here. KEEP COV IN COV!!!!!!!!!!
people at the Ricoh than the attendance is at sixfields it's going to send out a massive message. But the success of the march and rally was down to you, me and everyone else getting involved and getting our family, friends, neighbours and whoever else we can think of to be there too and we need to keep doing that for the next 41 hours and 50 mins. If you oppose the move to Northampton there's only one place to be Sunday - the Ricoh. And for a reminder of the march click here. KEEP COV IN COV!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday 11 August 2pm @ the ricoh - be there!
From now till 2pm on Sunday we've got just one aim - to make sure we get more people at the Ricoh on Sunday than the attendance at Sixfields. Don't take things for granted cos a lot of people are on holiday, a lot of people have turned their back on CCFC completely - so it isn't going to happen unless we do everything we did to make last month's march and rally such a huge success. So make sure you're telling the rest of your family, friends, workmates, neighbours and everyone else you know to get their tickets and send our message out loud and clear - KEEP COV IN COV!!!
Details for Sunday are -
Tickets are £5.00 for adults and £3.00 for children and concessions and are available from the Ricoh Arena ticket office in the main atrium on:
Thursday 8th August 2pm – 7pm
Friday 9th August 1pm – 7pm
Saturday 10th August 9am – 6pm
Sunday 11th August 10am – 12.30pm
Or you can pay on the gate.
Car parking is £5.00 cash per vehicle on the day. All car parks will be open.
Details for Sunday are -
Tickets are £5.00 for adults and £3.00 for children and concessions and are available from the Ricoh Arena ticket office in the main atrium on:
Thursday 8th August 2pm – 7pm
Friday 9th August 1pm – 7pm
Saturday 10th August 9am – 6pm
Sunday 11th August 10am – 12.30pm
Or you can pay on the gate.
Car parking is £5.00 cash per vehicle on the day. All car parks will be open.
the seppala-sisu never never gonna happen stadium!
Shhhhhhhh…...anyone else noticed how after all the hype about Brandon the week
before last, things have gone very, very quiet about Seppala’s Never Never Land
stadium? Is there a single City fan who doesn’t now realise it’s nothing but a
smokescreen – it’s the Seppala-sisu NEVER NEVER GONNA HAPPEN ground!!!!
MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT SUNDAY 11 AUGUST
Thanks to everyone for comments and emails in response to the poll, the result of which
is our focus must be the Ricoh and we actively discourage anyone from protesting
at Sixfields. The following press release has just been issued:
Thinking of going to Northampton on Sunday to protest: DON’T!
‘This Sunday is all about the Ricoh!’, is the message from Coventry City fans who support the Keep Cov in Cov/Not One Penny More campaigns. Campaign Coordinator, Michael Orton, explained: “there has been some talk of holding protests this Sunday at Northampton to coincide with the Bristol City game, and even suggestions of trying to disrupt the match itself. But only one person will gain from any sort of disruption or disorder and that’s the head of sisu, Joy
Seppala. She would love to dismiss City fans as nothing more than hooligans”.
Instead, all City supporters who oppose the move to Northampton are being urged to attend the Coventry City Former Players Association charity match at the Ricoh Arena. The CCFC Legends v Midlands All Stars game kicks off at the
Ricoh at 2pm on Sunday, 11 August.
The theme of the Ricoh event is ‘Let’s all sing together’ and will celebrate the 130th anniversary of the formation of
Coventry City Football Club and enjoy a real sense of community. Charities which will benefit include Cancer Research UK and Acorns Children’s Hospice. “Amidst all the Seppala-sisu saga – most recently being deducted a further 10 points - celebrating our Club, and City fans standing together, is exactly what we need to do” added Michael “so we’d just say, if you want to show your opposition to the move to Northampton then keep well away from Sixfields on Sunday and get along to the Ricoh for what promises to be a great afternoon”.
For anyone who wants to continue getting the Keep Cov in Cov message heard after Sunday, Michael has confirmed that late afternoon on Wednesday 14 August there will be a further protest in central London as he said: “in addition to big events like last month’s 7,000 strong march and rally and this Sunday at the Ricoh, our focused small scale actions have generated fantastic media and public support and that’s what we need to keep doing.” Further details will be announced shortly or supporters can email [email protected]
Quick poll: Ricoh or Jimmy's Hill this Sunday?
To explain: Coventry City Former Players Association is holding a charity match at the Ricoh Arena this Sunday, 11 August, and it promises to be a great event. So should everyone go to the Ricoh and forget about Bristol City at
Sixfields, or do we say the fight to save CCFC has to work on several fronts and indications are that there will be strong media interest at Sixfields so it’s another chance to get the Keep Cov in Cov message heard. Just something small
scale on Jimmy's Hill overlooking the ground, putting up banners etc to attract even more media attention. I would see it as an additional event not a separate one, but wouldn't want to be seen as a splitter or harming the cause. Views, by email to [email protected], therefore very welcome!
Sixfields, or do we say the fight to save CCFC has to work on several fronts and indications are that there will be strong media interest at Sixfields so it’s another chance to get the Keep Cov in Cov message heard. Just something small
scale on Jimmy's Hill overlooking the ground, putting up banners etc to attract even more media attention. I would see it as an additional event not a separate one, but wouldn't want to be seen as a splitter or harming the cause. Views, by email to [email protected], therefore very welcome!
Summary of things so far and things to do to save ccfc
Every season ticket at sixfields = a nail in the coffin of CCFC. SUPPORT THE TEAM Not Sisu, who are tearing our Club apart. Support the Team at away games and from Jimmy's Hill at sixfields - if you want to support sisu just send Seppala a cheque!
Portsmouth, who have suffered similar problems to CCFC and are now in Div 2, have sold over 9,000 STs (yes, that number really is nine thousand!) so I reckon that's the benchmark to set for Ms Seppala. Think she'll achieve it?
The ‘Emperor’s New Stadium’/’The Daydream Arena’ (thx to Dan Cox and Jonathan Scott) is complete BS and just a distraction activity in Seppala’s war with acl – if Seppala seriously wanted a new stadium a planning application would have been submitted months ago.
1 August – Sky Blue Trust protest at Football League.
11 August – Support the Team not sisu by watching the game from Jimmy’s Hill. I am discussing this with the various Northampton authorities and plans might be a bit last minute so keep watching this space.
Things to keep on doing -
Tie a Sky Blue ribbon around every old oak tree, sapling and lamppost you can find.
Send Seppala a postcard, 1 Red Place, London W1K 6PL (remember she'll love anything abusive/threatening so she can say we are hooligans so stick to 'KEEP COV IN COV' questions like 'Why are you tearing our Club apart?' or just 'Why?').
Tell the FL what you think - [email protected] [email protected]
[email protected]
Tell the Sports Minister what you think - [email protected]
Tell NTFC what you think - [email protected] 01604 683700
Plus anything else you can think of to KEEP COV IN COV!!!!!!!!
the nameless boy and the faceless woman
This photograph is called ‘The Nameless Boy and the Faceless Woman’
‘This boy has no name but represents all boys [and girls] of all time who are proud to belong here, reaching out as always from rough spun to close weave, for family and for City’ (inscription on the Coventry Boy statue opposite the new cathedral).
Joy Victoria Seppala is the faceless head of Sisu. She does not belong in Coventry, she does not reach out to Sky Blues fans, she has no pride in our City and is destroying our football Club.
In honour of all the boys and girls of all time who are proud Coventrians and proud Sky Blues supporters, we will never give in to the faceless enemy of our City and our football club – we are City till we die and will Fight till the Game is Won!
Photograph courtesy of Rebecca Orton http://rebeccaortonphotography.tumblr.com/ [email protected]
today's challenge is to produce an image to represent seppala
One idea for the protest this Thursday 25/7 4pm at sisu offices W1K 6PL is to put up signs like you see for missing persons/pets e.g. 'Have you seen this woman? Known as Joy Seppala, we desperately need to get a message to her - Keep Cov in Cov!'. But it needs a graphic/image/drawing/pic to grab attention.
REMEMBER - she will love anything offensive so she can discredit us and/or pass to her lawyers. Our best weapon is humour. Go for it!
REMEMBER - she will love anything offensive so she can discredit us and/or pass to her lawyers. Our best weapon is humour. Go for it!
Coventry city creditors' meeting adjourned
Visit to Ms Seppala's London offices -
at 1 Red Place London W1K 6PL this coming Thursday, 25 July @ 4pm to deliver in person the 'Keep Cov in Cov'
message. Spread the word!
For more info email [email protected]
message. Spread the word!
For more info email [email protected]
I am banning the use of the 'F' word but encouraging
the 'S' word!
Yes, this week our focus is on S for 'Seppala'. Seppala is the head of sisu. She hired someone to take the flak and keep attention away from her. His surname begins with 'F' but is never to be mentioned again cos he is just the hired hand. In moving cov outta cov the buck rests firmly with Seppala.
So to get the ball rolling I need some Seppala slogans. REMEMBER - she will like ones that are abusive cos she can then say we are hooligans. She will absolutely love ones that are libellous and she can give to her lawyers. The most powerful weapon we have is humour. The rich and powerful hate people laughing at them. So let's be having your Seppala slogans - Go For It! E-mail [email protected]
let's be confident and have faith in ourselves!
Let's be proud of what we have achieved this weekend cos it's us -you, me and thousands upon thousands of
extraordinary City supporters - who are leading this fight to save our club. Think of all those involved with CCFC, from ACL to CWR and the Football League to the Administrator and prospective purchasers, and then ask who it was that
made yesterday's brilliant march and rally happen, and who will be fighting this every step of the way - it's us, the fans. So let's be CONFIDENT and have FAITH IN OURSELVES as we start again tomorrow. PUSB!
extraordinary City supporters - who are leading this fight to save our club. Think of all those involved with CCFC, from ACL to CWR and the Football League to the Administrator and prospective purchasers, and then ask who it was that
made yesterday's brilliant march and rally happen, and who will be fighting this every step of the way - it's us, the fans. So let's be CONFIDENT and have FAITH IN OURSELVES as we start again tomorrow. PUSB!
kcic in Africa!
Message received as follows -
I took a photo yesterday with my homemade KCIC banner at the top of the mountain near Hawassa, Ethiopia. The children are ones that live on the mountain and the others in the photo are VSO volunteers Joe and Matt. Just been looking at the protest pics and it looks great! Good luck with the rest of the protests, wish I could be more involved and will be as soon as I'm back home! C.A.O.
yesterday was truly awesome...
Yesterday was truly awesome so let's spend today enjoying the photos and vids, give ourselves a massive collective pat on the back and have a smile on our face for once.
Then tomorrow...we start all over again
- Theme for the coming week's gonna be 'Spotlight on Seppala'
Plus I'm liaising with the Police and if (and it's still a very big 'if' cos the pressure on Seppala and the Football League is going to build and build) the Bristol game starts at Northampton we're on track for a 'Support The Badge Not Sisu' takeover of Jimmy's Hill* next to Sixfields for anyone who's up for it
After yesterday, there isn't a shadow of a doubt WE CAN DO THIS!
(*Can't remember who coined this yesterday but it's brilliant. Thx - M)
people, we smashed it!
Links to pics and vids of today's awesome march and rally
http://www.itv.com/news/central/story/2013-07-04/coventry-citys-ground-share-deal/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZM2gwN64lKg
https://www.flickr.com/photos/rogerellisplacephoto/sets/72157634722691708/
http://imgur.com/W5yzXhl,1bY51it,33GOKp1,NYIsxpa,AYcW4lM,cOfy8e2,5gj99V6,cyaDj0R,sNTppn2,jE0i8Fp,FjRNRhr,pPWhO6d,E9Smfin,RseHibb,wKUKxnV,Rle8ekX,0rXGtem,OL52k0j,nts0IH8,O7zjAq4,C1FuVwi,EanujfW,Rvxc2Wh,OWNARFT,2xGsPIh
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnQhXWZVGPw&feature=c4-overview&list=UUOf5Yu-uuBMRa7xM64Au-KQ
http://www.itv.com/news/central/story/2013-07-04/coventry-citys-ground-share-deal/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZM2gwN64lKg
https://www.flickr.com/photos/rogerellisplacephoto/sets/72157634722691708/
http://imgur.com/W5yzXhl,1bY51it,33GOKp1,NYIsxpa,AYcW4lM,cOfy8e2,5gj99V6,cyaDj0R,sNTppn2,jE0i8Fp,FjRNRhr,pPWhO6d,E9Smfin,RseHibb,wKUKxnV,Rle8ekX,0rXGtem,OL52k0j,nts0IH8,O7zjAq4,C1FuVwi,EanujfW,Rvxc2Wh,OWNARFT,2xGsPIh
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnQhXWZVGPw&feature=c4-overview&list=UUOf5Yu-uuBMRa7xM64Au-KQ
it's over to you guys..
It has been an absolute privilege doing nopm/kcic twitter, facebook and website these last few weeks - amazing numbers of hits and so much brilliant support. Makes me proud to be a City fan and proud to be a Coventrian. But once again it's over to you guys to make this afternoon happen. Email any pics and video clips to [email protected] and I'll get them posted asap. KCIC-NOPM-STBNS Let's get out there and make this happen!
Only two words needed this morning - 'BE THERE'!
Let's make our voice heard today, loud and clear - KEEP COV IN COV! - 12 noon Gosford Green then march to rally in Broadgate led by our two amazing Lady Godivas.
Every single person there makes our voice louder and louder so - hv u txtd every one of ur contacts? Hv u emailed everyone in your address book? Told the neighbours? When you're out this morning tell everyone - BE THERE!!!!!
Saturday 20 July, 12 noon gosford Green then march to broadgate
Tomorrow we draw a line in the sand. We say to Ms Seppala - you might have succeeded in tying ACL in knots. You might have got your way with the Football League. You might be able to get some newspapers to say you are right. But we are the fans of CCFC and even when everyone else gives up, we will not. Your position is temporary, but we are City till we Die. CCFC is our Club. We will fight you every step of the way. AND WE WILL WIN! PUSB!
Rally tomorrow is important in making our voice heard, but it's also going to be a great event - won't spoil the surprises just make sure you're there!
season tickets on sale?
we say:
'Not One Penny More - Support the Badge, not sisu'!!
it's nag and drag time - march and rally tomorrow 20 july 2013
I'm still furious about the Football League's disrespect for City fans yesterday but for the next 27 hours, 21 mins and 27 secs (approx.) there's only one thing to do - get as many people as possible to tomorrow's march and rally* 20.7.13 which will be led by our very own Lady Godiva. The biggest turnout so far was 150 and that got great media coverage so imagine the publicity we'll get if 300 of us turn up. And if we each bring along one extra person who wasn't planning on going, the impact will be massive - husbands, wives, girlfriends, boyfriends, kids, friends, neighbours, workmates, etc etc etc. As the Americans would say, 'it's nag and drag time'. If we do nothing the move to Sixfields will happen but just a few minutes tomorrow will make a huge difference. WE CAN DO THIS!!!
*12 noon at Gosford Green, march to Broadgate for rally - as many on march as possible would be great but packing out Broadgate will provide brilliant pics for the media
(Lady Godiva photograph by Amanda Slater at http://www.flickr.com/photos/15181848@N02/2689585507)
The Football League today showed complete disrespect for fans -
They refused to open the door to let us deliver our giant postcard message to Greg Clarke. Sky Sports News were there but I've only just got back so don't know if they broadcast it. Just a handful of us clearly discomfited staff - they were peeking out of windows, and stopped answering the intercom never mind the door. We left balloons behind and went for a drink, and as soon as we turned the corner the FL staff scuttled out and took them down. Unbelievable!
Only good thing about this whole sorry mess is getting to meet some truly amazing City fans - if half a dozen of us frighten the life out of the Football League imagine what the reaction will be when we start to step things up. It's a
war of attrition - GAME ON!
Photographs courtesy of Paul Rutherford @TheWastrel available here
We're good to go for today @ 4pm Football League offices W1U 8FL!
We're getting good media interest, placards and banner ready and packed and new supply of most important piece of kit - sellotape - so looking forward to seeing the regulars and some new people too. And if you haven't been on a kcic event before they've all been excellent and we should have time for a post-match pint (or 2) before heading home. PUSB, We'll Fight Till the Game is Won!!
'If You Tolerate This Your Club Might Be Next'*...
...it would be great if supporters of other Clubs join Coventry City fans at Football League offices London W1U 8FL today 18.7.13 @ 4pm to tell FL Chairman Greg Clarke what Real Fans think of his decision to rubber stamp a
hedgefund trying to move CCFC to Northampton - Cobblers!
(*Big thank you to Sarah Dixon for suggesting this one!)
hedgefund trying to move CCFC to Northampton - Cobblers!
(*Big thank you to Sarah Dixon for suggesting this one!)
we're the famous Coventry City and we're going to Wemb-er-ley...
...or at least passing quite nearby on the way to Football League offices London W1U 8FL today 18.7.13 @ 4pm to tell FL Chairman Greg Clarke what we think of his decision to rubber stamp a hedgefund trying to move CCFC to Northampton - Cobblers!
PS It was only in Feb we thought we really were going to get to Wembley in JPT and were even challenging for the play offs...look at us now :(
let's tell the football league exactly what we think...4pm tomorrow - Thursday 18 july - Football League offices W1U 8FL
Megaphone, placards and anything else you can think of will be very welcome tomorrow (Thursday 18 July) 4pm at Football League offices W1U 8FL, cos my stocks are getting a bit low...I'm going for 'Home of Cov City is Cov - the clue is in the name!' and 'Real Football, Real Fans - Empty Words' but bring along whatever you fancy - GO FOR IT!
this is truly brilliant by the sky blue trust...
Real Football, Real Fans – EMPTY WORDS!
'‘Real Football, Real Fans – EMPTY WORDS!’ is the message being delivered to Football League Chairman Greg Clarke at 4pm tomorrow, Thursday 18 July, at the Football League offices in London W1U 8FL, by fans angry at Clarke for rubber stamping the decision to move Coventry City FC to Northampton. The relocation was proposed to the Football League by the secretive Sisu family of hedgefund companies and its mysterious owner Joy Seppala, who have been running CCFC.
The ‘flashmob’ event is being organised by the ‘Keep Cov in Cov: Support the Badge, not sisu’ campaign group. Michael Orton, the campaign co-ordinator, explained: “Coventry City FC was founded in Coventry 130 years ago
and Coventry has always been our home. A hedgefund has decided to rip CCFC out of its home City and community, ripping up our heritage and identity, and sounding the death knell for the Club – and the Football League just says ‘yes’!”.
The Football League’s strapline is ‘Real Football, Real Fans’ but many football fans are now questioning whose
interests the Football League represents. If Coventry City can be relocated so ‘home’ games involve a 70 mile trip what will it take for the Football League ever to say ‘no’ to an owner? As Mr Orton said: “There is a lot of controversy
already about the Football League’s ‘fit and proper’ test for owners but the kind of decision it has made regarding CCFC is leading many people to question the operation of the Football League itself and whether it needs to
be subject to Government regulation”.
Coventry fans stress that the protest will be peaceful and are appealing to supporters of other Clubs to join them. As Mr Orton put it: “at the moment it’s about Coventry but who will be next? This is about football Clubs being turned into franchises and that’s an issue that affects every supporter. So it would be great if fans of other teams join us 4pm
Thursday 18 July 4pm at W1U 8FL”.
-----------------------------
Contact: – keepcovincov@gmail.com
Photographs, and to follow the ‘Keep Cov in Cov: Support the Badge not sisu’ campaign, see https://www.facebook.com/pages/Not-One-Penny-More/ http://keepcoventryincoventry-nopm.weebly.com/
@notonepennymore
The ‘flashmob’ event is being organised by the ‘Keep Cov in Cov: Support the Badge, not sisu’ campaign group. Michael Orton, the campaign co-ordinator, explained: “Coventry City FC was founded in Coventry 130 years ago
and Coventry has always been our home. A hedgefund has decided to rip CCFC out of its home City and community, ripping up our heritage and identity, and sounding the death knell for the Club – and the Football League just says ‘yes’!”.
The Football League’s strapline is ‘Real Football, Real Fans’ but many football fans are now questioning whose
interests the Football League represents. If Coventry City can be relocated so ‘home’ games involve a 70 mile trip what will it take for the Football League ever to say ‘no’ to an owner? As Mr Orton said: “There is a lot of controversy
already about the Football League’s ‘fit and proper’ test for owners but the kind of decision it has made regarding CCFC is leading many people to question the operation of the Football League itself and whether it needs to
be subject to Government regulation”.
Coventry fans stress that the protest will be peaceful and are appealing to supporters of other Clubs to join them. As Mr Orton put it: “at the moment it’s about Coventry but who will be next? This is about football Clubs being turned into franchises and that’s an issue that affects every supporter. So it would be great if fans of other teams join us 4pm
Thursday 18 July 4pm at W1U 8FL”.
-----------------------------
Contact: – keepcovincov@gmail.com
Photographs, and to follow the ‘Keep Cov in Cov: Support the Badge not sisu’ campaign, see https://www.facebook.com/pages/Not-One-Penny-More/ http://keepcoventryincoventry-nopm.weebly.com/
@notonepennymore
Wednesday 17 july - quick poll...quick poll...quick poll
Quick Poll - which of these three slogans/tag lines do you prefer:
1. Support the Badge, not sisu
2. Support the Shirt, not sisu
3. Support the Team, not sisu
4. I've run out of ideas so feel free to suggest others :)
Answers to [email protected]
1. Support the Badge, not sisu
2. Support the Shirt, not sisu
3. Support the Team, not sisu
4. I've run out of ideas so feel free to suggest others :)
Answers to [email protected]
new slogans needed - 6 words max - ideas very welcome
To keep media interest we need to use some new slogans tomorrow. The protest (see below) is at the Football League so something aimed at FL chairman Greg Clarke might work e.g. 'Clarke is killing CCFC' but other themes could be around: FL being 'spineless'; FL's strapline is 'Real Football for Real Fans' so I'm sure that could be played with; why is FL listening to Seppala's secretive sisu not fans; are sisu/otioum fit and proper; is the FL fit and proper if it allows the move to sixfields to go ahead; relocation, relocation, relocation; football clubs aren't franchises - they have to be a maximum of 6 words to fit on a placard so get thinking and send your ideas to [email protected] !
***'Flashmob' protest 4pm Thursday 18 July at Football League London offices is on - SPREAD THE WORD!!***
Further details will be posted shortly
Tuesday 16 july 2013 - new photo...
Only just seen this pic of banner on A444 coming in to Cov - so come on people, where are your photos of signs, banners, placards etc saying 'Keep Cov in Cov' or 'Support the Badge, not sisu'? Email them to [email protected]
Tuesday 16 July 2013 - three things to do today to keep cov in cov!
Three things to do today to help Keep Cov in Cov – remember, if you/we do nothing the move to Northampton will go ahead. This is a war of attrition and every morning we start again…so let’s get to work and save CCFC!
1. Make sure you’re going to be at Gosford Green 12 noon this Saturday 20.7.13 for the Sky Blue Trust rally –
make it massive!
2. Unless the Football League replied to you yesterday saying sense has prevailed and they have overturned the decision to move CCFC to Northampton, email them again today to tell them what you think. Details below.
3. Tell NTFC Chairman David Cardoza he is destroying our Club – contact details at http://www.ntfc.co.uk/global/contact.aspx- and tell the wider Northampton public what you think by contacting the Northampton Chronicle at http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/contact-us
Just do it! - lol
Football League contact details - Email addresses people have suggested are: [email protected]
(Chairman) [email protected] (Secretary/Official) [email protected] (Division 1
Rep), [email protected]. Other FL Board members apparently are: Shaun Harvey – Leeds, Keith Lamb – Middlesborough, James Rodwell – Notts County, Tom Glick – Derby, Lorraine Rogers – Tranmere.
Tuesday 16 July 2013 - Great media coverage!
Monday 15 july 2013 - (possible) diary date
The main event this week will be Sky Blue Trust rally in Cov 20.7.13 but a couple
of people are asking about a possible 'flashmob' at Football League offices in London this Thursday 18.7.2013 late afternoon. We've shown it only needs a handful of people to
get media attention, you get to meet some great City fans and it's a fantastic way of getting out the message we will fight this every step of the way. Interested? Email [email protected]
of people are asking about a possible 'flashmob' at Football League offices in London this Thursday 18.7.2013 late afternoon. We've shown it only needs a handful of people to
get media attention, you get to meet some great City fans and it's a fantastic way of getting out the message we will fight this every step of the way. Interested? Email [email protected]
Monday 15 july 2013 - diary date
Major Sky Blue Trust rally this Saturday in Cov 20.7.13
Monday 15 July 2013 - just a thought...
Is this a war of attrition? Seppala, Clarke @ FL and Cardoza @ NTFC are like robber Barons (they've stolen our Club, geddit?) sitting in their castle on the top of a hill, thinking it's impregnable and looking down on us mere fans. We have to keep battling up that hill and hammering on the gate again, and again, and again for as long it takes - KEEP COV IN COV!!!
(This is not a SISU OUT site but this photo did make me smile - if you're off on holiday why not take a 'Keep Cov in Cov' sign and send your photos to [email protected] thx)
(This is not a SISU OUT site but this photo did make me smile - if you're off on holiday why not take a 'Keep Cov in Cov' sign and send your photos to [email protected] thx)
Monday 15 July 2013 - what you can do to help stop the move to sixfields...
The fight back is on! Pressure on SISU, the Football League and NTFC is growing all the time so let’s keep telling them what we think, that we’re not going to sit back and let them destroy our Club and we’ll do everything we can to stop the move to Northampton. How about for today telling the Football League (FL) what you think e.g. you will be boycotting Sixfields; Gary Hoffman has offered to pay... the Ricoh rent for three years so we can play there – so why are the FL ignoring that? Why is the FL listening to Joy Seppala and a faceless hedgefund not to fans? Urge them to overturn the decision to move to Northampton. Keep it polite – abuse just gives them an excuse to ignore fans. Emailing ideas to [email protected] would be brilliant too. .
(Full story of the photo is here)
If we do nothing, the move to Northampton will go ahead - but everyone knows it's a terrible idea so let's get to work and get it stopped!
Email addresses people have suggested are: [email protected] (Chairman) [email protected] (Secretary/Official) [email protected] (Division 1 Rep), [email protected].
Other FL Board members apparently are: Shaun Harvey – Leeds, Keith Lamb – Middlesborough, James Rodwell – Notts County, Tom Glick – Derby, Lorraine Rogers – Tranmere.
"We'll fight till the game is won"
(Full story of the photo is here)
If we do nothing, the move to Northampton will go ahead - but everyone knows it's a terrible idea so let's get to work and get it stopped!
Email addresses people have suggested are: [email protected] (Chairman) [email protected] (Secretary/Official) [email protected] (Division 1 Rep), [email protected].
Other FL Board members apparently are: Shaun Harvey – Leeds, Keith Lamb – Middlesborough, James Rodwell – Notts County, Tom Glick – Derby, Lorraine Rogers – Tranmere.
"We'll fight till the game is won"
Sunday 14 July 2013
Poll - poll - poll - poll -poll -poll - poll - poll
There is an increasing belief the relocation to Northampton can be
stopped. but people are also asking what do we do if on Sunday 11 August the game v Bristol City does kick off at Sixfields. So have your say by going to https://www.facebook.com/pages/Not-One-Penny-More/ and leaving a comment or (to avoid multiple votes) email [email protected] saying which of the following options you prefer ie 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5
1. Have live streaming or even just radio coverage at the Ricoh
2. Watch an alternative charity match at the Ricoh
3. Sit on the hill at the side of Sixfields and watch the game for free
4. Frantic displacement activity eg put up shelves, reorganise kitchen cupboards (might be a bit of a gender divide on this one!)
5. Silently weep while part of you dies
------------------------------------------
previous news
Should be celebrating 4-1 win but just heard CCFC ball
boys and girls have been sacked cos SISU are going to use Northampton ones. Despicable/outrageous/petty/miserly/uncaring - you choose the right word cos I'm speechless
Massive shout out to the awesome Sky Blues fans at Northampton this morning - read it here http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/coventry-city-fans-delighted-with-northampton-support-for-protest-1-5283161
Details for this Sat @ Northampton - 13 July - 10am at the traffic island on A4500 at entrance to Sixfields Leisure Complex (full press release below). Need to make a virtue of necessity ie lack of resources, so we've got some stuff but wd b great if anyone can bring extra colours, scarves etc, balloons, home made banners, whistles or anything to make a bit of noise with. Sellotape, string,
and scissors always seem to be v handy - this is hard core grassroots protest! KEEP COV IN COV: WE CAN DO THIS!
(And for those who prefer, remember Trust will be @ Nuneaton game)
Press release:
‘We won’t stand by and watch our Club be destroyed!’ is the message from Coventry City fans angry at the plan for their Club to leave Coventry after 130 years and relocate to Northampton. Fans are particularly critical of Joy Seppala, City of London takeover panel member and head of the SISU hedge fund which has been running the Club, Football League Chairman Greg Clarke, and Northampton Town FC Chairman David Cardoza.
City fans will be publicising their message in Northampton at 10am Saturday 13 July by erecting banners and signs at the A4500 and A5076 traffic islands for the Sixfields Leisure Complex. Michael Orton, a Sky Blue Trust Board member, explained: “David Cardoza, Joy Seppala and the Football League are sounding the death knell for Coventry City. Fans are going to fight the move to Northampton every step of the way and do everything they
can to stop this plan going ahead”.
Coventry fans have already staged one ‘flashmob’ event in Northampton, attracting national and international coverage.
Saturday’s event is the next step in what is promising to be an on-going campaign to keep Coventry at their home ground, the Ricoh Arena, and for the planned relocation to Northampton to be abandoned.
Fans stress that protests in Northampton on Saturday and in the coming weeks will be completely peaceful. They are keeping Police in Coventry fully informed and are clear that any trouble will only harm their cause. To emphasise this, Coventry supporters are asking all football fans to show their support. As Mr Orton put
it: “the SISU hedge fund is treating our Club like a franchise to move around as they want with complete disregard for fans. It could happen to any other football club next so it would be brilliant if fans of other teams joined us at the Sixfields Leisure Complex 10am Saturday 13 July”.
contact: [email protected]
Are you opposed to the ground share and want to do something about it?
Saturday 13 July - 10am PR stunt in Northampton - more details will be posted here later or email [email protected]
Saturday 13 July - 1pm onwards at Nuneaton ground organised by Sky Blue Trust - email [email protected]
If we do nothing the ground share will definitely go ahead - if we start to protest and fight it every step of the way who knows what we might achieve... KEEP COV IN COV!
------------------------
Hoffman offers to pay ricoh rent for 3 years - http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/football/football-news/coventry-city-fc-gary-hoffman-5065953
----------------------
Details of protest events for this Saturday to be announced later today - watch this space...
contact us by email at - [email protected]
------------------------
We need ideas for slogans - email [email protected]
Sure people can add to/improve on the following -
Keep Cov in Cov
Home is CV6 not NN5
NTFC: home of SISU FC
CCFC @
NTFC - Cobblers!
Cardoza [NTFC chairman] is killing CCFC
Clarke [ Football League chairman] is killing CCFC
Send us to Coventry
Go for it!
-----------------------------------
Ok – anyone up for a peaceful and lawful Keep Cov in Cov campaign aimed at persuading the Football League to change its ground share decision and NTFC to withdraw from the plan?
First suggestion is for Sixfields this coming Saturday morning, 13 July.
Last 24 hours have been a bit manic and idea that was floated of flashmob in London today (wed) proved logistically impossible but hopefully things are now back on track.
Some ground rules – I have notified the Police of the existence of this website and related Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Not-One-Penny-More/468571966556656. The Police will monitor both and if I spot anything promoting violence or illegal action I will immediately pass it to the Police. Violence of any kind will achieve nothing except damage the campaign and the same goes for anything
illegal.
If people are up for it, this campaign will work on ideas being posted on https://www.facebook.com/pages/Not-One-Penny-More/468571966556656 and copied here and on twitter @notoneonepennymore with it then being for individuals to
decide how they choose to act. Kcic/nopm are nothing more than this website, Facebook page and twitter account. There is no committee, no group of people running this, no money or resources of any kind.
(For anyone interested in the history, nopm was started by one guy who I never know if he wants his name publicised but we all owe him huge thanks for doing it. He didn’t have time to keep running it so the Sky Blue Trust took it on but as a subsidiary undertaking and autonomous of the Trust. And I’m Michael, a Trust Board member and @MichaelCCFC on twitter and MichaelCCFC on Sky Blues
Talk)
So to get the ball rolling, anyone up for Sixfields this Saturday
morning?
Email - keepcovincov@gmail.
--------------------------------------------
football league approves cov leaving cov
it's Time for peaceful direct action and civil disobedience - SISU, Football League, NTFC: WE WILL NOT STAND BY AND
DO NOTHING WHILE YOU TRY TO DESTROY OUR CLUB !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Don't know about u but I'm veering between disbelief, despair and absolute rage. Want to tell people at the Football League what you think of their decision? Try
[email protected] (Chairman)
[email protected] (Secretary/Official)
[email protected] (Division 1 Rep)
It's all happening again today at godiva festival so see you there!
Keep Cov in Cov campaign song - feel free to improve it!
(To the tune of 'I wanna go home')
The Ricoh's our home
The Ricoh's our ho-me
We're not moving
The Ricoh's our home
It's true Sky Blue weather so see us at Godiva with stuff about the Football League and, of course, possible last outing for our wonderful Kcic-NOPM! statue
new email address - [email protected]
Come along and meet the famous 'statue' at Godiva Festival on Saturday and Sunday and keep building the fantastic support for Keep Coventry in Coventry - NOT ONE PENNY MORE!
DIARY DATE - Next protest is Saturday 13 July - details next week. But with events developing so quickly we have to be on our toes and might need to act quick like we did with the Sixfields protest. So keep checking here, spread the word and enjoy the Godiva
weekend!
'Flashmob'! protest 5.30 pm - Thurs 4 July- @ Sixfields definitely happening - spread the word!!!
The nightmare is true so the fans' fight back starts here!
Contact the Football League, Northampton Town FC and your MP and tell them what you think!
If you can make it, meet 5.30pm Thursday 4 July 2013 at Sixfields as first step in getting out the message that fans will fight this: NOT ONE PENNY MORE!
Contact the Football League, Northampton Town FC and your MP and tell them what you think!
If you can make it, meet 5.30pm Thursday 4 July 2013 at Sixfields as first step in getting out the message that fans will fight this: NOT ONE PENNY MORE!
Breaking news - Les Reid of Cov Telegraph reporting sisu have agreed ground share at Northampton http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/look-coventry-city-agree-groundshare-4866094
For the latest campaign update click here.
Two new photos from the Kcic-NOPM! 'statue' tour - click here.
Keep coventry in coventry - not one penny more!
'Keep Coventry in Coventry - NOT ONE PENNY MORE!' is the new campaign jointly
run by the Sky Blue Trust and Not One Penny
More.
Coventry City FC home games must be
played in Coventry and until it is confirmed that this is the case for the
2013/14 season we urge supporters not to provide any revenue of any kind to CCFC
- no merchandise, no replica shirts – NOT ONE PENNY MORE!
We are called
Coventry City for a reason. We were founded in Coventry 130 years ago. Coventry
has always been our
home and always must be.
Why is there talk of
a 'new' stadium? The Ricoh was fit for the Olympic Games and is fit for us – we
don’t need another
stadium. The solution is for SISU and ACL to sit down
together and come to an agreement.
What SISU propose is the ‘Who Knows
Where, Who Knows When Stadium’. No planning application has been submitted
never mind permission granted. There is not even any evidence that land has been
purchased, and remember how long it took to build the Ricoh.
So join us
in saying ‘Keep Coventry in Coventry – NOT ONE PENNY MORE!
run by the Sky Blue Trust and Not One Penny
More.
Coventry City FC home games must be
played in Coventry and until it is confirmed that this is the case for the
2013/14 season we urge supporters not to provide any revenue of any kind to CCFC
- no merchandise, no replica shirts – NOT ONE PENNY MORE!
We are called
Coventry City for a reason. We were founded in Coventry 130 years ago. Coventry
has always been our
home and always must be.
Why is there talk of
a 'new' stadium? The Ricoh was fit for the Olympic Games and is fit for us – we
don’t need another
stadium. The solution is for SISU and ACL to sit down
together and come to an agreement.
What SISU propose is the ‘Who Knows
Where, Who Knows When Stadium’. No planning application has been submitted
never mind permission granted. There is not even any evidence that land has been
purchased, and remember how long it took to build the Ricoh.
So join us
in saying ‘Keep Coventry in Coventry – NOT ONE PENNY MORE!