Coventry City boss Mark Robins has revealed his disappointment at the situation surrounding their ground share with Birmingham City.
The Sky Blues will be playing outside of Coventry once more, after an agreement failed to be reached between owners SISU and Wasps, who own the Ricoh Arena.
It had been thought that the Sky Blues were going to be able to play in the stadium originally built for them, but instead a franchise rugby club from London will play in a stadium in Coventry, with Sky Blue seats bearing the letters ‘CCFC’.
Whilst it’s clear to everyone the situation is madness and the ones who truly suffer are the supporters, those involved in the dispute are seemingly unperturbed by the immense upheaval and unhappiness it causes the average fan.
Mark Robins is all-too aware of it, telling the club’s official site; “I would like to say first and foremost, I am deeply disappointed for our supporters who had hoped, quite rightly, that we would be playing our home games at the Stadium that was built for Coventry City to play in.
“Secondly, it is a complete and utter disgrace that the Ricoh Arena, which again, was built as the home of Coventry City Football Club, is owned by a Rugby Club that has its roots in Buckinghamshire. How can that happen?”
He then went on to label the decision to name Coventry ‘European City of Sport’ in 2019 an ‘absolute joke’.
He ended by revealing he’d spoke to SISU about the potential for a new stadium, with what sounds like an encouraging response.
“I asked a direct question of the Owner if they were capable and willing to develop and finance the Club’s own stadium, and I received a direct and positive answer, which I can support and work towards.”
Supporters have been praising the manager for making such a proactive statement, but there is a real fear this promise of a new stadium is nothing more than a fanciful lie that they’ve been fed for the last six years. If Mark Robins realises he’s been duped, they’re fearful he could jump ship at the first opportunity.
This man deserves a knighthood
— Leo knight (@Leo__Knight) June 10, 2019
Spot on Robins, Ricoh owned by a rugby club from Buckinghamshire is a disgrace..should never of happened
— Lee Tallis (@skybluetal) June 10, 2019
No holding back – well done, Robins. Let’s hope the Sky Blue blood is thicker this time and he stays. #PUSB
— Cov Cov Cov Fan (@CCFC1979) June 10, 2019
So this afternoon a member of staff said they are still talking to wasps and move could be reversed yet manager says talks are over
— sofcell (@wearebackhome) June 10, 2019
That's very positive from the boss , I for one will be supporting him and the team. We deserve better from the owners , better from the club but none of that is the manager or the players fault and they deserve better as well.
— Ian H (@IANEHARDING) June 10, 2019
Didn't exactly pull any punches about the reality of the situation. Just hope SISU can finally stay true to their word and give this man and us fans the stadium they've promised for years now.
— Liam Murphy (@LiamMurphyy02) June 10, 2019
https://twitter.com/TerryYaki2/status/1138137645199122438
https://twitter.com/TerryYaki2/status/1138141340057907201
