Coventry City manager, Mark Robins, reflects on his decision to sell his FA Cup winners’ medal from Manchester United’s 1990 triumph, stating that he now regrets it. Robins also mentions that there was a reason behind his decision but does not go into detail. He acknowledges that it would have been better to donate the medals to a museum. Despite selling his medal, Robins is now preparing his team for an FA Cup semi-final against his former club.
Coventry City has faced its fair share of challenges over the years. Ten years ago, the club had to play its “home” games 35 miles away at Northampton Town due to a ground dispute. More recently, they shared Birmingham City’s facilities. Micky Gynn, a hero from Coventry’s 1987 FA Cup win, recalls that the club was falling apart during that period. Fans were divided, and friendships were strained. The club seemed to be on the brink of falling out of the league.
One fan, Moz Baker, who has been supporting Coventry City for 49 years, witnessed the team’s decline. He had seen them win at prestigious stadiums like Old Trafford and Anfield but was now watching them lose to lower-tier teams like Forest Green. Baker couldn’t understand how they had ended up in this situation. The fanbase was divided after a rent dispute forced the team to play home games away from Coventry. Many supporters, including Baker, refused to attend these matches, believing that the club should play in its hometown.
Steve Ogrizovic, Coventry’s FA Cup-winning goalkeeper from 37 years ago, believes that the club’s problems began when they left their old ground, Highfield Road, in 2005. The move to the Ricoh Arena didn’t work out financially, leading to debt and a downward spiral for the club. Ogrizovic recalls that each season he hoped things would improve, but they only got worse. However, everything changed when Mark Robins returned to the club for his second stint as manager.
Within a month of Robins’ return, Coventry City reached the EFL Trophy final at Wembley. Ogrizovic was invited by Robins to lead the team out, a gesture that touched him deeply. Baker believes that Robins is the savior of Coventry City, as the team was heading towards League Two before his arrival. Since then, they have achieved two promotions and came close to promotion to the Premier League last season. The new energy and excitement around the club have been palpable, with crowds increasing from 2,000 to 34,000.
Coventry fans have adopted the song “We’ll Live and Die in These Towns” by Coventry band The Enemy as their anthem. It brings a sense of pride and unity to the supporters. The club’s history is also cherished by former players like Micky Gynn, who still has his cup final shirt hanging in his wardrobe. Gynn, now working for the Royal Mail, delivers letters and parcels to Coventry’s training ground, reminiscing about his time there as a player.
Despite the challenges faced by Coventry City over the years, the team is now on the rise under Mark Robins’ leadership. The FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United is a testament to their progress. The club’s transformation has sparked excitement among fans and brought back a sense of pride and hope. With Robins at the helm, Coventry City is aiming for even greater success in the future.