A RICOH return for the Sky Blues has been labelled a victory for fan power and common sense.
A two-year deal with an option for a further two years has agreed by the club and Ricoh stadium owners Arena Coventry Limited (ACL) for Steven Pressley’s side to return to the city after more than a year of playing matches 35 miles away in Northampton.
The Sky Blue Trust has been campaigning for over a year to bring the League One club back home.
The group, which has over 3,000 members, has campaigned relentlessly and staged another mass protest in the city centre in July which attracted almost 7,000 fans.
Now the Trust is calling on all fans to get behind Steven Pressley’s young side as the Scot makes a bid for promotion back to the Championship.
“The two main protagonists in this dark period in Coventry’s illustrious history have managed to put the past behind them and do a deal to work together in the future, we as supporters should follow suit,” said Trust spokesman, Jan Mokrzycki.
“The situation of playing ‘home’ matches 35 miles from Coventry, in front of minute crowds, was untenable, heart breaking and divisive.
“We must now throw our efforts into cheering on the team and getting us out of this division and most importantly cheering the team on in Coventry.”
The Trust also paid tribute to all those fans who backed their campaign and protests to bring the club home.
Mr Mokrzycki added: “The fans, when united, can be a major force in influencing events and decisions, we should never underestimate that power.”
The club has reduced ticket prices for the first match back at the Ricoh, against Gillingham next Friday (September 5).
Tickets are £10 for adults, £5 for concessions and £1 for children aged up to 16, with junior Sky Blues attending for free.
Sisu boss Joy Seppala is encouraging fans to make the return a night to remember.
“It would be great for Steven Pressley, the team, everyone at the club who has worked so hard over the past year and for the fans if there was a big crowd there for the first game back.
“To help create a special atmosphere on the night, we wanted to reduce prices to encourage more people to go along to the game and give the team the welcome they deserve.”
Tickets go on sale at 9.30 tomorrow (Friday). Visit ccfcshop.co.uk, phone 024 7699 2326 or visit the CCFC Superstore at the Gallagher Retail Park for more information.
