ORGANISERS of a successful march by Sky Blues fans through the streets of Coventry have sent an open letter to all parties involved in the Ricoh row demanding they put their differences aside and bring the club back to the city.
Over 6,000 fans marched from the club’s former ground Highfield Road to Broadgate on Saturday to put pressure on the council and the club to bring the Sky Blues back to the Ricoh.
The Trust are demanding the pair put differences behind them and compromise for the sake of the fans and mutual long-term success.
“There was an incredible turnout on the streets of Coventry.” said Trust spokesman Jan Mokrzycki.
“It showed the level of support for the team is strong but their anger at the displacement of their team is huge.
“No one is benefitting from this ridiculous situation and the Sky Blue Trust once again asks the question of the Football League, SISU, Otium, the council and ACL – you have the power to end this.
“This is a pivotal moment in the history of Coventry City – a time for action not excuses. All sides have indicated that talks are possible – grasp the opportunity now, show real leadership and bring Coventry City back to the Ricoh.”
Ricoh stadium owners ACL, jointly owned by the council and the Alan Higgs Charity, confirmed they would be willing to speak to the club.
But they will not return to negotiations until the League One club pays up £590,000 owed as part of the club’s administration process last year and all legal proceedings against the council are dropped.
Sisu boss Joy Seppala – who sent her own open letter to fans last week – said she is ‘ready and willing’ to talk about a deal taking the club back to the Ricoh until the Sky Blues can own their own stadium.
Campaign group Keep Cov in Cov, who supported the march, made an offer to pay rent on behalf of the club at the Ricoh while crowds remain below 5,000.
But they have set a deadline for tomorrow (Friday) for the club’s owners to act by dropping the appeal, paying the £590,000 owed and arranging to meet with the council or deciding to remain at Sixfields for the upcoming season.
A spokesman for KCIC added: “We desperately hope we are wrong, but the last few days have all the hallmarks of a typical Sisu spin campaign – raising hopes of progress while their strategy and tactics sadly don’t change at all.”
Fans make their way from Highfield Road to Broadgate. Picture by Jon Mullis 29.014.006.cov.jm27 (www.buyphotos247.com)
