CAPTAIN Michael Doyle has told The Observer it would be ‘sad’ if Coventry City leaves the Ricoh Arena next season and spoke of the need to build attendances.
Asked by us at today’s press conference about his views on where the Sky Blues’ home games should be after this season, he said the Ricoh Arena was built for Coventry City.
Asked specifically if he would like to see the club stay at the Ricoh, he said: “Things like that are out of our hands as players.
“It’s a fantastic stadium. It was built for Coventry City. It would be sad to see us leave that stadium.
“There’s nothing I can do to control that.
“Speaking to a lot of people around Coventry there’s a lot of people excited about Coventry City FC.
“I know it’s very early but it goes to show what the club is capable of. It’s great to hear people talking positively again about the performances.
“People are starting to get excited and it’s important the players are aware of that.
“Hopefully us as players can draw people back to home games because there would be nothing better than playing in front of bigger crowds.
“The crowds turning up at the moment are getting behind the team.”
The club’s future remains unclear after this season, when a four-year temporary arrangement to rent from stadium owners Wasps expires.
Coventry City chief executive Dave Boddy has said recently talks with landlords Wasps had resumed after a long period of no discussion, and he hoped to be able to say more before Christmas.
The club’s chairman Tim Fisher reiterated earlier this year a preference to groundshare with Coventry rugby club at the Butts Park Arena, potentially starting with temporary arrangements ahead of plans to expand the stadium.
Cov rugby’s chairman Jon Sharp has stated there could be no talks with the Sky Blues’ owners Sisu amid legal action concerning Coventry City Council’s sale of the Ricoh Arena to then London Wasps in 2014.
More to come from our interview with Michael Doyle.
Picture: CCFC.