FOOTBALL: MIDFIELDER Liam Kelly hopes high expectations from Coventry City fans can spur the Sky Blues onto a second League Two win on the spin tomorrow afternoon at Grimsby.
The 27-year-old, who joined the Sky Blues from Leyton Orient on a two-year deal in May, said a positive pre-season coupled with last week’s 3-0 win at home to Notts County has made his time so far at Coventry enjoyable.
And he hopes the positive vibes can continue tomorrow afternoon as more than 1,250 Sky Blues supporters make the lengthy round trip to Lincolnshire.
He said: “Expectation is a good thing. The pressure to go and perform really spurs us on.
“It’s been a really good start the my career at Coventry City. Pre-season was fantastic.
“Everybody has got to know eachother and on the pitch players have gelled well.
“We’re only one game in but we’ll try and build on last week of course.”
Kelly played the full 90 minutes last Saturday, joining skipper Michael Doyle in the centre of midfield.
The former Bristol City man spoke highly of his new skipper, and said they both play similarly.
“I’ve played against Michael a few times,” Kelly said.
“He’s an experienced player and has been at good clubs. He’s a good man to have in the dressing room.
“We started well last week. The two late goals helped but the performance was great.
“Notts County will be up there at the end of the season. They’re a physically strong side.
“This Saturday will be different. It’s another tough game, they all are.”
Part of Kelly’s decision to join the Sky Blues was down to the large fanbase and prestige that goes with wearing the Sky Blues badge.
He added: “It’s cliche but Coventry is a big club – the fanbase is fantastic. We’re taking a lot of fans to Grimsby. That’s all part of the attraction.
“There was a good atmosphere last weekend and a strong crowd.
“The away support makes a huge difference.”