FIVE days remain until Coventry City face Oxford United at Wembley Stadium for the Checkatrade Trophy Final.
Today, members of management and players will be talking to the press ahead of the game.
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2.35pm: That concludes the press conference. Thankyou for following the action.
George Thomas: “Biggest crowd I’ve played in front of is 23,000. Hopefully I’ll get the opportunity to play. We’ve all got to go there and think this is a great chance for us and bring something back to the city.
“We’ve sold thousands of tickets. The club is massive. It’s an honour to play for them.
“We’re going into the match knowing we can cause them problems. We’ve beaten them this season and they’ve beaten us – it’s best of three.”
Jordan Willis: “Everyone around the changing room is really excited. Our form in this cup has been good. To have wto league wins in the build up to it has been good.
“It’s every boy’s dream to captain their team at Wembley. I’ve dreamt of lifting the trophy. I haven’t seen the trophy. I went to watch Norwich vs Middlesborough playoff final. To play there will be different though.
“40,000 fans at Wembley will be brilliant. It will be a massive lift. It doesn’t surprise me how many are coming.
“There will be some reorganisation. It doesn’t bother me Oxford scored five (last night). We’re going into the game off the back of two wins. I think we will do ourselves justice. We’re going there Saturday to get a feeling of the place which will be good.
“It means everything to everyone involved at the club. To win this game would mean everything to everyone.”
1.53pm: Robins’ chat has now ended. We now move onto the three players.
ROBINS:
Robins is now talking: “Training’s been of a decent intensity. Off the back of two wins galvanises that spirit.
“Oxford are on an upward curve. They’re a great team. In terms of our league poisition we’re underdogs. We’ve got tremendous backing.
“We’ll be going all out to deliver a win. I think any team could freeze on the day. Teams with more experience sometimes don’t perform on the big day.
“It’s important the game doesn’t pass us by. We need to take in the sights and sounds. They’re young, but there should be no fear – age is on their side.
“This is a one-off cup final. We’re totally focused on what we’re doing. They’ll be some disappointed players. It’s never easy leaving them out. Whoever goes out has to deliver, do themselves and the club justice.
“Tudgay and Kwame Thomas possibly in frame. I will know more by end of the week. Doubts over one or two.
“I’ll 100 per cent enjoy it. It’s a privilege and I’m proud. It’s a strange feeling with Tony and Russell having been in charge before.
“Protesting is nothing to do with me. I’m getting the team prepared and ready for the game. People should enjoy it and make sure it’s a positive day for everyone.
“Until that noise and atmosphere hits you, you don’t know what to expect. It might be daunting, but that’s okay. It’s important we enjoy the day.
“It’s a big part of our history. I think the connection between the supporters and the players is still there. They’ll deliver for us and we need to deliver for them.
“I’ve asked Oggy to walk out with me and the team. He is part of the fabric of the football club.
“I was at Oxford last night. I think they’re a good team. Got good players. You can see there’s a method and they’re working hard to eachother.
“They’ve got some good quality. They have decent movement, pace from the full-back and wide areas. It will be a tough game for us. Beating Bristol Rovers was good preparation for the final – Oxford are on a similar journey to them.
1.14pm: We’re expecting Mark Robins to be speaking in five minutes.
1.05pm: Still waiting. For Robins to speak from Ryton. In the meantime here’s what Robins said after Saturday’s home win against Bristol Rovers where he mentioned his side can go and enjoy this weekend’s final | https://coventryobserver.co.uk/sport/reaction-robins-says-his-side-can-enjoy-wembley-following-hard-fought-win-against-bristol-rovers/
12.56pm: A bit of waiting to do now while some TV work takes place downstairs.
12.44pm: Oggy’s press conference has now ended. We now wait for manager Mark Robins and players Jordan Willis, George Thomas and Calum Reilly.
OGGY:
Oggy has arrived. He says: “It’s going to be a special day. We’re really looking forward to it.”
“It’s been a disappointing season. We’re going to forget that. Let’s enjoy it and put a smile on fans’ faces. We’re not covering over the cracks.
“How will the team react in front of a full house at Wembley? How will Oxford react? Nobody knows.
“If we do go a goal down, don’t drop heads. That’s what we did in our cup final.
“You don’t bring 40,000 to a cup final if there’s not a fan base. It’s a one-club city. It’s unfortunate what’s happened – there’s so many reasons. At some stage this club will turn around. I get nervous for a golf game – you never know what’s going to happen. The adrenaline will be there. There will be a few nerves.
12.30pm – Media now waiting for Coventry goalkeeper coach ‘Oggy’ who will talk ahead of Sunday’s final.
12.24pm – Bit behind schedule here. Players appear to just be finishing off their training session.
