Coventry City Banter - Join the debate with CCFC fans, staff writers and club legends

Latest Coventry City news from the Coventry Telegraph

2009-11-12T13:03:57Z

Grieving Marcus Hall set for Coventry City return

MARCUS HALL is looking to make himself available to play against Crystal Palace when the Sky Blues get back to action after the international break.

Inside Write: Gary Madine

I HAVE settled in well at Coventry and I love it here.

* For more Coventry City news and gossip click here.

The Men in the Middle

2009-11-11T14:23:47Z

IVE always believed balance is important to create a great football team.Too many players of the same sort in one area usually means the team wont gel

This is most obvious in midfield where particularly if you're playing just two central midfielders they should complement each other.

Id catagorize midfielders in three ways

THE BALL WINNER- Right from Nobby Stiles in the 1966 World Cup team a balanced side has needed a midfielder who wins the team possession and gives it to the other players to use. A legendary figure in Sky Blue colours was Lloyd McGrath who specialised in that art

THE PLAYMAKER- The midfielder with the ability to look up and hit a defence splitting pass over long distance. Glen Hoddle was a prime example. For City older fans will remember Steve Hunt's passing ability.Today Sammy Clingan is in the role

THE RUNNER/GOALSCORER-The midfield player who makes forward runs unsettling the defenders and scoring as regularly as a forward. Frank Lampard certainly fits the bill at Chelsea. City have rarely had a player like this in thier ranks

Most modern midfielders have one or two of these facets to thier game. Few have them all. Bryan Robson in his heydey comes to mind as one who did. Steven Gerrard comes pretty close today

In my opinion the jewel in City's midfield crown is still Aron Gunnarson. Bought as a ball winner to complement Beuzelins playmaker, in his first season we saw much more from him.

He's shown that he can carry the role of playmaker and is increasingly starring coming forward. the Icelander is far more than a long throw. If his poorer form this season indicates hes not happy at the club and may leave that would be a great shame
Im enjoying seeing him develop as a player

Latest Coventry City news from the Coventry Telegraph

2009-11-11T10:59:54Z

Coventry City make official bid for Richard Wood

COVENTRY CITY have made a formal approach for Sheffield Wednesday's transfer-listed central defender Richard Wood.

Stephen Wright struck down with flu - despite Sky Blues jabs

COVENTRY CITY have taken steps to ward off winter bugs by having the entire squad vaccinated - but a gap in their biological defences meant that skipper Stephen Wright missed the last two games with a dose of flu.

* For more Coventry City news and gossip click here.

Latest Coventry City news from the Coventry Telegraph

2009-11-10T11:45:32Z

Coventry City planning new contract offer for Leon Best

COVENTRY CITY are determined to fight to keep leading scorer Leon Best and are poised to make him an improved contract offer in an attempt to fend off interest from other clubs.

Coventry City Under-18s earn praise after losing Aston Villa thriller

COVENTRY City Under-18s earned praise from Academy boss Gregor Rioch after a battling display against Aston Villa.

* For more Coventry City news and gossip click here.

Should we really dislike Robbie Savage?

2009-11-09T22:48:26Z

Loathe him or hate him, you can't ignore the influence Robbie Savage had in Derby's infuriating triumph over our Sky Blues last Friday.

With a stiff upper lip of British stoicism I refused to get annoyed with the attention lavished on Savage even before a ball had been kicked. He's only one (aging) player - why should Chris Coleman have to single him out to reassure us all that his 'antics' wouldn't have our players either hiding behind the corner flags, or punching him square in the face?

It's a reputation built up by insatiable media whore-hounds who single him out because he's: 1. Welsh, 2. been sent off a couple of times, and 3. has long hair. If anything I admire him for the fact that somehow he still dominates pre-game talk even when there are other issues are casting huge issue-shaped shadows over him: like, when was the last time either team won a game?

My indifference to Robbie Savage lasted approximately sixty-two and a half minutes at which point I saw him on the writhing on the ground and the referee reaching for his pocket. I could've ripped his smug face right off, fed it to my dog (if I had one), burnt his hair off, and, and, and... stolen his boots. I was livid. I screamed at my TV, right up close as if my cries might somehow infiltrate the speakers and find their way through about six million miles of cable and onto the pitch.

The next morning I reflected on the anger that had descended the night before, and in a beautiful moment of clarity it dawned on me that I was just like all the other weak-minded fools who had fallen for the Savage trap. It was a bad tackle by Jordan Clarke (though not his fault, he wouldn't have seen Savage coming), and when two blokes run at full pelt towards each other and one gets kicked... it hurts.

And Savage's reaction? He rolls once, but given his speed at the time of the challenge we can put that down to momentum. Otherwise, it's how most fouled players react, hardly theatrical, and certain not to draw a comment had it happened to any other player on the field.

But we're missing the real crux of the matter here. Robbie Savage played an excellent game. Sat in front of the Derby back-four, he not only offered protection for his defenders, but always made himself available for the ball; played neat, accurate passes; never gave the ball away; and broke up a lot of City's play. Add to that the antagonistic effect he appeared to have on our players, and it shows you what an asset he is.

The closest we have to that is Sammy Clingan, and we all know that we're missing him at the moment. Some have questioned why we ever let Michael Doyle go. I find that astonishing. Yes he may have some of the aggression and tenacity that a player like Savage has. But there's one big difference: Savage can pass the ball to a teammate.

I'm not saying I wish Savage was a Sky Blue. No. I'd sooner have Craig Bellamy back. I just wish I had just cause to be angry at him. I wish it had been his antics that had beaten us, not his football. That would have been easier to swallow.

Latest Coventry City news from the Coventry Telegraph

2009-11-09T12:25:13Z

Leon Barnett keeping his options open over move

LEON BARNETT says he's keeping his options open over whether to move to Coventry City in January.

Leon Barnett happy with Coventry City debut despite defeat

LEON BARNETT says he jumped at the chance of getting first-team football at Coventry City FC and is determined to help the Sky Blues tighten up at the back.

* For more Coventry City news and gossip click here.

Sky Blues are a soft touch

2009-11-09T09:12:43Z

I DIDN'T go to Pride Park on friday, went to the pub to watch the game instead.
Leon Best's early well taken goal, raised a big cheer in the pub, but you always have that gut feeling this season, that the opposition will come back and beat us, and that's exactly what happened.

We have become so predictable, a real soft touch, we are about as tough as a wobbly blancmange, home or away it doesn't matter, the team the City are playing seem to know this, don't panic it's only Coventry City, we can beat them.

And being a long suffering fan, that angers me, it's bad enough seeing your team keep losing, but to be seen as a soft side, with no backbone, that's enough to make any supporter irate.

The mood in the pub after the game wasn't good either, the "ex fans" who have chosen not to follow the City anymore, had a great time in slagging the team off, I told you so attitude.

But we all know, that if the Sky Blues were up at the top alongside Newcastle, and West Brom, they'd be back at the Ricoh, but until that happens, they will continue to stay away.

As I'm a season ticket holder, I'll be there, but just because I'm a regular, that doesn't mean I'm happy with the club, I'm just getting fed up following a team that seems to accept losing as the norm.

TURNER versus Ward - Battle of the Centre Halves

2009-11-08T21:04:43Z

One subject that splits opinions down the middle with City fans is the Turner / Ward situation. Chris Coleman has made his thoughts clear on the subject by picking Turner ahead of Ward when ever he has the option. So why is Turner always preferred to Ward?

To me there is currently not much difference between the two. Both defenders are good in the air, physically strong with a distinct lack of pace. Both players have a habit of diving in to challenges when they should stay on their feet. Both seem to lose concentration at vital times giving the opposition chances. Ward is a good penalty taker and pops up with the odd goal at set pieces which Turner doesn't.

Scott Dann was our first choice centre half last season. Both Ward and Turner were here last season and Coleman still went out and signed McPake. Either Coleman knew he was going to lose Dann, possible, or he still had doubts about both players. As Turner is younger, Coleman probably thinks that he can iron out the mistake in
Ben's game.

Footballing considerations taken to one side, Turner has more time left on his contract, which is an important bearing in mind the current financial situation. Turner is also undoubtedly on less money than Ward who was brought in from West Ham. As we have seen with Doyle, loaned out to reduce the wage bill and Marshall let go as we had another reserve goalkeeper under contract, we don't always keep the players we want.

So maybe it isn't just a footballing decision as to why Turner is Coleman first choice.

One person just can't make that much difference...

2009-11-07T16:25:04Z

FOR some time now, despite many pessimistic friends / fans and certain forum entry posters, I have refrained from learning towards that big red PANIC button on my metaphorical desk, but after last nights woeful performance coupled with a manager appearing to be in denial as to how really bad things are, one has to ask the question can one man make a difference?

The one man, Sammy Clingan, because lets face it I personally do see that there is a correlation between his injury and our current demise in form, but if you look at last nights team, with the exception of perhaps playing Cranie instead of Jordan Clarke and Westwood in goal, we are back to our theoretical best 1st eleven.

So, Sammy's return undoubtedly will help, but enough, I simply don't think so. Last nights game was so bad on so many different levels, it was verging on ineptitude. We couldn't find a pass at times and we need Westwood back instead of Konstantopoulos simply because he is a better shot stopper than the latter and whilst Laurel and Hardy defending continues, it will ensure he is kept very busy.

The midfield lost 75-80% of the battle and the strike force, asides from Leon Best, who deserves some credit for his performance, but some is the operative word, but his finish was to be complemented. Clinton and Freddie, simply didn't turn up however.

I honestly don't know what game Andy Turner and Chris Coleman were watching, but it wasn't the same surely as myself, nor my friends at both the game and those watching on Sky. Has Coleman lost his players and the dressing room, I think perhaps he has started to and that genuinely is the first time that I have thought this to be the case.

Where do we go from here, with or without Sammy Clingan, with all incumbents staying the same and no further serious investment this year, simple, down, since the best we could then hope for is 21st place any lower and the trip to League one would mean we were there far longer than our nemesis Leicester ever were.

Which game was I watching ?

2009-11-07T15:19:26Z

AFTER another depressing away defeat against Derby last night I find it astonishing to read the positive spin put out by the Manager and the Telegraph reporter

Im told it was a gutsy performance. We were the better team in the first half.It was much better than last week, and there were lots of positives

I have to say I wished I shared that view,then I could be a bit more optimistic about our future prospects.

After being thrilled to see us take the lead in four minutes,I hoped to see the team gain confidence from that and dominate the first half.Infact by the twentieth minute Derby had driven us back and made five good goalscoring opportunities

A wild shot from Jack Cork was our only other effort on goal. After surviving what looked an obvious penalty,and a glaring miss by Paul Dickov I was screaming for the half time whistle.

Its beyond me how anyone could conclude we were the better side.Of course I hoped our luck would hold out in the second half as we needed a win however it came

Predictably we were behind by the hour mark. Personally I didnt think either goal was a blatant example of bad defending. Leon Barnett and Elliot Ward made a decent partnership at the back.

Barnett was built like a boxer and at times played like one too. Ward thankfully survived that first half penalty

It was likely that we'd concede eventually If only for the huge pressure put on the defence by our anonymous midfield. Gunnarson,Cork,and Osbourne were overrun in the centre of the park.

Not for the first time this season the team cried out for the tenacity of a Michael Doyle in midfield

Clarke seemed unlucky to be sent off.The referee off course doesnt have a slow motion playback and it did look clumsy

I dont know if not getting thrashed by Derby is a definition of a gutsy display. It could have easily been worse

I think instead of whinging about injuries we should take a long hard look at ourselves in the International break.Derby did not field an outstanding side.Man for man we should have been able to compete with them

But no one can seriously argue they did not deserve to win and win well. A team who cannot compete with Derby is not one who'll challenge for the play offs

As we dip closer to the relegation zone, the next home gate could dip even lower
The Coventry City board will be monitoring that with interest

Happy doing nothing

2009-11-06T12:04:54Z

WHATEVER the media channel - Coventry City fans have a lot to say about one thing: NOTHING.

Way back when - City pioneered survival in the top flight before it actually became a fashionable strategy and here we are setting the standards again.

Next season the prospect of a decade in the Championship is sealed with the current impasse - Coventry are going nowhere and unnervingly, lower half limbo is fast becoming our holding position.

As fans we would like to hold on to whatever assets we have and whenever they come our way - but with a burgeoning financial crisis and a risk adverse Chairman you can guarantee the trading position will be sell Best at best price.

Whether it is glory chasing Leon or Westwood between the woodwork the need to fill the leaky bucket is far greater than any lofty aspirations of play offs contention.

Given the depth of squad dilemna and the reluctance to support the youth "policy" with some league stalwarts the question will be can any of us stand the test of time.

For us fans it means more nothingness - for Ranson it means keeping a beady eye on the Ricoh fin(n)ish line as the hope of financial gains at the Home Of Engish Football fade away.

It is a bit grim I am afraid but we know that and pre-season we talked of how lucky mid table might prove come the end of the campaign.

Us fans are always right - it is just that we might need a bit more than luck.

Keep the faith and get behind the team AND Coleman because he needs the support as well right now.

A new Manager is not going to change anything - NOTHING is here to stay.

Big Derby game tonight
While We Sing Together

Latest Coventry City news from the Coventry Telegraph

2009-11-06T10:49:36Z

Coventry City must win tonight, says Chris Coleman

CHRIS COLEMAN admits tonight's televised clash at Pride Park is an early season "must-win" encounter for both sides.

Chris Coleman warning over Robbie Savage wind-ups

IF and when Channel Four decide to pad out another hour's worth of airtime with a 'players you love to hate' poll, it's a fair bet that Robbie Savage will at least make the final three of the shortlist.

* For more Coventry City news and gossip click here.

Getting to know the score

2009-11-05T15:03:25Z

THESE days I don't attend that many away games,so I'm full of admiration for those who travel long distances throughout the season.

But every away game I'm desperate to know the score. Down the years I've stopped at TV shop windows when they are turned to Teletext and i've gone into betting shops pretending I was about to bet,when I really just wanted to know the score

But more than once if I got a score that way and City were winning I'd have a false sense of security and an unpleasent surprise at full time

As a result some times I ducked into the Cinema turned off the mobile,and only got a score at full time

But that didnt work I found that I had to know how the match was developing for my peace of mind.

Many a Saturday afternoon was spent with a pint in the Tudor Rose in the City Centre. That Sky programme hosted by Jeff Stelling at least let me know exactly what was happening. Waiting for the printer to come up with news of a City goal really was like torture at times

So it had to be the radio. Ive listened to CWR for many an away game. Ive always found it difficult to get used to the fact that loud crowd noise is a sign that the opposition are on top of the game rather than us.The commentators are fierce City loyalists and always try hard to put a postive spin on the game. At times this has been hard to do and the post match phone in is required listening

Just lately Ive caught on to the fact that Mercia do a commentary too. This comes under the Mercia Sky Blue Goal Zone. A great name for the programme, but I listened against Sheffield wednesday and Cardiff. The only thing it was missing was Sky Blue goals.

But I enjoyed listening to the commentary of Dave Bennett. He is clearly passionate about the game. He's very direct in what he says,and often comes in with comments at the most unexpected times

But probably the best way of following an away game without being there is down the pub with a SKY transmission. I still have fond memories of our win at Birmingham last season, that I watched in my local club.

All the best to those who'll be there against Derby on Friday. I salute you, from the pub and hope when we all get to know the score it'll be what we all hope for

Latest Coventry City news from the Coventry Telegraph

2009-11-05T11:11:25Z

Leon Barnett thrown straight into action

NEW loan signing Leon Barnett will be handed the task of helping to plug Coventry City's leaky defence against Derby County tomorrow night.

Jermaine Grandison wants the chance to show hes got the X Factor

SATURDAY'S game against Reading was a big day for me.

* For more Coventry City news and gossip click here.

Latest Coventry City news from the Coventry Telegraph

2009-11-04T12:01:03Z

Coventry City sign West Brom starlet on loan

CHRIS Coleman has bolstered his injury-hit Coventry City squad by signing West Brom defender Leon Barnett on loan until January.

Jermaine Grandison has bright future, says Chris Coleman

COVENTRY CITY boss Chris Coleman is backing rookie centre-back Jermaine Grandison to have a bright future after his baptism of fire against Reading.

* For more Coventry City news and gossip click here.