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Player Ratings and three down only 97 points required for the title

By Knowl

Here we go again then. After a summer where expectation levels have dropped to unprecedented low levels, we kicked off with 3 debutants and a team consisting of 8 players signed by Coleman.

Sunday 9th August – 3.00 pm The Ricoh.

We all know that the people who call in to CWR can be slightly off their rocker, however my personal favourite this week who compared our support to the plastic manc and scousers who continue to attend games even when Man Utd or Liverpool go through a rough patch. We have been on a downward spiral for an awfully long time, we ended last season in terrible form and the natives have seen two of their priced assets sold and only three players being brought into the side to replace the 10 players who have left since the end of last season. We now have a first team, which is as good as any since relegation, we now a right and left-winger in the same squad for the first time since god knows when. We are building, but like a small child it is one step in front of another and then we fall down, but we are starting the long journey to being stable on our feet so lets get behind the boys and Coleman because things are improving just not as quickly as we all want.

Three Parish Notices.

Firstly, well thats what I call balance. A midfield consisting of 4 players we have signed for a fee, which must have been a first since the first season post relegation, and containing a right midfielder, a defensive ball player, a dynamic attacking player and a left winger. Wow, who would have thought that having players in their natural positions, having players who are seasoned pros, who are in or approaching their primes, instead of the usual square pegs in round holes and other teams cast offs, would make such a difference. Ok ok, yes it is only one game but things have to start somewhere and looking at the team sheet we are looking less lopsided than we have for an awful long time.

Secondly, this is a big season for some members of the slim line Sky Blue squad. Players such as Best, Osbourne and Turner need to kick on and demonstrate the faith and time shown in them has been worthwhile. Clinton and Freddie have to prove that they have it in them to lead a team to the edge of the play offs, they aren't getting any younger and there stock is on the way down not up, so now is the time to put down a marker on how their Coventry career is going to be defined. Others like Westie and Gunnar have to make sure there is not a second season syndrome, and then we are left with the kids. Now I am a big believer that kids turn into pros during the ages 18-21, in that age they need the games to develop and learn by doing, so lets give the kids a chance and lets allow them to make mistakes but they must learn from them if they are to have the careers we all want them to have.

Lastly, it may seem a strange time to say thank yous, but as I did not last season I need to right that wrong. So thank you to the lads from Stratford who keep me in check by abusing, insulting and taking great joy in taking the pee out of me on the many occasions that I am wrong. They have had to listen to my rants, pre-games, during games and post games, for about a decade now. They are also often quoted in my rantings and while I like to claim all the writings I put together are purely my own, they are often moulded and corrected by these patient few, so when I do these player ratings they are often based on discussions during the game, so cheers, Pritchard, Jimbo, Jimbos Dad, Andy, Jez and Moleo. I would also like to thank JC, who has to suffer my erratic driving and my rawer rants on the way to and from the Ricoh every game. Then there is usual people like me mother who got me going to the City and has always listened to my ramblings since childhood and my uncle who will always email me when he thinks I am completely wrong. Finally, Mrs. K Jnr who continually allows me to get things off my chest in this way!!!

HOW THEY LINED UP

Coventry: Westwood, Osbourne, Van Aalholt, Wright (c), Turner, Bell, (Clarke 63), Clingan, Gunnarsson, Best, (Eastwood 61), Morrison, McIndoe, (Ward 82)

Subs Not Used: Konstantopoulos, Cain, Grandison, Jeffers

Booked:

Sent Off:

Goals: Morrison 10, 24

Player Ratings

Westie – 7 There were a couple of priceless comic moments during the Ipswich game, my personal favourite was the beautiful dummy late in the second half, where to less attentive supporter it looks like he let the ball through his legs, and the ball bounced wide. Westie made a couple of decent saves, with the tip over the bar and the palm away when the Ipswich left winger was through being the ones standing out, but he looked unsure on a few occasions and he needs to speak more especially when a long ball in pumped forward and drops between himself and the centre backs.

Ozzie – 6 Lets start with the positives, his cross for the goal was perfect i.e. it was hit with pace and towards the penalty spot and when he went into midfield he put in a decent amount of work. The fact he moved around the pitch as our tactics dictated showed a good attitude. However, his aimless punt when he had half an hour to pick a pass while at right back was horrifically bad, other times when he left his post and chased a ball which was not his to chased, and requiring the brilliant Clingan to sacrifice his position to cover the vacated right back role left me in despair, he was not up against a wide player for most of the first half yet his positioning when Ipswich hit a long cross field pass has to be questioned once again. When he moved into midfield he may have put in the required work but his lack of awareness was worrying, yes he did his job but at the end of the day he made as many mistakes as he did good things and for that reason he gets a 6.

Wright – 7 Worked hard, made a couple of decent interceptions and showed his worth to the side by moving to right back and to allow the dominant Ward to come on. No frills but no ills either and needs to stay fit if we are to have a successful season.

Turner – 7 Like Wright, he did his job and made a couple of important tackles and blocks. He made mistakes and now is his time to put a voice to that physical stature he has, with a kid at left back he needs to take the step up from drone to leader.

Van Manhole – 7 At fault for the first goal? When you have kid who was brought in only a day or two before hand you need someone to take the lead and talk him through the game. Many a players head would have dropped but no, this young Dutch flyer went from strength to strength. He got himself into the box and if he had taken a little time and dinked the keeper we would have been celebrating an easier victory. When you have pace, composure, skill and dutchness, was he taught how to pass and move from childhood, then you can pop up in the centre of mid, at left back, be moved to left mid and still look comfy in your first ever game says a lot.

Bell – 6 Only played on the right midfield for 10mins, he was swiftly moved centrally after Ipswichs 451 formation, which curiously seemed to lack a left winger, so we needed extra bodies in the middle. He then played central, when Gunnar was moved wide right, and basically had to put his own game behind the requirements of the team. He did this quietly and efficiently and deserves praise for playing for his teammates and the team more than personal glory.

Clingan – 8 May just by the most important player Gunnar will ever play alongside. At the end of last season we had Boozy and Doyle, now we have merged them together in one complete championship player. Clingan has the ability to read the game be it, following a midfielder runner, be it, covering a teammate out of position, and, be it, passing out of a tight situation. He is defensive in the main, and he can pass the ball 5 yards as well as spraying the ball 40 yards, and he looks like he can create as well as destroy. For me MOTM!!

Gunnar – 7 During the week I had my annual preseason phone conversation with Pritchard, where I explain that we are doomed and he explains how we are on the verge of world domination. Whilst discussing the midfield we got on to Gunnar and it was put to me that Gunnar was defensive. Now I disagree, I just thought he needed the license to attack, a freedom he wasn't afforded last season whether he played with Boozy or Doyle. When he is maurdering forward he is only stopped by a cynical foul or by him playing the ball. So when he ran at the Ipswich centre back and knocked the ball past him and then just walked past him into the box it was the most enjoyable moment of the game, ok baring the goal. Gunnar has that dynamism every team needs, and with Clingan acting as his minder we may have finally found a central midfielder partnership we have been lacking in many years. Also played wide when needed and whilst it wasn't his greatest performance he is definitely the one player to enjoy while we can, because he is going on to bigger things.

McIndoe – 7 Linked up well with the Dutch kid and showed he is what we have been lacking for many a year. There is more to come from this guy and in a more open game he will be more effective.

Best – 7 Put himself around and again proved when he is on the pitch we are a more penetrative side. He has the ability to hold the ball up when we are under pressure and he looked up for it. Played some nice balls into Clinton and he linked up with Gunnar when we countered.

Clinton – 8 All I ask of our main centre - goal scoring - forward is to score goals. I don't care if he runs around like an idiot to the right wing or the left wing, I want him to run after a long punt upfield and force the keeper in to looking like the idiot. I want him to shoot or header everything around the box towards the goal and I will forgive most sins if he scores two goals and we win. The clearance off the line, while brilliant, does leave me asking one question, if he hadn't been playing everyone on side would he have needed to head the ball off the line? Well done Morrison we won and you deserve all the plaudits your going to get.

Subs

Eastwood – 6 Looked nice and tidy when he came on. Started upfront, went wide left when we went to 451 and then moved back through the middle when we went back to 442. Looked fresh and up for it, not the easiest match to enter but he did add something which was not always the case last season.

Clarke – 7 17 years old, showed composure well beyond his years and looks a real prospect. I would not be surprised to see him cement his position at right back before the opening game of next season.

Ward – 8 There is no question over his ability, however, there are big questions over his attitude. He game on and headed, kick and fought for every ball that came near him and it is too his credit that he had the impact he did.

Coleman

Coleman 8

We started playing 442, with two wide players, we went then changed and Bell was brought more central, then we went back to having two wide players as Gunnar was pushed wide, soon after that we went to 451 and we ended up finishing the game playing 442 with wide players. Some players such as Jordan Clarke played in multiple positions and everyone quickly adapted to the alterations and that says a lot for the work that has been done over the summer. The introduction of Ward made us even stronger at the back but it is always a brave move to rearrange the centre of your defence during the latter stages of the game but it worked well. The summer signings have added balance and I am sure that Coleman knows that the key weakness remaining is the lack of depth and that needs to be rectified before the end of August, but so far so good. However, when at corners Ipswich push all their players forward and we pull everyone back, so there are around 19 grown men inside the penalty area and every corner turns into a full size version of pinball leaves me very annoyed. The ball end up anywhere and it is just as likely that we will put the ball into our net or play someone on side for no reason as Ipswich scoring a beauty.

In short. We won, we defended our lead in the second half, and there were one or two ropey moments but we scored two fine goals and the signs are good. We need more players but only of the quality of the new signings and it was great to see a 17-year-old kid make his league debut and not look out of place. The futures bright, the futures Jordan Clarke.

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Sky Blue Paper Talk: City v Ipswich

By Mel Dixon.

In his first article on GMK, new contributor Mel Dixon scours the national newspapers to get their take on Coventry’s opening game of the season against the Tractor Boys.

The build-up to Ipswich Town’s visit to the Ricoh Arena almost exclusively focused on the Roy Keane factor, as his well-fancied side took on the lightly regarded Sky Blues. The fact that Chris Coleman’s men didn’t follow the script – and succeeded in upsetting the odds - could not shift attention away from the nature of Roy ‘It’s All About Me’ Keane.

Keane’s admission that he loses his appetite and can barely sleep if his team loses, provided the focal point for the sports writers while Coventry, as victors, were a mere backdrop. Keane turned 38 on Monday, a fact which eluded no-one. “Happy Birthday, Roy Keane? Not quite,” wrote Paul Doyle in The Guardian, “The Irishman will celebrate... by travelling to Shrewsbury for tomorrow’s Carling Cup tie with the frustration of this defeat gnawing at his sides.” Though Doyle added that he ought not be too despondent as, “There were elements of Ipswich’s performance that justified their billing among the favourites for promotion. Their physical power gave them a clear edge over their opponents...”

Neil Moxley in the Daily Mail, went further and said that Ipswich had, “dominated in almost every area, apart from where it mattered most against Chris Coleman’s plucky bunch.” For Moxley, it was ‘Morrison’s match,’ which is perhaps the best summation of the game considering he scored two goals and cleared one off the line. Yet still this wasn’t enough to stop Keane from dominating the piece.

The most bizarre match report came from James Nursey in the Daily Mirror who began by stating, “Many people may have sleepless nights on the eve of their birthday, but Roy Keane’s will have been caused by mulling over Ipswich’s opening-day loss...” Hmmm. I haven’t had a sleepless night on the eve of my birthday since I was 12 (actually that may have been Christmas Eve). Nursey then goes on to describe how Roy Keane gave a rare insight into ‘what makes him tick’. Presumably, that’s rare in the same way that a dire Jim Davidson gag is rare. The writer then blabs on about how Keane is as intense a manager as he was a player before concluding that the result leaves him, “a long way from fulfilling his ambitions to manage a top club and experience top-flight football again.”

David Moore’s report in The Sun consisted mainly of quotations but once again the focus was on how Keane had been “Birthday Bashed.” Coleman praised the spirit of his players and commented on how the pre-match publicity surrounding Ipswich was fine by him. I doubt he cares whether they also got the post-match publicity.

Phil Shaw in The Independent praised, “...a cheaply constructed Coventry [who] were faster out of the traps and showed resilience in the face of second half pressure.” Shaw may have questioned the nature of Morrison’s Irish nationality, but not the “pedigree of his finishing.”

Keane had sent his men to a training camp with the parachute regiment, wrote Sandy Macaskill in The Daily Telegraph, yet, “...all he really needed to do was subject them to an afternoon at the Ricoh Arena against Coventry.” The first half, “...would have been more painful than anything the paras could have thrown at them.” Her description of Morrison’s exquisite first goal emphasised the sloppy defending rather than the majestic nature of the finish. The second goal wasn’t bad either, but hey-ho, this was the Roy Keane show.

So in summary, all the match reports gave overriding attention to the impact that this game would have on Roy Keane. It was not about Coventry beating Ipswich, it was about Roy Keane’s team losing the game, and how this would affect the man. How he might not be able to eat. How he might not be able to sleep; and how this would put a dampener on his birthday. The football writers were all indulging themselves in Roy Keane’s self-indulgent mutterings.

So in effect, they were also being self-indulgent. And by writing this, I’m just as guilty – it’s like a never-ending feedback loop of Roy Keane indulgence. Only Keano has the power to stop it. But then what would the hacks have to write about? The actual game maybe?

I wouldn’t bet on it...

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The GMK Match Preview: Sky Blues v Hartlepool

By Smiles

In times gone by this was known as the ‘Worthless Cup’ & although he didn’t say it directly, you get the feeling this game is an interference for Chris Coleman as City face Hartlepools in the 2nd of 3 games in the first week of the season at the Ricoh.

THE SKY BLUES Vs THE MONKEY HANGERS

CHRIS COLEMAN launched a rebuke on the fixture congestion that is forcing the Sky Blues to play three matches in the space of seven days. He says it was a “ludicrous” decision to plan the first round of the Carling Cup and a full friendly international programme for the opening week of the new Championship campaign. He also claimed that the hectic schedule is “dangerous” because of the early-season strain it puts on clubs with limited resources. Coleman’s squad is down to the bare bones for tonights tie against League One Hartlepool United with seven of Sunday’s starting 11 against Ipswich unavailable.

Meanwhile Coleman has claimed that United are the favourites for the tie despite their appalling away record last term.

Quoted in The Telegraph this morning he commented: We’ve done our homework on Hartlepool and they’re a decent team with some big lads in the side. I’m sure they’ll enjoy playing at a fantastic stadium like the Ricoh Arena, and they’ll fancy their chances after getting a good result at MK Dons on Saturday.

It was always going to be a stiff test for us, so when you consider that we might well start with five lads who have just signed their first professional contracts – and probably have to take four or five from Gregor Rioch’s Academy to make up the bench – you’ve got to make them the strong favourites. That doesn’t mean they’re going to get an easy game from us, because they wont – we want to make progress in the competition so, make no mistake, this is a game that we want to win.

GAME ON THIS FIXTURES

TEAM NEWS

Chris Coleman will be forced to name a much-changed line-up this evening with seven of the side which kicked off against Ipswich on Sunday unavailable as Keiren Westwood, Sammy Clingan, Aron Gunnarsson and Leon Best are all on international duty - although Best also has a shin injury.

City swoop for Cranie

by Ian Palmer

The Sky Blues have agreed an undisclosed fee with Portsmouth for the transfer of England Under-21 defender Martin Cranie.

According to Sky Sports, the versatile six-foot defender is having a medical today (Wednesday) subject to signing a three-year deal with the club.

Cranie began his career at Southampton where he helped his side to the FA Youth Cup final in 2005. Loan spells at Bournemouth and hometown club Yeovil then followed before Harry Redknapp signed him for Portsmouth in 2007.

A loan move to QPR was cut short due to a broken leg, but Cranie recovered to make 19 appreances for Charlton last season. He returned to Portsmouth at the beginning of 2009 and made two FA Cup appearances.

The 22 year-old has also made 16 appearances for the England Under-21’s. He won rave reviews for his performances in this summer’s European Under 21 Championships, and notched up his first international goal in England’s 3-3 draw with Sweden.

Cranie would become Chris Coleman’s fourth summer signing, following the arrivals of Sammy Clingan from Norwich, Michael McIndoe from Bristol City, and Patrick van Aanholt on loan from Chelsea.

League Cup 1st Round: Coventry 0-1 Hartlepool (AET)

By Ian Palmer

An extra-time strike by subsitute Adam Boyd was enough to send Hartlepool into the second round of the Carling Cup at the expense of a gutsy but inexperienced Sky Blues side.

Wednesday 12th August, 2009 – 7:45pm – The Ricoh Arena

Chris Coleman had already bemoaned the international fixture schedule that robbed him of four first team players for this tie. Injuries to four more regulars meant that he was forced to field a team of mostly youngsters.

But the young Sky Blues players aquitted themselves handsomely and it was left to the senior players in the team to question why they weren’t able to impose themselves on a game which appeared to be there for the taking.

A subdued beginning saw Hartlepool content to sit back and let City knock the ball around at the back as they patiently picked their passes. Walker, Clarke Grandison: all willing to play the ball short and looking comfortable doing so.

The pace of Ashley Cain down the right and the trickery of Michael McIndoe down the left looked to be City’s creative outlets. But Hartlepool kept two disciplined banks of four behind the ball and allowed City little space in their half.

A Cain cross in the ninth minute carved out City’s first chance when Freddie Eastwood flashed a header wide of the post. Soon after a flick from Sean Jeffers sent Adam Walker through on goal only to see his shot well saved by Flanders in the Hartlepool goal.

City looked assured on the ball, and in no hurry to break their opposition down. It was no surprise when the half ended nil-nil.

The second half began in the same vain. Chances were scarce. Grandison and Turner were mopping up anything that came near the area with apparent ease. But just after the hour Hartlepool brought on James Brown and Colin Larkin and immediately looked more lively.

Brown burst through the heart of the City defense and Dimi had to stand tall to parry his attempted lob. Then a Grandison slip let in Larkin, but his shot was straight at the Greek stopper.

Coleman moved McIndoe inside to provide a creative spark, but to no avail. He was replaced by Morrison with just over ten minutes to go.

Jones and Sweeney both sent shots wide, and as the final whistle loomed City had their backs against the wall. Sweeney hit a near post volley wide when he really should have hit the target at least.

Extra-time ensued, and the tempo quickened. Dimi only just managed to claw Hartley’s long-range effort around the post, and hurt himself doing so, colliding with the post. After a lot of spray he was able to continue.

The crowd seemed to be begging Eastwood to take this game by the scruff, but it was another frustrating night for the striker. Another header of his from a Cain cross was blocked by a defender, and cries for handball were turned down.

Then Nathan Cameron replaced plucky Jordan Clarke at the back, and as City were reshuffling their rearguard, Larkin took advantage of the space down the right and sent in a cross to Boyd who finished cooly past Konstantopoulos.

The second half of extra-time was all Coventry. Cain hit a 20-yarder agonisingly wide before a mix up in the area between Morrison and Eastwood saw a golden opportunity inside the penalty area wasted.

Adam Walker then unleashed a thunderbolt from 30 yards which Flanders did well to tip over the bar. Substitute Callum Wilson side footed a difficult cance over the bar, and Turner swivelled on a chance in the area but put it over again.

The Sky Blues’ late rally wasn’t enough as the final whistle brought it all to a sad end. Hartlepool should take credit for their performance, as should the City youngsters. A gallant effort without reward.

POST MATCH & QUOTES

Chris Coleman:

(Will appear here.)

Chris Turner:

(Will appear here.)

HOW THEY LINED UP

Sky Blues: Konstantopoulos, Wright (Wilson 106), Turner, Grandison, Clarke (Cameron 105), Cain, Walker, Osbourne, McIndoe (Morrison 78), Eastwood, Jeffers

Subs Not Used: Quirke, Blackwell, Grogan

Booked: Wright 20

Hartlepool United: Flinders, Haslam, Collins, Liddle, Hartley, Jones, Sweeney, Fredriksen (Larkin 65), Monkhouse, Behan (Boyd 76), McSweeney (Brown 63)

Subs Not Used: Cook, Austin, Rowell, Foley

Booked: Monkhouse 72

Goals: Boyd 105

Att: 6055

Ref: M Haywood (7/10)

Man of The Match: : Jermaine Grandison – a big, brave performance at the back with few mistakes and many signs of a classy centre-back in the making.

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Player Ratings and the youngest ever Coventry matchday squad is given no leeway by the tossers who follow them!!!!

By Knowl

I know there are a lot of Cov fans like myself who upon realising the side we were putting out last night, put expectations of reaching Wembley to the back of my mind and, was intrigued to see the latest players our academy has created.

Wednesday 12th August – 7.45 pm The Ricoh.

To the tossers who felt that these youngsters deserved boos of disapproval please leave the rest of us alone and piss off. The youngsters can hold their heads high, they were knackered by a little bit of disorganisation caused by a substitution and while not all of them had great games they did provide great fight and heart, unlike those pricks who felt the need to boo.

Three Parish Notices.

Firstly, the average age of our first team was 22, and the overall squad was 19, now I feel so strongly about the age and experience of the team that I will put in brackets after each players name their age and if it was their first team competitive debut (CD) or start (S). This is important in the way I have rated them and the fact it is hard to not give them leeway, now I feel I may have been overly harsh on some of them but I feel that is because they are not quite ready for the added responsibility of first team football just yet rather than discounting them all together, however, saying all that one or two stood out and showed that they are their if needed. Yes last night was quite dull but why Hartlepool felt they needed to play so defensively against a side which was so inexperienced I will never know. We gave it everything after we went behind and I want to thank all the players for showing that the future of this club might just be in good hands.

Secondly, due to the nature of the game, i.e. The lack of pace, the lack of an attacking opposition and the subdued crowd it gave me and my friends a good chance to really watch the players on display. Now I know I have been pegged as anti-Ozzie, however, last night gave us a good opportunity to really have a look at him and the way in which he goes about his job in centre midfield, again, I know that we all see things differently and all I will give is my appraisal of how I saw him play last night and the things he did wrong and the things he did right.

Lastly, well I suppose we should mention the support again. I know that football is expensive and I know that we all have different priorities in life. It was a bit disappointing to see so many empty seats last night and that is something I believe both the club and the competition organisers need to look at. Is this cup still viable in its present condition and is there away to get the crowds up and interested? Lower prices and teams more local are two ways we suggested, even ditching the Prem sides was an option put forward. This can't continue because its an additional fixture that no one seems to need. However, if you do come up and watch the side, why boo and sing “sort it out Coleman”, that might of been ironic, all I know is the twats who are singing it give the rest of us a bad name and once more I was ashamed by members of the sky blue army after being very proud of the sky blue youth.

HOW THEY LINED UP

Coventry: Konstantopoulos, Wright (C), (Wilson 106) Grandison, Turner, Clarke, (Cameron 105), Cain, Osbourne, Walker, McIndoe, (Morrison 77), Eastwood, Jeffers

Subs Not Used: Quirke, Blackwell, Crogan

Booked: Wright

Sent Off:

Goals:

Player Ratings

Dimi (30) - 6 – Sorry if you get two hands to a shot, ok it was in the six yard box bit it wasn't the cleanest strike, you have to keep it out. His punching of catchable crosses nearly proved his undoing but he redeemed himself with a great save from a cracking 35 yarder.

Wright (29) - 6 – The experienced head in a defence where the next oldest is 20 should have shown out as a beacon of calm and composure. Wright has been here and done it, yesterday he looked more ill at ease than anyone. Chasing players who weren't his, thus, leaving his position, performing under hit headers back to Dimi and continually smacking the ball to no one. Not good enough from the team captain.

Clarke (S) (17) - 7 – The bloke behind me who seemed to confuse Clarke with Stuart Pearce didn't seem to understand that the lad was playing at left back, when he is right footed, and that he wont have bulked up yet because he is 17. The lad has composure, he can carry the ball, and he was fighting hard in the tackle and continually stood his man up. There are raw edges on him, but the underlying talent is there. I would like to see him play a lot more often in his preferred position of right back because he deserves match time on the showings I've seen.

Turner (20) - 8 – The rock at the centre of defence. He led the youngsters around him and wasn't found wanting at any point. He had the confidence to pass the ball to Grandison, Clarke and Walker and was always willing to take the ball back and start again. He swept up behind his partner on numerous occasions and he is showing the other lads what can be achieved if you take the chance you are given. Should have scored but shot on the turn like a centre half and blazed over.

Grandison (S) (17) - 8 – The lad is already 6 foot 4 inches, and he towered above everyone when the ball was anywhere near him. He cleared corners, he won aerial battles, and whilst also looking comfy on the ball, he even did a step over, TWICE, and a threat at set pieces. This particular kid amongst all the others is MOTM, and I feel that he is one player we need to introduce slowly and carefully because he is already a monster and if he continues to develop then we have one bruising centre half on our hands.

Cain (S) (18) – 6/7 – Yes its a cop out, and not the last either, lets start with the reason he gets a 7. His crossing should have led to at least one goal, his cross for Eastwood in the first half was pinpoint, and when he gets the time and space he is an asset. The 6 is for the amount of times he tried to get round his player and failed, Ashley needs to many touches to get the ball out from under his feet and by the time he ready to go so is the defender, he needs to get his full back off balance and use his pace. He needs matches to find his feet and gain confidence in his ability.

Walker (S) (18) – 6/7 – Playing central midfield is extremely hard, especially when you are a kid making his way in the pro game. There is a lot of space to cover and a lot of options when you get the ball that is why central midfielders who are box to box are in the rarer parts of the footballing species. Walker tried to play box to box, in fact he was unlucky not to get his name on the score sheet, and he was continually breaking into the box. He was also eager to take the ball of the back four and get the team going. In the 90 mins the tempo was very low and often Walker was trying to get the ball moving and in the second half he was linking up well with McIndoe, but, all this using of energy took its toll and he faded for large periods, which is to be expected. Not a bad debut but needs to learn when to run and when not top, but his ability to find space and never hide was definitely a plus.

Ozzie (23) - 7 – From last night it can be judged that Ozzie is at his best when hassling the opposition high up the park and winning balls and passing them five yards to a teammate. In extra time, more so, after the goal he was our most dominant player, he was driving us forward and he alone deserved to get something out of it. His tenacious tackling and work rate where top notch and he deserves a lot of praise for his work in the extra 30 minutes. In the original 90, he wasn't as affective and he committed one of the biggest problems I have with central midfielders, when the game lacked tempo and we were trying to build from the back he hid, at one point he was behind two Hartlepool players and he didn't even start to make a move into space, this left Walker often with the ball at his feet and no options so he had to go backwards which resulted in us making more and more long balls to Eastwood, with the obvious consequences. Ozzie seems to have a similar problem to Doyle, they can pass 5 yards very effectively, in fact during extra time I don't thing I saw him give the ball more than once, but why try the 40 yarders? It is not in his locker, and that looks bad when you have a lot of time and space and you smack the ball over McIndoes head and out of play when there are closer and better options.

McIndoe (29) - 7 – With the low tempo of the game in the first half he was often not getting decent service and when he did he was not in space or advanced enough to cause them problems. In the second half be started to drift in and with Eastwood started to create space and chances. I like the look of McIndoe but last night was not the easiest game to see what he is about.

Jeffers (D) (17) – 7 – Had two chances to win the game and put them both over the bar. Showed a lot of movement and was continually looking in the space behind the defence but with our midfield not being at its most effective during the time he spent upfront he was feeding off scraps. Not a left-winger in anyones world but his time will come and don't be surprised to see him end the season with a goal or two.

Eastwood (25 ) - 6/7 – Should have scored from Cains cross, should have thrown himself at a ball that was heading across the goal and out, and should have at least got a shot away when he and Clinton collided. Eastwood put himself about, worked hard, and like Jeffers was given little encouragement from the midfield for long periods. Eastwood is coming to the end of a lot of peoples good will but the rise of expectation when he gets on the ball is still there and whilst he still has the ability to get people off their feet and believe a goal is coming then he still has a chance.

Subs

Morrison - (30) - 6 – Tried to lead the line and put himself about, not his best performance and to be honest he had less of an impact on proceedings than I was expecting.

Cameron – (CD) (17) – It was introduction that proved fatal and that is in no way blaming him for what happened. It is pretty obvious that he is a right back or centre back and not a left back, which is where he came on. His desire at all costs to get to the safety of right back caused all sorts of havoc in the back line. However, apart from that he didn't do much of note, which is a shame, and I hope this experience is quickly put to the back of his mind.

Wilson (CD) (17) – Played upfront in a 343 formation as we chased the game and he showed some nice touches and put himself about.

The remain subs are all waiting their first team debuts and are 17 apart from Crogan who is 16.

Coleman

Coleman 8

It shows the times when we are looking for players to make up the squad and the only options are kids. Great rather that than Wayne Andrews or Chris Birchall.

Coleman was hampered by the players available but still had the balls to throw caution to the wind and the fact we lost one nil will make him as proud as we were.

In short. Last night we saw the future and its not to bad, these lads will need time to make mistakes and learn from them lets hope the moronic section of our support wind their necks in and give the chance.

Play up Sky Blues.

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The Young Ones

By SkyBlueNemo.

With the wafer thin squad that we have, it was always going to come to the point where we would need to use the academy kids, so how did they do, and have they got what it takes to fill the holes in what is undoubtedly going to be a long and hard season with the inevitable injuries and suspensions.

So, lets have a look at ‘The Young Ones’ (minus Rick, Mike, Neil and Vyvyan) that started on Wednesday evening.

Firstly, I havent seen enough of Grogan or Cameron to make a fair judgement, and see where they are at in their development as players, but here's the rest in order of squad number:

Adam Walker (30), aged 18, CM:

Of all the young prospects going into the Hartlepool game, Walker was the one that I was least excited about, as during his short spells last season he looked a little out of place. A pre-season of 1st team football seems to have done him the world of good however, and during the game he was lively, linking up well with the strikers, running into box at will, and getting into some good positions. He isn’t afraid to shoot if the opportunity arises, and could have easily scored one, if not two on the night.

A little bit lightweight in midfield at times however, and needs to get the confidence to turn and move forward with the ball from his own half more often without dallying on it, but overall I was extremely impressed in the improvements he’s made.

When I grow up I want to be: Aron Gunnarsson

Needs to: Bulk up a bit, and gain confidence in his ability

Potential rating: 7/10

-----------------

Ashley Cain (32), aged 18, RW:

After impressing in the latter stages of last season, and continuing this in pre-season, much is expected from young Ashley, and I do feel sorry for him that such weight is being placed on his shoulders, and I believe that this may be weighing him down slightly. He seemed almost devoid of confidence running at his man Wednesday, deciding against the push-and-go several times when he easily had the beating of his man, and struggled to beat the 1st defender with crossing also, usually due to not whipping it in 1st time.

However, when he did decide to do it, you can see the kid is a livewire, pace to burn, and when he does get the cross in, it usually causes the defence all sorts of problems. Got a decent shot on him as well. Definitely one to watch, and could get a fair few games especially with Bell out for a while.

When I grow up I want to be: Michael Mifsud (before he decided to be a money-grabbing twat, who thought he was better than he actually was)

Needs to: Push and go a lot more; and run at defenders with the ball on a regular basis, full backs hate that; and try to get his crosses in a touch quicker.

Potential rating: 8/10

------------------

Jermaine Grandison (34), aged 18, CB:

CCFCs academy has produced a long line of fine Centre Backs over the years, and Grandison looks to be the next to come through the ranks. A man mountain of a player, good in the air and makes few mistakes, a solid no nonsense centre back that I believe in a few years will become 1st choice in the CCFC backline if he continues to improve as he is.

When I grow up I want to be: Elliot Ward (solid and no nonsense, but hopefully doesn’t try to think he’s Pele with the ball at his feet)

Needs to: Just continue progressing as a player, there’s very little bad I can say about him from what I’ve seen.

Potential rating: 9/10

----------------------

Jordon Clarke (35), aged 17, RB/LB:

After missing his chance in the 1st team last season during the injury crisis, due to himself being injured (where Curtis Wynter, ironically now injured himself) played, this versatile full back could play a big part for the Sky Blues over the next few seasons. Comfortable on the ball, with a good footballing brain, he’s our answer to Patrick Van Manhole, with a slightly higher impetus on Defence rather than attack. Again, like Grandison, there is little I can say about him, which is negative.

Another player with a very bright future in Sky Blue.

When I grow up I want to be: Danny Fox (with better corner taking hopefully)

Needs to: Be given a fair shot, at such a young age he’s pushing on the door of the 1st team already, I can see him being a good sub this year, and seriously pushing for the starting 11 next season.

Potential rating: 9/10

-----------------------

Shaun Jeffers (36), aged 17, ST:

I first saw Jeffers at Hinckley and was immediately impressed by this tall young striker. Good in the air, and holding the play up well, with the ability to score the odd goal or two already. He is still far from the finished article and really needs a season out on loan somewhere, but he looks sharp and could well nick a couple of late winners off the bench for us this year. Does stray offside a fair bit at present, and his finishing sometimes leaves a lot to be desired but I’m sure that’ll come with time.

A good prospect.

When I grow up I want to be: Leon Best (if he doesn’t go out on loan I hope that Leon will work with him and help improve him to become a top Championship target man of the future)

Needs to: Work on his finishing, and staying onside, he could be a great foil for another striker one day if he keeps improving in every other area too as he has been.
Possibly bulking up a bit for some more presence would help too

Potential rating: 8/10

So there we have it, all 5 players that started look like good prospects for the future, and if they continue to improve could be banging on the door of the 1st team in the next couple of years. Who says our academy doesn’t work? It just wasn’t given a chance.

Oh and one final thing, if you were one of those who booed the kids at the end of the Hartlepool match, hang your head in shame, because you sir, are a moron. They all put in 110% effort, did great, and not one of them let themselves down after being thrown in at the deep end.

The way they played made me proud to be a Coventry City fan. The ridiculous unjust booing did the exact opposite. And if it made me feels that way, how would the kids have felt?

Remember, the futures bright, the future’s Sky Blue,

PUSB,

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09/10 GMK PL Week 1, Game 1.

By Smiles.

Well, we’re off, the new GMK prediction league has seen it’s first round of games, and whilst we don’t have any 100% results we got pretty close, so there’s a 3 way split at the top. The Sky Blues 2-1 win was a small surprise to the majority of the Sky Blues support who though big things of Keanes men, but as City have never lost an opening game in the Championship, it came less of a surprise to our predictors. How did you do?

Links:

To follow: (The Rules)

(This weekends game Vs Barnsley (A)

(Your predictions Vs Ipswich)

(The Whole Season Predictor)

Here’s this weekends fixtures for you to predict.

Game 2: (kick off deadline to post by: 3:00 pm)
Predict the outcome of:

Barnsley vs Coventry:
First Goal Coventry Scorer:
Crowd:

Championship Games:

Predict the outcome of the following games

Home (H), Away (A) or Draw (D), (NO SCORES, you HAVE TO POST H / D or A):

3.00pm unless stated:

Saturday 15th August:

Barnsley v Coventry,
Blackpool v Cardiff,
Bristol City v Crystal Palace,
Doncaster v Preston,
Ipswich v Leicester,
Newcastle v Reading, 17:20
Nottm Forest v West Brom,
Peterborough v Sheff Wed,
Plymouth v QPR,
Scunthorpe v Derby,
Sheff Utd v Watford,
Swansea v Middlesbrough,

If, for any reason, you cannot post on the messageboard due to issues with your password email me your predictions to gmkadmin@hotmail.co.uk, but please use this sparingly & put 'Prediction League' in the title and your user name. Please email me the predictions in the body of the email & not as an attachment!

Cheers Smiles.

Coventry City Results Prediction League

Top of the league we have a three way split between DimiTheGreat, Oblong & Vicar_In_A_Tutu all on 9 points.

In equal 4th we have Mr Tickle, Bagsy, CCFC_Maton, CCFC91, Edgy, Gary_CCFCForever, MZ87, SBGus, Sky_Blue_Up_North, SkyBlueExile, SteveC189 & Tisza.

Everyone else follows….

The gap from 1st to 10th is 2 points & 1st to 20th 6.

Here’s the updated league:

The top 10 or so will appear on the front page every week, check it out on the right of the page!

For a reminder on how to score points again check the rules on the home page on the blue bar, when I’ve worked out how to do it!

Championship Results Prediction League

In the Championship games predictor CovFanMartin & that Vicar_In_A_Tutu person (again) are equal top getting 7 out of 12 possible points to be joint top, (No away wins this week at all).

In equal 3rd place are Edgy, MZ87, SBGus, SkyBlueBertie, SkyBlueExile, SteveC189, Torchie & Perdomo all on 6 points to make up the top ten.

So with 44 playing 1st to 10th is still a gap of 2 points & 1st to 20th 3 points.

The average points were 4.25 and overall total 187.

Here's the table after week 1 game 1:

Any issues then please e-mail me at the usual address!

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The GMK Match Preview: Barnsley v Sky Blues.

By Smiles.

The Sky Blues travel to Oakwell for their opening away fixture of the season, again, to face a Barnsley side that are on a bad non winning sequence against the Sky Blues, now having gone nine games without being the victor versus City.

THE TYKES Vs THE SKY BLUES

Facing Barnsley either at home or Oakwell has become something of a pleasurable experience in recent seasons for the Sky Blues. City travel to Yorkshire to play the Tykes after an opening day boost against fancied Ipswich in the League, tempered by a youthful, good, display, but ultimately defeat, against Hartlepool in the Carling Cup.

The Tykes are a team that have finished in and around City for the last few seasons and travelling up the M1 for the opening away game of the season has become a somewhat repetitious jaunt for the SBA.

The game will offer an opportunity to test the guile of City on the road at a ground where results have been favourable in recent seasons.

GAME ON THIS WEEKENDS FIXTURES

TEAM NEWS

Chris Coleman will leave it as late as possible before evaluating the fitness of several key members of his depleted squad ahead of the trip to Oakwell. Coleman was forced to hand debuts to five academy prospects who equipped themselves very well in Wednesday`s Carling Cup defeat to Hartlepool, while teenagers also dominated his threadbare bench.

However, Westwood, Clingan and Gunnarsson are expected to return from international duty and go straight back in the team, but Leon Best did not feature for the Republic of Ireland due to a shin problem that forced him off in the opener against Ipswich last Sunday and his availability for the trip up north still remains unclear.

Morrison is struggling with a badly bruised foot and is in a race against time along with youngster Jordon Clarke (ankle and cramp), but winger David Bell (ankle), defender James McPake (shoulder) and goalkeeper Danny Ireland (emergency bowel surgery) are definitely all out.

It also remains to be seen whether Elliott Ward or Leon McKenzie will be involved after recent injury problems, with Ward more likely to be drafted in to bolster the squad. On-loan left-back Patrick van Aanholt returns after being cup-tied in midweek while new signing Martin Cranie should also feature at the back.

Sky Blues from: Westwood, Osbourne, Wright, Turner, van Aanholt, Clarke, , Clingan, Gunnarsson, McIndoe, Ward, Best, Eastwood, Morrison, Konstantopoulos, Grandison, Cain, Walker, Jeffers, Cranie.

THE OPPOSITION

Last season was another struggle for Barnsley without a cup run this time to bolster the faithful. The Yorkshire club finished two places and 6 points above the relegation zone, (2 points behind City), after being knocked out at the first attempt in both cups by Crewe and then West Ham.

Predicted by many to struggle again this season incomings to add to a squad that contains ex-Sky Blues Luke Steele and Martin Devaney, have been rare.

Manager Simon Davey admits he has been frustrated by the lack of activity in the transfer market this summer. Onome Sodje was the Tykes' only close season signing coming into late July, although Davey declared that he was happy to go into the season with his promising young squad that secured a credible 1-1 draw with Manchester City pre-season. Davey said: We've only managed to bring Sodje in at the moment and pre-season has been frustrating. There have been obstacles but not at our end financially.

But as we saw against City, our young players can come in and do an effective job within the squad that we have got. I'd prefer to get more players in but what this group have given in pre-season with regards to attitudes, performances and results means I'm happy to go into the season with them.

Like City that has eased somewhat with some late editions, but similar to the Sky Blues the chances of either team competing at the sharp end of the division seem limited.

The Tykes opener of the season was a local derby away to Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday which ended in a 2-2 draw. But Davey insisted his side could have gone on and snatched all the points after a much-improved second half display at hHillsborough.

Late goals from Jacob Butterfield and Jon Macken saw the Tykes come from 2-0 down as they finished the stronger Davey noted: It's a shame we didn't win. I thought we had more chances that Wednesday. We could have come away with three points. We showed character with our second-half performance. We overpowered them and I thought we looked fitter and stronger. There was only one team going to win it. But 2-2 is a result after looking dead and buried.

Barnsley avoided the ignominy suffered by the Sky Blues in midweek by over coming lower league Lincoln in the League Cup, Davey commented: I felt we performed well. We created a lot of chances and controlled the game. It was a battle. It was always going to be a tough game and it was a potential banana skin for us. But when we got one clinical chance we put it away. It was a great strike. It's good that we are creating lots of chances but I'd prefer a few more of them went in the net.

The Tykes have signed Iceland international Emil Hallfredson on a season-long loan from Italian side Reggina. Barnsley have a good recent tradition of finding obscure foreign imports who gel well in the Yorkshire pit town.

The 25-year-old midfielder has previously had spells with Spurs, Malmo and Lyn Oslo, and has been capped 25 times by his country. Hallfredson plays on the left or in the centre of midfield, & will wear the number 14 shirt at Oakwell. He will be available for selection for the Sky Blues game after international clearance has been confirmed.

Davey commented: 'Emil has now joined us on loan until the end of the season and we are delighted to have brought him to Oakwell. He has experience of playing at the very highest level both in Italy and with Iceland and will be a valuable addition to our squad.

No such luck in the Tykes pursuit of former Palace Striker Andy Gray as Barnsley have threatened to pull out of their deal to bring Charlton striker Andy Gray to Oakwell. The much-travelled 31-year-old has agreed to move back north but Barnsley's patience is running out following Charlton's seeming inability to sanction the deal.

A frustrated Davey said: We're still talking to Charlton about Andy Gray but they remain under a transfer embargo until their takeover is completed. We were expecting it to go through but again there have been more delays. Everything is agreed and we are just waiting on Charlton saying we can push it through. Our patience is wearing a little thin though and we are coming nearer to the end of the transfer window. We're very close to taking the deal off the table and going elsewhere. We will have to decide very soon when we draw a line under the whole thing and go somewhere else.

That response may trigger interest elsewhere….

Former City target, defender, Darren Moore is doubtful struggling with a toe injury. Although an X-ray has revealed nothing is broken, the centre-half has had injections as a precaution, in attempt to allow him to play his sides opening home game of the season.

Luke Potter is likely to continue in defence alongside Stephen Foster should Moore miss out. Davey is hoping both winger Mounir El Haimour and striker Iain Hume can prove their fitness following long lay-offs to return to the side and Argentinian midfielder Hugo Colace could return to the squad after a calf injury.

Should Colace be fit, he may have to start on the substitutes' bench, with Davey expected to retain teenager Jacob Butterfield alongside Brazilian Anderson De Silva in central midfield.

Barnsley from: Steele, Hassell, Kozluk, Foster, Potter, Campbell-Ryce, Hammill, De Silva, Butterfield, Odejayi, Macken, Bogdanovic, Preece, Devaney, Sodje, Adam, Hibbert, Noble-Lazarus, Moore, Kozluk, Hume, Colace, El Haimour, Hallfredson.

INS & OUTS

In: Sodje (York), Preece, (FC Odense), Hammill (Liverpool).

On Loan Emil Hallfredsson, (Lyn Oslo)

Out: Leon, (Las Palmas), Letheren, (Plymouth), Muller, (Mainz)

Out On Loan None.

Released Marciano Van Homoet, Istvan Ferenczi, Andy Johnson, Dennis Souza Guedes.

DANGERMEN

Last weekends goal scorers were Butterfield and Macken, (a player who traditionally does well against us), and Daniel Bogdanovic scored the single goal winner at Lincoln in the cup in midweek, and scored the only Tykes goal in the 1-1 draw at The Ricoh last season.

Last seasons were Macken with 9 league goals from 37 (8) goals last term along with Jamaican Jamel Campbell-Ryce who scored the same amount from 39 (1). Bogdanovic bagged 5, Hume 4 and a certain Mr Mifsud 2 as one of a number of on loan strikers who slotted the odd one in here and there…

FORM

Sky Blues - Equal 2nd, The Championship: 3 points from 1 game.

Barnsley - 5th, The Championship: 1 point from 1 game.

Barnsley had the 3rd worst attack in the league last season with 45 goals scored, 2 less than The Sky Blues

The Tykes had the 15th best defence in The Championship with 58 goals conceded, the same as The Sky Blues

Last 8 League Games:

VISIT THE RIVALS

THE REF

The man in the middle for this game was last seen at Forest away last season, and was quite decent too!

Mr S Tanner (Somerset)

Games across all leagues & competitions last season:

Games across all leagues & competitions in the previous season:

Last City game Officiated in: Notts Forest vs Coventry 18/04/2009

Result: 1-0.

Cards:

Performance: Miskicks at the back by Chambers and Morgan created panic at the back for Forest which Gunter finally cleared just before the break, and then Steve Tanner, correctly, adjudged that a foul on the lively Gunnarsson was just outside the penalty area…. Youngster Cain was introduced on 75 after Turner had replaced the injured Captain Dann, Doyle and Osbourne both collected cards from Mr Tanner as frustrations set in and a late chance from Osbourne was all City had to show from a poor second half showing….7/10.

PREVIOUS

Last seasons 2-1 win saw . The Sky Blues continue their incredible recent record against the Tykes to remain unbeaten season, and go top of the Championship, in a hard fought battle where dirty Barnsley were lucky to to keep just ten men on the pitch.

The Sky Blues win here meant winning 3 games back to back at the start of the season for the first time since 1992, and we looked forward to the visit of Bristol City! The comforting factor was that despite not playing to what could be considered our full potential we won 3 times on the trot. There was a good spirit in the side and the new signings started to gel. However the omens on substance over style were not lost as City were eventually undone by a lack of consistency in season that saw a decline the further we went into it.

City Opened the scored with a rare goal from Freddie Eastwood in the 12th minute which was equalised just before half time by Howard. The winner coming Gray, (no he hadn’t gone by then!), with just over twenty minutes remaining.

The team that day was:

Sky Blues: Westwood, Beuzelin, Ward, Dann, Fox, Tabb, Gunnarsson, Gray (McKenzie 79), Morrison (Simpson 85), Eastwood, Mifsud (Doyle 87).

Subs Not Used: Ireland, Turner.

Booked: Eastwood, Morrison, McKenzie.

Goals: Eastwood 12, Gray 68.

HISTORY

It’s hard to imagine the before the last four seasons positive results the Sky Blues had not won at Oakwell for nearly 50 years! The first victory was the infamous ‘cupped ear’ game that finished with a 1-0 City win on the 28th October 2006, under Micky Adams.

Before that you had to go back to Boxing Day 1947 (in the 1947-48 season) before you can find a fixture where we returned home victorious after a rare 1-0 win, although saying that, it was only 9 games ago as City & The Tykes have managed to avoid each other pretty much since the mid 60's with the Sky Blues playing at a higher level.

In the intermediate games, until we met again in the Premiership, they saw the Sky Blues played 6 games, losing five on the bounce & then a credible 1-1 draw in 63/64 in our march up the leagues under Jimmy Hill.

The next time we met the Hill era was long gone, but the results of his influence on football were in full effect in the 97/98 season in the Premiership, when the Sky Blues lost again, 2-0, to an 11th minute Ashley Ward goal & a 66th minute Neil Refern penalty.

There are slightly happier memories of closer to home prior to the recent Championship wins. This was in the 'Barmy September' of Championship season 2001, under the player managership of ‘The Legend’ Roland Nilsson; which returned another 1-1 draw. We were 5 games into the Nilsson revolution, & unbeaten in his reign to boot, and miracles of miracles Keith O'Neill actually played a part!

In glorious sunshine Iain Dowies reconstituted Sky Blues ran out winners by 4 goals to 1 and topped the league last season in another first game of the season in 07/08.

Kevin Kyle scored at both ends, (well handed – literally – Barnsley a penalty) after McKenzie had opened the scoring in the 6th minute and then, along with donkeys 2nd half goal, Gray and Mifsud added the others in a Sky Blue rout.

The team that day was:

Sky Blues: Konstantopoulos, Borrowdale, Ward, Hall, Osbourne, Gray, Doyle, Michael Hughes, (S Hughes, 81 ) ,Tabb, McKenzie, (Best, 72 ) ,Kyle, (Mifsud,72)

Subs not used: Marshall, Hawkins.

The last eight meetings in this fixture have finished thus:

Full league Away record against Barnsley is as follows:

Overall record against Barnsley Home & Away in all competitions is as follows:

HOW TO GET THERE

Barnsley Football Club play at Oakwell Stadium, Grove St, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S71 1ET. Tel: 01226 211211, (To get there print off the map on the link below!).

Junction 37 M1, Top of slip road, right to A628, (Follow signs to Metrodome), at a set of traffic lights about a mile in you’ll be prompted to turn left, DON’T carry straight on into town on A628, approaching the Town Centre at the first large island go straight on carrying down A628, and again at the next island follow signs to the A628 (via A61) and then down the slip road, under the under pass back onto the A628 and the ground is on your left after 500 yards. If you go up Grove Street, the away Car Park is at the top on the left adjacent to the away end turnstyles at the bottom of the hill.

Alternatively you can follow the signs to for away supporters, as we did for the last three seasons, but they go missing & you’ll get lost like we did! If by chance you do follow the signs to the Metrodome, it will take you to the same Car Park but at the top of the hill!

WHERE TO DRINK

There are, apparently, no away fan friendly pubs near the ground and town centre drinking is not encouraged. The last few seasons we went to the bar in:

Metrodome Leisure Complex, Queens Ground, Queens Rd, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S71 1AN, Tel: 01226 730060

You can find a map of how to get there here: (click the logo)

AMAZING FACTS

Bit of a struggle this, erm famous fans, Darren Gough, Dancer / Cricketer, Dickie Bird, Cricket Umpire / Cricketer, Michael Parkinson, Interviewer / Lords Taverner Cricketer, (Can you see where this is going…..!).

Barnsley is actually mentioned in the Doomsday book and was originally named Berneslai.

The Reverend Tiverton Preedy formed the club in 1892, which was originally named Barnsley St. Peters, but was eventually renamed to Barnsley in 1897.

Arthur Fairclough was the clubs first manager. Fairclough had three spells in t’ hot seat. The first of these was 1898-1901. Between 1901-04, a Mr McCartney took the hot seat, and Fairclough came back in 1904 for another 8 years. His last spell was between 1928-30.

Ken Loach filmed ‘Kes’ in and around Barnsley.

Stirling Prize winner Will Alsop wanted to reinvent Barnsley as a Tuscan hill town - complete with town walls with towers, oh yes indeed!

That’s it!

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The GMK Match Report: Barnsley v Sky Blues.

By Javed Peacevale.

It’s d�j� vu all over again, as City go to Barnsley, win and go top of the league to become the only Championship club with a 100% record. The SBA must be asking if we can play the South Yorkshiremen every week as our incredible record against them continues!

Saturday 15th August 2009 – 3.00 pm Oakwell

Team Changes

Wholesale changes from the team that faced Hartlepool in the Cup in midweek, as Chris Coleman welcomed the return of experience from his depleted squad. In comparison to the team that faced Ipswich last weekend, it was just new signing in for the injured Bell in the starting eleven. On the bench meanwhile it was youngster Quirke in for the injured Dimi, Eastwood was missing with a virus which gave the impressive Walker a chance of experience along with Cameron who came in for Ward.

1st Half

Another sunshine trip up the M1 saw us visit the Metrodome for the usual pre-game jars which, when mixed with the smell of chlorine, doesn’t conjure up the required pre match stupor. However the view from the terrace is impressive enough to fill you up for the gradient defying stroll down the hill to the ground.

Far from the injury ravaged side we expected Chris Coleman was fortunate to field pretty much his strongest first eleven at the sun drenched Oakwell as the locals seemed almost vampiric in their dislike of basking in the warm early season sunshine.

City started brightly enough and were given the chance of a perfect opening as Mr tanner afforded the Sky Blues a free kick in the 8th minute 7 yards outside the D virtually dead centre. As a trio of Sky Blues debated who was going to have the honour of taking the set piece Best ran up and smacked a screamer dead centre high above former City keeper Luke Steele to put the Sky Blues, deservedly, ahead with their first real foray upfield. The after goal celebrations typified a united Sky Blues spirit that seems to enveloped the squad in the last few weeks, numbing out any of the pre-seasons’ less than positive vibes.

With Barnsley enjoying the bulk of the possession the chances they did make mainly fell to Maltese Bogdanovic who must have gone to the Darren Huckerby school of offsidesmanship, as the mediterranean master failed to break a stoical City back line.

When he finally did after 17 minutes Cranie was there to snuff out any real threat.

City were looking tasty on the break as PVA skipped down the wing threading a lovely pass to McIndoe minutes later but his cross evaded any of the City front-line.

Despite the sunshine it was relatively breezy inside Oakwell and the Sky Blues seemed to have adapted the better of the two sides however Macken had a decent chance on 26 cutting in from the right to send a shot through a crowded box just requiring an illusive touch for the equalizer.

Mackens own knock on from a Hammill corner gave Moore a chance to correct that 5 minutes later but for some stout Sky Blue defending the Tykes would have equalised. City missed the chance to go one better almost immediately as former Tyke McIndoe, who was roundly booed at every opportunity, was felled by Anderson allowing the classy Clingan to curl a free kick just wide of the far post.

With the home support becoming increasingly frustrated at their burly teams inability to capitalize on their powerful blustering tactics, that cut no ice with Mr Tanner, it was left to City to show some silky skills in a largely sterile opening period. A flowing move between McIndoe, Best and Morrison, teed up Osbourne for a decent chance that the unfortunate midfield underlined why his City senior appearances have remained goal-less putting the ball well wide off the outside of his boot when clean through. Fair play for being in the right place, but perhaps Isaac’s strength lies a little more in putting the ball across rather than in!

Barnsley were being restricted to long range efforts and a Butterfield effort from a long way out little worried Kieran Westwood in the City goal and it was left to Stephen Wright to present the Tykes with their closest effort of the half with a minute to go stooping to scoop a Hammill cross a foot or so over as the Sky Blues went in one up at half time.

Half Time

Half time: Barnsley 0-1 Coventry.

2nd Half

City kicked off the 2nd period in positive mode and almost doubled their lead as Gunnarsson broke through the middle putting a low effort wide. On 53 he did the same again to lay off to Morrison but Foster got their first to clear the danger for the Yorkshire men.

A Steele error almost presented Morrison with a chance before Kozluk ran out of luck picking up the first yellow of the day as the Tykes frustration to break down a wiley City defence saw him nearly cripple Wright on 57 minutes. The home crowd were becoming increasingly vitriolic as The Tykes seemed to be getting far from the run of the green from Mr Tanner, but in truth they were 2nd best most of the afternoon despite their superior possession, City just used the ball better when we had it.

Kozluk let those frustrations get to him minutes later as he needlessly scythed down Gunnarsson from behind as the midfielder broke in his own half, and Mr Tanner quite rightly produced a 2nd yellow, (the foul was worthy of a straight red in itself), for the Tykes to go down to ten men.

As is often the case the sending off seemed to motivate Barnsley into life and a Butterfield drive from 30 yards on 62 minutes threatened to level the match, before his cross was missed by Moore for a free header in the box.

Iain Hulme’s introduction for Macken on 68 minutes, (a double sub with Bogdanovic being replaced by Odejayi), bought welcome cheers for the home crowd after his near death experience, although the SBA were not so charitable with mixed boos for the former Fox. City missed another brazen chance to put the match out of the home sides reach as Gunnarsson latched on to a Morrison pass and seemed to want to out do Isaacs earlier miss putting the ball well wide.

A cramped Cranie was replaced by Grandison on 72 minutes A debatable box line catch from Westwood denied Hulme with 15 to go as the home crowd called for handball, and then Best went close up the other end with Steel smothering a low drive.

The Tykes were fortunate to stay with 10 on the pitch as Butterfield bought down Osbourne to gain a yellow, as McIndoe wasted yet another opportunity when clear through trying to convert his chance over the bar. Davey erred on the side off caution and replaced Butterfield with Sodje before the Tyke could get himself in anymore trouble in a frustrating game for the Reds.

The lively Best was replaced by Jeffers with ten to go with Westwood largely untroubled all game and did well as Odejayi headed Hassells free kick to him on 81, and a minute later Osbourne made up for his earlier miss doing what he does best cutting through a lax Barnsley rearguard to present Morrison with a far post knock in to settle it for City from 10 yards out on 82.

Grandison escaped a futile penalty shout with 4 minutes of normal time remaining as Anderson went down rather too spectacularly as youngster Jeffers found himself facing a 1-1 with Steele moments before the end which the former City keeper did well to absorb.

Having defended well all game City almost came unstuck at the death as Hume’s free kick was almost buried by Foster providing Westwood with his only real save of the day and that was it.

Really little troubled by a Barnsley side you feel won’t be troubling the play off places this season City did what they had to do and gained a clean sheet to go top of the league. Although it’s welcome lets not get too carried away as we’ve been here before as little ago as last season in the same circumstances. However the difference being City are now actually playing quite well.

In Clingan we’ve a midfield who actually knows how to be reasonably commanding in the middle of the field and pass the ball and we now have two out wide players who can provide chances for Best and Morrison to convert. We’ve retained Westwood, for now, and in PVA we have a defence that can stick to its job, (sorry to good a pun to miss).

Yes its early days, but theres six points on the board before we move onto Donny, (with no League Cup to bother us this time). This year we not only have to turn up, but play to get something from here and then we will know if we have actually got something on the go, before we face bottom of the table Swansea next weekend!

PUSB.

POST MATCH & QUOTES

Chris Coleman: 'Barnsley have been playing very well so we knew it was going to be hard and I thought we thoroughly deserved the three points. A well result deserved from start to finish, even up against 11.

We made a lot of chances and defended resolutely, there’s something about defending against 10 men means you’re up against it, but Kieren didn’t have to make a lot of saves to make.

For the free kick on the opener to give Besty credit, he has been practicing that, we have to drag him off after training, Foxy did a few like that last season, but what a belter from Leon.

It was a fantastic free kick, but Besty belted that. The 2nd goal typical was Clinton Morrison, made a bit of space and put it away well.

Cracking ball in from Ossie, who is what we’re all about at the moment, although he missed that chance his all round play has been superb he’s all over the place.

Cranie a bit of cramp which we expected, we haven’t seen the best of him, we’ve seen glimpse, but the best is yet to come.

Freddie has gone home he had the sweats and a fever so we packed him off home.

We play Doncaster on Tuesday night, we didn’t turn up last season, but we’ll enjoy this tonight and then focus on that game at Doncaster.

There are another 44 games to go so there's a long way to go. We've got a better feeling in the squad than last year, but we still need to improve and I'm hoping to bring one or two in.

Simon Davy: It was a sending off because they were two bad tackles. They were probably the only decisions the referee got right all day.

He gave them a free-kick for no reason which they scored from and there were a lot of decisions he got wrong.

We didn't play well and didn't create enough chances. The performance wasn't acceptable and a few players have to look over their shoulders.

HOW THEY LINED UP

Sky Blues: Westwood, Wright, Van Aanholt, Cranie (Grandison 72) Turner, Clingan, Osbourne, Gunnarsson, McIndoe, Best (Jeffers 80) Morrison.

Subs Not Used: Quirke, Clarke, Cameron, Walker, Cain.

Booked: McIndoe.

Goals: Best 8 Morrison 81

Barnsley: Steele, Hassell, Kozluk, Moore, Foster, Butterfield, (Sodje 79) Campbell-Ryce. De Silva, Hammill, Bogdanovic, (Odejayi 66), Macken (Hume 67).

Subs Not Used: Preece, Potter, Devaney, Haimour.

Booked: Buttefield, Kozluk x2 (Sent Off).

Goals: None.

Att: 12, 552

Ref: Steve Tanner (Somerset). 8/10

Man of The Match: : Clingan.

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Player Ratings and That is how to support the lads!!

By Knowl

What a difference 4 signings and a couple of wins make.�

Lets be honest the panic going around seemed logical at the time but the proof is always in the eating and at the moment we are tasting good.

Saturday 15th August – 3.00 pm Oakwell.

It is very strange watching a Cov team who are competent at what they aree doing and what they are trying to achieve, add to that a set of players without a complete dud in there and a bunch of supporters supporting, it is quite hard to really have any angry rants.

Three Parish Notices.

Firstly, when you compare this side to the one that Coleman started with it makes you realise how the club has changed and how it intends to go about its business. Craine already looks like a Coleman signing, in that he is assured in possession and seems to have an bright footballing head on his shoulders. Throughout the side we are looking more confident with the ball on the floor, the defenders are looking to knock it around between themselves and after years when our central midfielders looked like strangers we seem to be finding players who want to play too each other. Yesterday we never sat back on the lead and should have scored more.

Secondly, to have a successful season certain things had to change from previous seasons and a big change had to be the midfield and there supply and amount of goals. We have scored two goals in a week from decent crosses, but the cross on both occassions was just the one that finally found Morrison in space, both goals had long build up play from sustained possession and penetration. When you have the ability to attack down both wings and through the middle it makes you much harder to defend against. The other aspect is the amount of goals our midfield is scoring, IMO all the midfielders should be aiming for at least 5 goals and in certain circumstances they should be closer to 10. Yesterday three midfielders should have opened their accounts for the season and while that is great to see, their lack of composure infront of goal was very frustrating. Lets hope it is not too long before the midfield start weighing in with their fair share.

Lastly, after the appalling behaviour of some of the Sky Blue Army on Wednesday it was nice to be part of the tremendous support in Yorkshire yesterday afternoon. Virtually every player was saluted in some way, IMO it is about time that we had a song for the rock that is Ben Turner, and when we support our team like that then we really are the 12th man.

HOW THEY LINED UP

Coventry: Westwood, Wright (C), Van Aalholt, Craine, (Grandison), Turner, Osbourne, Clingan, Gunnarson, McIndoe, Morrison, Best, (Jeffers)

Subs Not Used: Quirke, Clarke, Cameron, Cain,Walker

Booked: McIndoe

Sent Off: None

Goals: Best (8), Morrison (81)

Player Ratings

Westie – 7 Did everything that was asked of him. He caught any cross withing reach and bossed his box, his kicking was slightly below par but an easy day for the lad.

Wright – 6 Defensively the captain grew into the game and by the end was drawing fouls from his winger. His passing was poor once again and until the sending off he was not really getting involved in the game. Also he nearly scored one of the greatest own goals anyone would have seen, he dived full length at a cross and must have missed the far post by about an inch, it is the only time I have ever known a whole away end go silent as one! After the sending off he was linking up well with his team mates and getting forward but I have not been overly impressed with the Scouser so far this season and again yesterday he wasn't as good as he was season.

Van Aanholt – 7 Not as bombastic as last week, but he did perform a drag back, skinned two markers and continued on his merry way, with out any hassle. Defensively he wasn't overly tested but he did look assured in the tackle and his composure on the ball is something anyone who is going to have a shot for this season could do well by replicating.

Turner – 8 We restricted Barnsley to 4 shots and the way Turner dominated every ball that was played near him was crucial to the easy with which we defended. There is always a concern when a new defensive partnership is put together, and Craine is the fourth different player Turner has played alongside already this season, but they complemented each other perfectly and they read each others movements and positioning. Turner was my MOTM due to the fact he defended with an attitude that illustrates where we are going under Coleman.

Craine – 8 Easy debut for the newbie, his reading of the game is impressive and at least once he pushed into the midfield to stop an attacking run with a perfectly timed tackle and he is comfy on the ball, willing to take the ball down and looks to pass the ball short. Went off with cramp which is only to be expected and looks like the perfect foil for Turner, as he wants to play on the right of the centre backs instead of Ward and Dann who want to play on the left,

Ozzie – 7 Worked tirelessly in the right midfield role. His desire to tuck in left space for the Barnsley wide player but his workrate too get back in position prevented Barnsley making any headway. Played the ball nice and simple and even managed to find half an hour of time and half a mile of space in the oppositions penalty area, unfortunately all the time and space in the world is useless is you hack it wide but Ozzie is not the last person who will get abuse for that on here. However, after the sending off he reveled in the space and his link up play finally payed dividends with a brilliant cross for the second. His third position in a week and that will only increase his standing in the squad.

Clingan – 8 I can't remember the last midfielder we had whose second touch is never needed to control the ball, the wind was swirling around and the ball was dropping out of the air from all sorts of angles and at different speeds but every single one was taken with ease. The way he reads the game is the sort of thing you didn't realise how imperative it is to a side until you see it in the flesh, he is always looking to get us going and he seems to know where everyone is at all times. Sammy is a probing, defensively minded, creative force and his confidence in his team mates is very good to see.

Gunnar – 6 Anonymous is not a phase often used when talking about a Gunnar performance in a Cov shirt and apart from two very good chances, which I will get onto, this was the worst performance I've seen the iceman put in. He played Sunday and then went off on international duty for Iceland and then returned for this game and maybe that showed, if that is the case we need to bring in a player who can play when Gunnar is not quite ready. The two misses? The first was right at the start of the second half, Gunnar broke up the play and strode into the Barnsley third, he had no marker and with the movement of the strikers pulling the centre backs wide he had the chance to drive into the box, however, he shot aimlessly wide from just outside area and that was a very disappointing end to a promising position. The second miss was even worse, after managing to trick his way into the box and being clean through he had the chance to put us two up, instead of showing some composure, instead of taking a touch and taking his time, instead of doing anything useful he swung his left foot in a way a child would a swing a golf club and he ended up slicing the ball laughably wide. I expect Gunnar to score around 8 goals this season but after a showing like that I am worried he may not break 5.

McIndoe – 7 Intelligent wide players wearing the famous sky blue are few and far between but in McIndoe we might finally have another one to add to the list. He worked as hard going backwards as he did going forwards and his usage of the ball is very impressive, he is prepared to hold his marker off and looks to retain possession at all times. Another one who snatched at a decent chance like a child after a fruit shoot, (but the build up play will be discussed below)!! The fact he drives inside with ball at his feet and can carry the ball well, still needs to up his fitness level and improve his set pieces, but a good week all said and done for the new boy.

Best – 7 It is never easy playing against Darren Moore and Best gave as good as he got. Okay, okay, the goal, we were right in line with it and we were all slightly shocked to see the thunder bolt that left Bests foot and found the middle of the net. Could the keeper have done better? Should the wall have prevented a free kick from going straight down the middle? To be honest I don't really care, it was a strike unlike any I have seen for many a year. Best took a knock to the foot and did not look fully fit but he did put himself around and put in a couple of vital clearing headers from corners.

Clinton – 7 All I wanted from Clinton was for him to stop whinging and get in the box. Oh well one out of two is not bad heh? That is now three in two for the Cockney Irishman and that is all we want, stay in the middle, wait for the service that is now going and take the goals with ease.

Subs

Jeffers – 6 Is a gambler and should have opened his competitive account when he found himself through one on one but he never really had the ball under control. I like the look of Jeffers and these continued cameo apperances will result in a goal sooner rather than later.

Grandison – 8 What a man, the fact he is built like a brick out house is one thing, the fact he is so confident on the ball that he is already carrying the ball out of his half and running at defenders is another, but the fact he took on a defender by the touchline line, pulling out a couple of step overs in the process, and then had the skill and vision to find Clinton in the box is something out of this world. Clinton then laid the ball off to McIndoe who decided to hack the ball widely over the bar. Grandison is quickly becoming a favourite in my household and if he continues to do stuff like that he will begin to get a place in team full time.

Coleman

Coleman 8

It is easy to pick the team at the moment, you look who is over 20 and fit and then put them in the team. However, the fact that all bar three players of the players were signed by Coleman and we have a balanced first team, with players throughout the side who are comfy on the ball and intelligent is credit to the way Coleman wants us to play. We are knocking the ball around the back and into midfield in a way we just couldn't 18 months ago and that is progress.

In short. We will play tougher teams this season and while IMO not everyone had brilliant games, we created enough sitters to have won this by 4 or 5. Yes the ref was slightly helpful in some of his decisions but both bookings for the sending off were clear. Well done Coleman in trusting the youngsters and well done the Sky Blue Army for a tremendous away support.

Play up Sky Blues.

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(This weeks game vs Doncaster Tues 18/08/09 (A))

09/10 GMK PL Week 2, Game 2.

By Smiles

Well, well. New season, two games unbeaten, optimism restored and we still don’t have a 100% prediction, given most of us predict that we’ll never lose! After two games the table starts to get some shape & we now have a few more players. How did you do?

Links:

The follow: (The Rules)

http://www.gmkonline.com/index.php?page=f orum&forum_id=8 (Last weekends game Vs Barnsley (A)

Article

Here’s this weekends fixtures for you to predict.

Game 3: (kick off deadline to post by: 7:45 pm)
Predict the outcome of:

Doncaster vs Coventry:
First Goal Coventry Scorer:
Crowd:

Championship Games:

Predict the outcome of the following games

Home (H), Away (A) or Draw (D), (NO SCORES, you HAVE TO POST H / D or A):

7.45pm unless stated:

Tuesday 18th August:

Barnsley vs Preston:
Blackpool vs Derby:
Bristol C vs QPR :
Doncaster vs Coventry:
Ipswich vs C Palace :
Nottm Forest vs Watford:
Peterborough vs West Brom :
Plymouth vs Cardiff :
Scunthorpe vs Middlesbro :
Sheff Utd vs Leicester :
Swansea vs Reading :

Wednesday 19th August:

Newcastle vs Sheff Wed:

Cheers Smiles.

Coventry City Results Prediction League

Well it takes a few week for the table to start to take a familiar look with those that stay the course of the season becoming regular scorers as the flash in the pans with no staying power slip away. That said the table is a bit up and down at the moment so lets just stick to the facts!

Top of the league we now have a two way split for top between Mr Tickle (+7, again) & Bagsy (+7) again being consistent on 14 points each.

In equal 2nd all on 12 points, we have last weeks top 4 DimiTheGreat, Oblong & Vicar_In_A_Tutu all +3 on 12 points, joined by SteveC189 (+5) up from 15th .

In equal 8th we have CCFC_Maton, Edgy, SkyBlueExile, & Tisza all scoring 4 points to total 11 points all told.

Everyone else follows….

The gap from 1st to 10th is 3 points (+1) & 1st to 20th 8 (+2). Everyone who scored 7 points was a top scorer, that also included CharlesMore and Torchie.

Here’s the updated league:

The top 10 or so will appear on the front page every week, check it out on the right of the page!

For a reminder on how to score points again check the rules on the home page on the blue bar, when I’ve worked out how to do it!

Championship Results Prediction League

In the Championship games predictor its even more topsy turvy. We’ve a totally new top 5. SBGus,(+10) Bagsy (+11) & Oblong (+11) share the top spot on 16 points.

In equal 4th we have SkyBlueBertie, (+ 9), RickyCCFC (+10) & CCFCMaton, (+11) all on 15 points).

In equal 7th we have 5 predictors last weeks No1’s CovFanMartin & that Vicar_In_A_Tutu both gaining another 7 points each joined by MZ87 & SkyBlueExile, (both +8) on 14 points & my mate Lagger (+9) hanging on in there with them to make up the top ten.

So with 48 playing (+4) 1st to 10th is still a gap of 2 points & 1st to 20th 4 points (+1)

The average points were 6.83 from 4.25 (+2.58) and overall total 328 from 187 (+141).

There were 14 points to go for (+2) and the top scorers were anyone who gained 11 points, all above and we had 8 players in double digits.

Here's the table after week 2 game 2:

Any issues then please e-mail me at the usual address!

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M69, M1, drive North (hold nose against the smell - near Mansfield should be enough!) M1 Junction 32 take M18 north east to Junction 3. At the roundabout, take the second exit onto White Rose Way At the next roundabout, take the third exit onto Wilmington Drive. At the final roundabout, take the first exit and there you are!

Sky Blues agree fee for Holden

By Ian Palmer

According to Sky Sports, Coventry have agreed a fee with Welsh Premier League outfit Rhyl for the transfer of Luke Holden.

The 20-year-old left-winger has attracted attention from a host of clubs in recent months, but Chris Coleman is believed to have stolen a march on his rivals by finalising a deal.

The former Liverpool and Tranmere trainee caught scouts' attention when he scored four times in nine games for Rhyl towards the back end of last season. He also impressed in Rhyl's Champions League qualifier against Partizan, although his team went on to lose 12-0 over the two legs.

Rhyl have stated that they would not stand in the way of Holden joining a league team, and although they will be reluctant to part with one of their stars, financial difficulties at the club have meant that the Sky Blues' offer was too good to turn down.

Holden is currently discussing personal terms at the Ricoh Arena.

Match Preview: Doncaster Rovers v Sky Blues.

By Smiles.

Will history repeat? In an astonishing similar run of games to last seasons openers, (fixture computer didn’t need much programming or science this year, hey chaps), the Sky Blues revisit where it all started to fade away after last years fine start: The Keepmoat.

ROVERS Vs THE SKY BLUES

Keeping your feet on the ground is so much of a reality to Sky Blues folk it’s a wonder we haven’t taken root over the years, so without getting carried away by our lofty top of the table start, this game will be a good litmus test to see whether City really have progressed any since last term.

Visiting Donny last year gave us that ‘Scunthorpe feeling’. You know, give it the big one at an unfashionable, freshly promoted, Northern club and come home with your tail firmly between your legs type vibe.

None of that this year, as City go in search of a point or three, with all due respect to a team who finished above us last year. Here’s hoping we actually have a shot on goal this year and the travelling faithful see a decent game in South Yorkshire.

GAME ON THIS WEEKS FIXTURES

TEAM NEWS

Chris Coleman does not have any fresh injury concerns to worry about for the trip up the M1 /18 to Doncaster. Freddy Eastwood was sent home from Barnsley at the weekend due to illness and is likely to miss out again.

Winger David Bell continues to sit out with an ankle injury expecting more surgery whilst fellow absentees James McPake (shoulder) and goalkeeper Danny Ireland (emergency bowel surgery) will also remain sidelined. For some time yet

Recent new signing Martin Cranie who left the field due to cramp at the weekend is likely to start, and one hopes finish, and although dynamite strike partners Clinton Morrison and Leon Best picked up further knocks at the weekend they are expected to be fit and should feature from the start at the Keepmoat Stadium.

However it remains to be seen whether Elliott Ward or Leon McKenzie will be involved at all after recent injury problems, or whether this game will come too soon to test their fragility.

Sky Blues from: Westwood, Cranie, Osbourne, Wright, Turner, van Aanholt, Clarke, Clingan, Gunnarsson, McIndoe, Ward, Best, Eastwood, Morrison, Konstantopoulos, Quirke, Grandison, Cain, Walker, Jeffers.

THE OPPOSITION

Rovers were a less than fancied side last season and indeed spent a lot of time at the foot of the table, but a fine battling spirit saw them pull away from trouble with an 8 game unbeaten run that finally saw them finish 14th in the Championship in their first season in the 2nd tier.

Although losing influential midfield Keith Wellens to the scum down the M69 the ‘Vikings’ remain unbeaten this season with two draws from their opening two games.

Sill considered to be very inexperienced side at this level, which showed last season as one of their worst runs in their history, a combative, never-say-die attitude saw them through at the seasons end, in the same way they endeared themselves to many in beating Leeds in the previous seasons play offs

Departures of Wellens and former Sky Blue Mills to Reading has seen criticism by some supporters to a club limited in resources, as ‘bigger’ clubs run the rule over Rovers better players. Indeed there has been rumours of City interest in Brian Stock, which – has yet – to coming to any conclusion.

Singings in the other direction have come late, and may be enough to secure 2nd tier status for another season, but the feeling is that the South Yorkshire side are in for another scrap, and like Saturday’s opposition, & indeed the Sky Blues, the general consensus is that this side won’t be bothering the play off places come may next year.

Wolves defender Jason Shackell has joined Rovers and stands good chance of going straight into Sean O’Driscolls side on Tuesday. Shackell moved to Wolves from Carrow Road in September 2008 but made only 12 appearances in McCarthy's Championship title winning side. With first-team opportunities likely to be hard to come by in the Premiership, he moves to the Keepmoat after he spent the last three months of last season back on loan at his former club Norwich who left the league at the opposite end of the table.

Recent signings John Oster and Quinton Fortune are likely to feature in the Rovers starting line-up. Winger Oster came off the bench in Saturday's draw against PNE and will be hoping to have done enough to convince O'Driscoll he is worth a start. Midfielder Fortune did not feature against Preston but could be handed a start if O'Driscoll decides to shuffle the pack after two opening draws.

Donny finally received international clearance for summer signing Quinton Fortune last week. The 32-year-old former South Africa international was handed a short-term deal following a summer trial at the Keepmoat Stadium, but missed the first two games of the season due to a delay in the paperwork clearing process. O'Driscoll commented: 'I'm now keen to try and get him up to speed in the Championship. He's already watched a couple of games on television and said what a tough division this is. He's a good character and has a good manner about him. He gives us something we haven't got.

I wouldn't see him playing week in, week out, but he adds to the mix. He gives us a physical presence in midfield where we have some nice technical players, but might be a bit lightweight, and he's a really good character.

Meanwhile frontman Steve Brooker has been dealt another injury blow after being told he needs a hip operation not long after recovering from ankle problems and will be out for a further eight to 12 weeks.

Defender James O'Connor is rated as doubtful due to a knee injury of his own, whilst Dutch defender Jos van Nieuwstadt, still recovering from a recent hernia operation, and so will miss out again.

Doncaster from: Sullivan, Chambers, Lockwood, Shackell, Roberts, Spicer, Shiels, Stock, Martin Woods, Coppinger, Hird, Hayter, Heffernan, Oster, Smith, Fortune, Guy, Shackell, Wilson.

INS & OUTS

In: John Oster, (C Palace), Quinton Fortune (Tubize), Dumbuya, (Grays), Webster, (FK Siad).

On Loan Jason Shackell, (Wolves)

Out: Gordon Greer, (Swindon), Gareth Taylor, (Wrexham) Wellens, (Fester), Jason Price, (Millwall), Darren Byfield, (Oldham), Matthew Mills, (Reading)

Out On Loan None.

Released Tomi Ameobi,

DANGERMEN

The scorers of Donnys two league goals to date have been James Hayter and Adam Lockwood with James Coppinger getting the single effort that saw Notts County out of the league cup, (no mean feat at the moment) at the County Ground.

Last Seasons top scorer was Paul Heffernan with 10 League goals from 19 (9) appearances in the leagues poorest scoring team.

FORM

Sky Blues - 1st, The Championship: 6 points from 2 games.

Doncaster - 14th, The Championship: 2 points from game.

Rovers had the worst attack in the league last season with 42 goals scored, 5 less than The Sky Blues

The Vikings had the 6th best defence in The Championship with 53 goals conceded, the 5 better as The Sky Blues

Last 8 League Games:

VISIT THE RIVALS

THE REF

The man in the middle for this game was last seen keeping his cards in his pocket against Charlton at the Ricoh last season:

Mr C Boyeson (East Yorks)

Games across all leagues & competitions this season so far:

Games across all leagues & competitions last season:

Last City game Officiated in: Coventry vs Charlton 13/04/2009

Result: 0-0.

Cards:

Performance: From Ian Palmer’s Match Report Another bore-draw at the Ricoh, this time against a Charlton side all but doomed to relegation. A poor City performance was partially redeemed by the emergence of some promising youth academy talent..... Morrison had claims for a penalty waved away by the referee ten minutes before half time…..The striker felt he'd been barged over by Darren (brother of Elliott) Ward 9/10.

PREVIOUS

Last seasons 0-1 defeatn saw . The Sky Blues play Rovers for the first time in over 50 years and Sky Blues unbeaten away record finished where it started: Yorkshire. City had just put up a decent battle against the Magpies in the League Cup 2nd round & a conservative Rovers side needed just the one goal, (again) to pick up the points against a lacklustre Sky Blues. A debacle it wasn’t, but a spectacle neither, for either sets of supporters, in one of those games that just trickled on & out.

Walking back to the pub we made jests over what Chris Coleman would be saying in the press conference and speculated the words ‘tired’ & ‘after Newcastle’ would be in there somewhere. But the truth is the only thing that was missing in this game was a bit of class and effort from both sides. Additionally, quite prophetically as it happened we guessed that if that wasn’t forthcoming in the latter months of the season neither of us would be looking at the right end of the table come May.

The Managers had this to say:

Chris Coleman: 'I think we started really lethargic and looked tired and I can't say that is because of the Newcastle game because that was on Tuesday, We just started lethargic and I'm not sure about the balance of the team at the minute. We started today without an edge and that was disappointing.

'In the first half, (City goalkeeper) Kieren Westwood really hasn't had a save to make and they've hit one from 25 yards, it's a rocket, and there's nothing you can do about that. “ Once you go 1-0 down against Doncaster, who really in the second half played counter-attack against us, it is hard to get back into the game.

'We have to go into games much sharper than that. We're not good enough to win the game at half tilt. It's as simply as that. We won the first two games in the league and put in a great performance against Newcastle and there was almost a bit of a swagger. We are not good enough to have swagger.

'This season will be a long, hard season for us again because we are not even nearly there in terms of being a team that can really have an assault on this league. We're still building. The team we've got here is a good team. It's a good team for this league. It's good team when it is firing on all cylinders and it wasn't today.'

Sean O’Driscoll: 'There will be times I'm sure this season when we'll come off the pitch and hold our hands up and say we've been beaten by the better side. So far we have given a good account of ourselves.

'I think any win in this league you've got to be grateful for. If it's as tight as it was last year then three points at home is a big boost. I keep saying it's a beginning and so far it's been a good beginning.

'The game doesn't change much in the Championship. It's still 11 against 11 and the rules are the same so I don't know how we would look out of place (in the Championship).

The team that day was:

Sky Blues: Westwood, Hall (Doyle 72), Ward, Dann, Fox, Tabb, Gunnarsson, Beuzelin, Mifsud, Morrison (McKenzie 69), Eastwood (Best 65).

Subs Not Used: Turner, Marshall.

Booked: None.

Goals: None.

HISTORY

The last time the Sky Blues played Donny previous to last season was 56 years ago, and whilst the record shows that City lost 1-0 on 29th March 1952, the team records are not accessible to say who played.

The Sky Blues have played 5 times at the old Belle View Stadium and have yet to win.

A couple of games in the 50's, one in the forties, one in the 30's and the first, best forgotten, a 8-1 defeat in 1926.

The last six meetings in this fixture have finished thus:

Full league Away record against Rovers is as follows:

Our overall record against Doncaster Home & Away in all competitions is as follows:

Get a map here:

WHERE TO DRINK

A couple of good friends of a couple of far flung SBA, Mick 'Tobber' Tobin and our Noggin The Nog (TokyoJim) Andy and Sue, got in touch last season to recommend their pub.:

Having not been to Donny before we gave it a go and were very nicely surprised. Not a flash boozer, but good beer, company and damn nice, solid food, (go for the steak & kidney pie and chips).

Fitzwilliam Arms , 27, Shotton Walk, Doncaster DN1 3RH, Tel: 01302 360 008

You can find a map of how to get there here: (click the logo)

AMAZING FACTS

Doncaster Rovers were formed in 1879 and played at The Intake Stadium from 1st August 1879 to 31st July 1916.

At the resumption of League Football in 1919 the club moved to the Bentthorpe Ground until 1922

The new ground Belle Vue was opened by Charles E. Sutcliffe from the Football League on Saturday, August 26 of that year. In 1927 the main stand at Doncaster's former ground in the suburb of Bennetthorpe was jacked up and moved on rollers to Belle Vue to form the family stand, where it remained until 1985 when the tragic events at Bradford City meant that the old wooden structure was deemed unsafe and was demolished.

In 1938 the capacity of Belle Vue was increased to 40,000 and it was in 1948 that the stadium recorded its highest attendance of 37,099 against Hull City,

A fire in the Main Stand one night in June 1995 caused extensive damage and nine months later Chairman Ken Richardson was arrested after the full time whistle blew on an evening match against Fulham. He was charged with conspiracy to commit arson and was subsequently found guilty.

Doncaster Rovers hold the record for most league wins and most losses in a season: 33 wins in a 1946/47 but 34 defeats in 1997/98.

Doncaster is the only team to win the Fourth Division/Third Division (fourth level) championship more than twice (three times in 1966, 1969, and 2004).

Doncaster were the last team to win the Division Three before it was renamed League Two.

Doncaster Rovers were involved in the longest ever football match, against Stockport County at Edgeley Park on March 30, 1946. The match was the second in a Division Three (North) two-legged cup tie and, after 30 minutes of extra time, was deadlocked at 2-2 (also the score in the first leg). After the referee had sought advice from the authorities, it was decided that the game would carry on until one team scored. However, after 203 minutes, and with darkness closing in, the game was finally stopped.

The team's mascot, portrayed by Andrew Liney, is a brown dog known as Donny Dog that wears a red and white Rovers jersey. Before a scheduled appearance during the game against Huddersfield Town at the Galpharm Stadium on 12 September 2006, police prevented Liney from entering the stadium in costume, citing unspecified 'police intelligence' (an oxymoron), and refused him permission to wear any part of the costume within 50 metres of the stadium

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Sky Blues PaperTalk: Barnsley 0 – 2 Coventry City

By Mel Dixon.

Coventry City go two points clear at the top of the championship with Saturday’s two-nil win over Barnsley. It maintains the Sky Blues one hundred percent record and ensures that we continue to be mentioned in Our Majesty’s press...

Leon Best’s reward for extra free kick practice was the main point of interest in the post-match analysis, particularly for the red tops. The Sun began their report by saying: “Coventry hitman Leon Best notched a stunning opener for Chris Coleman’s Sky Blues then said: Practice makes perfect.”

It wasn’t literally what he said, but I’m sure Leon won’t be suing them for suggesting he talks in a constant babble of clich�s. What was heartening to hear, is just how well he gets on with Clinton Morrison: “He’s a very good mate of mine, I respect him and what he’s done in the game – and I learn from him.” It sounds as though Morrison has helped ‘the hitman’ mature.

Best also made The Sun’s Team of the Weekend, albeit on the left side of midfield.

The Daily Mirror took the same angle, highlighting how... “Practice has certainly made perfect” for Best. They then mentioned how Barnsley had now lost their first home game three seasons in a row against Coventry. Best talked a bit more about those much talked about extra training sessions before Barnsley skipper Stephen Foster aired his grievances on the way Morrison went down too easily for the free kick. Morrison then “rubbed salt in the Barnsley wounds by heading city’s second near the end.” Hmmm.

On the subject of Clinton Morrison... Credit must go to the Daily Mail for finding room to feature an unaccompanied postage stamp-sized picture of an ecstatic Morrison with the informative caption: “He’s on form...” And I guess that’s all you need to know.

The Sunday Express went against the grain by focusing on Iain Hume’s emotional return for Barnsley: “...Hume is just happy to be playing again after nine months recovering from a serious skull fracture...” Indeed, it was good to see him return, but fortunately it would be no fairytale comeback - otherwise we wouldn’t have heard the last of it...

Coventry “recovered quickly from their shock Carling Cup defeat” wrote Peter Wilson in the Sunday Times. Well, it may have escaped your attention Peter, but that was more a reserve team; well done, though, for correctly identifying Morrison’s volley.

A brief round-up in the Telegraph simply stated that we are the only team in The Championship with a one-hundred percent record, but Coleman still wants to bring in a couple more players.

In summary, the novel idea of practising free-kicks dominated most of the reports, whilst Simon Davey complained about the award of the free kick and Coleman sounded cautiously upbeat.

Most of the articles also mentioned Hume’s return. There was very little written about the actual nature of the game, and most of the reports were puffed out with quotes and contextual details. This is most likely because they haven’t sent out a reporter to the game. Though last week they clearly sent out reporters for the Ipswich game (or simply had them watching Sky Sports) but still didn’t give any real match analysis.

Journalism, churnalism.

Here’s a hint to the Coventry players: make up some half-interesting back story which enabled you to perform the way you did. The papers love a back story - it means they don’t have to talk about a game they haven’t seen.

For now, though, we can all rejoice in the fact that the national newspapers are being forced to pay attention to the great CCFC.

Long may it continue...

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The GMK Match Report: Doncaster Rovers v Sky Blues.

By Javed Peacevale

The Sky Blues remain unbeaten, take a point away from home, keep a clean sheet, stay in the top three and importantly do not lose at a ground, or town, we’ve never won in. All of this from a less than sparkling performance, not bad!

Tuesday 18th August – 7.45 pm The Keepmoat.

Team Changes

Chris Coleman kept faith with the team that faced Barnsley at the weekend, which meant their was no place for the sick Freddie Eastwood. The only change came on the bench where a bruised Dimi Konstantopoulos replaced youth team keeper Michael Quirke

1st Half

A weary, slow drive up the M1 through the never ending roadworks saw us arrange at the Keepmoat in time for a pint and a drink before seeing the unchanged Sky Blues take the field in front of 800ish SBA.

Doncaster meanwhile welcomed back Mr McIndoe with what is now becoming a familiar ring of boos, (same as Barnsley on Saturday), as Rovers made two changes from the team that drew on Saturday with Oster coming in for Spicer and Sheils for last seasons top scorer Heffernan.

Rovers kicked off and made easy work of gaining a corner in the first 30 seconds which came to nothing. A mistake by Oster almost gave Best a chance to open the scorer moments later but despite powering upfield the City striker put his effort wide from around 20 yards without testing Sullivan.

From a relatively frenetic opening, the game settle down, as far as Rovers were concerned, although City looked on the back foot from the start in a setting they have performed so badly in the past.

On ten minutes the unsettled City defence was exposed when a long ball found Coppinger who turned Wright and unleashed a shot that just flew over the bar.

Two minutes later the normally reliable Mr Boyeson seemed to re-enforce some of that proposed Yorkshire bias by awarding Doncaster a goal kick from what was a blatant City corner of loanee Shackell. No matter.

Coppinger earnt the home side a free kick which Stock took to be comfortably saved by Westwood before a double City corner move came to nothing as Rovers cleared comfortably.

Neither side had really tested the keeper with both defences cancelling out a lacklustre strike force from both teams seemingly tired by an early season 4 games in 10 days period.

Another sequence of corners this time from Rovers gave Oster a chance that was deflected wide for Shiels to pick up the ball to test Westwood, who saved with ease in front of the watching Everton scouts in the stand.

Like Saturday Rovers had the bulk of the possession, which ultimately was coming to nothing as an assured City defence well marshaled by Wright saw Turner and Cranie start to click, look like a solid pairing. The well oiled back line were restricting the home team to long range efforts protecting Westwood who was able to mop up easily anything that came his way.

However in the 40th minute Westwood did come to the rescue when a Rovers free kick from around 25 yards out was forced around his left post in full dive mode for a corner that came to nothing.

Despite Rovers having the better of the chances in the first period, both teams went in goal-less at the break, with the City defence holding firm against last seasons lowest scorers in the league.

Half Time

Half time: Doncaster 0-0 Coventry.

No changes were made at half time by the Sky Blues, as both teams came out with the same 11 the started the opening period.

2nd Half

City started sprightly in the second half obviously buoyed by some words of encouragement in the dressing room at half time. With the SBA in fine voice again it was Rovers who showed first as Shiels tried his luck from a long way out lobbing the ball wide from distance to no avail.

A cross come shot from Wright went over the bar just before the hour mark before two fruitless corners for Rover followed in what was become a hard fought but ultimately scrappy game where neither side wanted to make either the play or mistake that could seal the game with a single missing goal, (unlike last year).

A Rovers break saw the ball ping ponging around before Stock put the ball over the bar to waste some determined set up play.

Coppinger turned a little out of sorts PVA just after the hour as Shiels winded Westwood with an attempt that the Sky Blues keeper caught squarely in the stomach. A not so assured stop from Stock minutes later almost saw the City keeper hand it to Rovers but fortunately the ball dropped away out of danger, much to the relief of the City keeper whose positional play in the whole of the game was pretty much faultless.

With Rovers increasing the intensity of their attacks, the City forward line were seeing less of the ball in a game the City midfield were starting to lose. Gunnarsson was fortunate to stay on the field as the Rovers faithful cried out for a red card as the petulant midfielder illustrated why he’s not the full asset many claim him to be by giving Mr Boyeson something to think about before finally settling for a yellow.

With Heffernan coming on for Oster, City desperately needed a change to alter the mix and flow of the game to offer something different, which Doncaster did again in the 82nd minute as Sam Hird came on for Gareth Roberts. Followed by another 2 minutes later as Quinton Fortune came on for Woods.

With Morrison getting caught in an effective offside trap it was left to Gunnarsson to produce a headed chance before Hayter had a chance go out for a corner and a rare forage upfield by Clingan with minutes to go, firing wide before a Best header missed its target.

With around four minutes of extra time played and the bulk of the game influenced by the home team Mr Boyeson bought proceedings to and end as City settled for a useful away point.

Games like these, indeed this one, last season would have been lost so City can take some comfort from a battling away point, and whilst that nice top of the table position has now gone, three games in where still unbeaten and have kept two clean sheets away from home, admittedily by what all now look like teams that will struggle this season, (even Ipswich). However if you’re beating teams like this at least you won’t be amongst them came the end of the season, so as it stands City are in fine fettle.

The real challenge will come when we start to meet teams that are up there with us. As for Doncaster an unbeaten start of the season for them too, all draws, but when we meet them again on boxing Day, one would hope there’s plenty of points between us and lots of Blue Sky places too with, unlike this game, the Sky Blues well ontop!

POST MATCH & QUOTES

Chris Coleman: 'They're a good team, I'd pay money to watch Doncaster play, but it's a point gained for us and two lost for them”

'In the first half we were poor. Too many of us had under-par performances.”

'We were too frivolous with possession but thankfully the back four held firm and kept their efforts at distance.'

Sean O’Driscoll: 'It was a sparkling performance. We dominated from start to finish apart from putting the ball in the back of the net.”

'If it wasn't for their keeper Kieren Westwood we would have been two or three goals up.”

'But we've shown what we're capable of and hopefully we can take that into next week.'

HOW THEY LINED UP

Sky Blues: Westwood, Wright, Van Aanholt, Cranie, Turner, Clingan, Osbourne, Gunnarsson, McIndoe, Best, Morrison.

�

Subs Not Used: Konstantopoulos, Grandison, Clarke, Cameron, Walker, Cain, Jeffers.

Booked: Gunnarsson.

Goals: None.

�

Doncaster: Sullivan, Roberts, (Hird 82) Chambers, Lockwood, Shackell, Stock, Oster, (Heffernan 75) Woods, (Quinton Fortune 84) Coppinger, Hayter, Shiels.

�

Subs Not Used: Smith, Hird, Wilson, Quinton Fortune, Guy, Heffernan, Fairhurst.

Booked: Coppinger

Goals: None.

Att: 9,484.

Ref: Mr C Boyeson (West Yorks) 8/10

Man of The Match: :Westwood.

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A fine balance?

By Smiles.

It’s a thin, thin line between love and hate, so the lyric goes. The songs theme concerns relationships and the fine balance / tipping point between friend and foe. A certain chemistry that defines the slim boundary amid love and loathing, like that between a clubs chairman and his manager, the manager and his team and a club and its fans.

It’s fair to say that expectations, including my own, coming into this season have been tempered to the underside of realistic, depending on where you stand, or how full your cup is. Adopting a different viewpoint in expectation of approach to how we’re going to do this year, without applying the weight of expectation to a team of players a bit thinner, and cheaper, to run than we’re used to, has been strangely liberating. The doubters and cynics amongst us, lost in the morass of selling two of our ‘crown jewels’ in an attempt to ‘balance the books’ see plus ca change for the older Sky Blues, who remember it ever so being thus.

But hang on, where have those dissenting voices gone who in the past decried the lack of a home grown youth ascension policy, those that wanted The Academy saved, those who wanted a new midfield, a tighter defence, a slimmer squad with a ounce of quality rather than filler, but who knew, deep down, that the club had to live within its means, if that ‘investment’ wasn’t fully forthcoming?

I think its reasonable to surmise that there’s been a subtle change in the venture capital strategy, if not template, of the SISU backed Ray Ranson, and the sales of Dann & Fox went some way to stir up some of the more vociferous feelings of a skeptical public who have seen it all before and ‘sick of all the lies’. I think its fair to say the investment seems to have been drawn in somewhat. But hang on, to quote a clich� - look at the bigger picture. We are where we are and a large amount of that is because of how badly we were run in the past. It takes time to right a decade of wrongs, there aren’t any overnight cures, unless you live in pantomime land.

Personally I’ve always said the actions of the board / owners should be judged on the quality of the replacements, and not the actual sale of the asset. To ignore some of the realities of football, and market forces in general, is to adapt a head in the sand approach to denying their very existence. Not only is that foolhardy, it’s ignorant, and prove you know a lot less about business, personal ambition and what motivates people than you may care to admit. Defensively last season with Fox and Dann, we weren’t THAT sound figuratively even with Kieran Westwood – check the stats, they don’t lie, do they?.

We’ve made some painful slimming down exercises of the support structure in the club, finding new synergies in learning the Ricoh way without having the instantly applied pressure, and lack of expertise, to manage the day to day running of a successful, non-football related commercial success. Ok it’s true we’re missing out on the fruits of that, however the tits sink quicker the bigger they are, if you get my drift. After the last 8 to 10 years of instability we’re taking time to re-equip and rebuild a foundation for success, after running it down to the bare bones, rather than running head long into another painful minefield.

It’s also true that in an age of globalized environments, markets, trading conditions, economies, communication - and emotions – change is not only inevitable, its unavoidable, as the world gets smaller, so it accelerates. The ebb and flow of day-to-day life does not pass football by, football is a part of it all and directly influenced by those events, that not only can it not control, but influence, always, to its advantage. You roll with the blows and adapt if you like, or lie stranded below the waterline. I think that SISU lives in a changing climate that may not allow it to exercise a business plan to the full degree it did even when it planned the take over of Coventry City, but what it can do is modify its approach without losing sight of its overall objectives. If we fail they fail simple as, the more important Coventry City is to contributing to its own survival the more important our success is to mutual interests, a win-win rather than a fail-fail.

Whilst it’s, to a degree sadly, true we do not have the artificial means of say Manchester United, Chelsea, hell Aston Villa, we’re not living in sporting, or financial, vacuum where the events just pass us by, they’re undeniable realities that have to be faced, or you are a Dutch man! (Sorry PvA).

Additionally it's important to keep an eye on the ball and equally vital to keep your head above water, not to stretch as far as say, Portsmouth, Leicester or Leeds in chasing a dream that has dire consequences if you get things wrong, a dose of healthy openness like published accounts or and essence of ‘transparency’ would go a long way to discourage the rumour mongers who retch at the undisclosed fee, the turn of policy, the lack of explanation.

As I alluded to in Tuesdays’ match preview, keeping your feet on the ground has become so much of a reality to Sky Blues folk it’s a wonder we haven’t taken root over the years, so without getting carried away by our lofty top of the table start, we’re in a better position than many, including me, thought we would be a few weeks ago. We’d have all snapped anyone’s hands off for 7 points from the first 3 games. The additions of McIndoe, Clingan, van Aanholt and Cranie have gone a long way to bolster the fine addition of flowering talent from our re-invigorated Academy improved under Gregor Rioch. Additionally, up to now, we’ve kept the key asset Kieran Westwood. Aron has yet to fully convince me he’s worthy of all the adoration some pile on him….

The most important addition in the close season may yet prove to be Steve Harrison, another subtle change in the back room staff that is being geared towards lasting success, a platform for everyone to spring from.

Not everything in business can be vaunted, I appreciate there’s a limit to what you can disclose, but having had a number of years where the cloak and dagger, smoke and mirrors policy edged our club to the brink of extinction you can understand why some supporters remain dubious. However it’s also likely that some of these people have never had to make a big decision in their life. Sometimes keeping your council not only allows a successful outcome to a fragile negotiation but equally keeps those precious expectations in check.

It’s alright to desire and want everything, you just have to be more realistic in what is achievable, in what priority and in what timescales.

Instant success - does anyone want to demand? Welcome the new Mike McGinnity, take your crown of thorns and sit on this cross for a while, buffoon.

Looking at the bigger picture our club is being rebuilt from within whilst still plying its trade. Although frustrating, signs of progress are there to see if look hard enough, if you can cross that thin Sky Blue line, to achieve all of what we all want and need is not only a longer term goal, it’s a fine balance, that we don’t or can’t always appreciate!

An edited version of this article will appear in today’s Coventry Telegraph Fanzone.

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Holden Move Collapses

By Ian Palmer

The Sky Blues move for Rhyl winger Luke Holden collapsed yesterday when the club failed to agree personal terms with the player and his agent.

This statement appeared on the Rhyl FC official website: 'Although Rhyl and Coventry were well advanced in agreeing terms, the player and his agent spoke with Coventry and the Championship club decided not to proceed with the signing.

'Luke will be in the squad for Friday's game against Airbus.

'Whilst all parties are disappointed, they are encouraged by the fact that two other senior clubs are now interested in obtaining Luke's signature in the near future.'

Another possible motive for the cancellation of the deal is a change of transfer policy by Chris Coleman and Ray Ranson. With a number of first team players on currently on the sidelines, City may well wish to switch their attentions to more experienced transfer targets.

09/10 GMK PL Week 2, Game 3.

By Smiles

Three games gone, two wins one draw, and a point at Donny. Not bad, particularly for everyone who never predicts a Sky Blue loss. There was only one poster this time around that predicted that & only one who went for the 0-0 draw. How did you do?

Links:

The follow: (The Rules)

(This weekends game vs Swansea Sat 22/08/09 (H))

(This weeks game vs Doncaster Tues 18/08/09 (A))

Article

Here’s this weekends fixtures for you to predict.

Game 4: (kick off deadline to post by: 3:00 pm)
Predict the outcome of:

Coventry vs Swansea:
First Goal Coventry Scorer:
Crowd:

Championship Games:

Predict the outcome of the following games

Home (H), Away (A) or Draw (D), (NO SCORES, you HAVE TO POST H / D or A):

3.00pm unless stated:

Saturday 22rd August:

C Palace vs Newcastle :
Coventry vs Swansea :
Derby vs Plymouth :
Leicester vs Barnsley :
Middlesbro vs Doncaster :
Preston vs Peterborough :
QPR vs Nottm Forest :
Reading vs Sheff Utd :
Sheff Wed vs Scunthorpe :
Watford vs Blackpool :
West Brom vs Ipswich 5:20pm:

Sunday 23rd August:

Cardiff vs Bristol C 1:15pm:

Cheers Smiles.

Coventry City Results Prediction League

After 3 games the table starts to take some form but there’s still not a great deal space between 1st & 20th. First up I made a mistake last week and omitted Gus’ scored which would have put him top, so sorry and all that! And away we go:

Top of the league we now have a two way split for top between Gus (+2) is still top of the league in his own right on 17 points from 30 after last weeks top scoring 8. Mr Tickle (+2) has 2nd place to himself on 16 & Bagsy (+1) third on 15 alongside Vicar_In_A_Tutu (+3). Making up the top 5 all on 14 points we have DimiTheGreat (+2) SkyBlueBertie (+2) and SteveC189 (+2).

In equal 8th we have Oblong (+1 and CCFC_Maton, (+2) with 13 points and in 10th up 3 places Sky_Blue_Up_North (+2) on 12.

Edgy, SkyBlueExile, & Tisza all scoring 0 points to stay on11 points all told and drop out of the top 10.

Everyone else follows….

The gap from 1st to 10th is 5 points (+2) & 1st to 20th 10 (+2). Our top scorer this week was Perdomo who received 9 points for getting the 0-0, missed out on the perfect 10 due to being about 3,000 out on the crowd.

Here’s the updated league:

The top 15 or so will appear on the front page every week, check it out on the right of the page!

For a reminder on how to score points again check the rules on the home page on the blue bar, when I’ve worked out how to do it!

Championship Results Prediction League

In the Championship games predictor with so many away wins there were 18 points to go for and double digit returns galore. This meant the table tables on a whole new look.

The top five has 4 of last weeks predictors still in it, but in totally different positions. We have a new leader as Bagsy (+9) who moves up from 2nd and goes top equal with RickyCCFC (+10) up from 5th on 25 points recording his second week with a double digit return.

In third last weeks leader SBGus,(+8) on 24 points sharing the spot with BerksSkyBlue(+12) up from 18th to 4th. The top 5 is made up of 4 players all on 23 points: Oblong (+7), down from 3rd, CovFanMartin (+9), up from 7th Lagger (+9) up from 11th and SkyBlue87 (+11) up from 20th, and another double digiter.

Making up the top 10 we have 5 players all on 22 Vicar_In_A_Tutu (+8) in 9th down from 8th, SkyBlueExile, (8) stuck in 10th, SkyBlueNemo (+10) up from 16th to 11th, KeanoNo1 (+12) up from 26th to 12th and in lucky 13th we BlindFaith (+12).

Dropping out of the top ten from 4th to 15th SkyBlueBertie, (+ 6), & CCFCMaton, (6) 6th to 16th both on 21 points.

So with 39 playing (-9) 1st to 10th is now a gap of 3 points (+1) & 1st to 20th 5 points (+1)

The average points were 8.71 from 6.83 (+1.88) and overall total 340 from 328 (+12).

There were 18 points to go for (+4) and the top scorer was CCSBA (+13) which took him from 38th to 23rd on 20 points. In addition to those mentioned above scoring 12 were Andrew Brown and HK_Blue_Skies, with another 8 scoring ten or above with the highest average I can remember.

Here's the table after week 2 game 3:

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Put a Cork in it

By Ian Palmer

Coventry have signed Chelsea youngster Jack Cork on loan until the end of the year.

Sky Sports understands that the 20-year old is set to follow in his teammate Patrick van Aanholt's shoes and join the Sky Blues on a short term deal.

Jack, son of former City reserve team manager Alan Cork, can play at right-back, centre-back, or in midfield. He spent loan spells with Southampton and Watford last year, and actually scored twice against Coventry the season before during a loan spell with Scunthorpe.

Cork looks set to join up with City in time to be included for this Saturday's game at the Ricoh against Swansea City.

Chris Coleman explained that he'd had his sights set on Cork for a while.

'This is another excellent addition to the squad and Jack is the second promising young Chelsea player to join our ranks this season.

'He is very highly regarded at Stamford Bridge, and he has already played close to 100 matches while on loan with other Football League clubs so has good experience for his age.

'We made a substantial offer for Jack earlier in pre-season to bring him to the club permanently, but Chelsea did not want to sell him which shows how much they think of him, and how highly we consider him.

'That said, we are delighted that they have let him come out on loan to us and this is further sign of what we are trying to achieve at the club.

'We are still hoping to make further additions before the transfer window closes and a lot of work is going on behind the scenes to make that happen.'

The GMK Match Preview: Sky Blues v Swansea City.

By Smiles

Hit the road, Jack? The Sky Blues welcome Chris Coleman’s home-town club Swansea, (under the new management of Paulo Sousa), who aren’t doing too well so far this season and haven’t won in Coventry since 1949/50, and that was the only time, too - so far….

THE SKY BLUES Vs THE SWANS

The Sky Blues point scoring start to the season, against admittedly weaker opposition, has been matched by the Swans own pretty pointless start against some of the leagues stronger teams – a fact which means nothing according to Chris Coleman as the two ‘similar’ sides meet at the Ricoh this afternoon.

City will be further buoyed by the capture of Chelsea starlet Jack Cork who, if he starts, will play against one of the sides his father, former City coach Alan, managed before turning to number two status.

It will be refreshing to see Cork in and possibly scoring for City rather than against them as 2 of Cork’s three career goals have come against City in the past. The promising attacking midfielder gives City more options upfront whilst the possibly returning striker McKenzie will give cover if he can prove that his fitness is not just another temporary blip in an recently injury ravaged career.

GAME ON THIS WEEKENDS FIXTURES

TEAM NEWS

Chris Coleman is not expected to be able to call upon any of his recently injured players for the home clash against Swansea, although Coleman can be a dark horse when it comes to team selections.

Virus victim Freddy Eastwood has been out with illness and although back in training he is not considered 100%, (some would say he’s been far from that for some time), whilst Leon McKenzie, having upped his rehabilitation and played a number of practise matches may be the more likely to make the bench but is unlikely to play a major starting part in what is a relatively settled side.

Winger David Bell has had surgery in Sweden and is now recovering whilst James McPake (shoulder) and Danny Ireland (emergency bowel surgery) are certain to miss out, as do Elliott Ward and Marcus Hall.

Coleman is likely to line up with the same starting eleven that took a point from Doncaster in midweek, with the City looking to continue their impressive start to the campaign.

Sky Blues from: Westwood, Cranie, Osbourne, Wright, Turner, van Aanholt, Clarke, Clingan, Gunnarsson, McIndoe, Ward, Best, Eastwood, Cork, Morrison, Konstantopoulos, Quirke, Grandison, Cain, Walker, Jeffers, McKenzie.

THE OPPOSITION

The loss of manager Roberto Martinez to Wigan in the close season has rocked the South Wales club, whose appointment of former QPR manager Paulo Sousa has done little to shore up a club whose prime assets seam destined to follow their manager North West.

The Swans have had a tough start to their second Championship campaign playing their first game of the season at a re-invigorated promoted Leicester, and then games against fancied Middlesboro and Reading.

If on paper Sousa’s start has seen no continuation in the promise Martinez encouraged last season, on the pitch the evidence has been somewhat different. Sousa urged his players to maintain their belief after they were held to a goalless home draw by Reading in mid week. The Swans saw a victory go begging after on form Reading goalkeeper Adam Federic saved Mark Gower's penalty.

The Swans dominated the second period without scoring, a feature only to previlant so far this term but the result at least lifted the Welsh club off the bottom of the table, one place above Barnsley.

Sousa said: 'There was only one team playing. They did everything they do in training. The second half was fantastic. I will tell my players to keep doing the same. We need to keep the same attitude and belief. Our defensive organisation came very well after 10 minutes.'

Goals have been hard to come by for The Swans this season and now former striker Jason Scotland has urged Ferrie Bodde to join him at Wigan. The Dutch midfielder has been linked with a move to the Premier League club since his mentor, Martinez, left Swansea to become Wigan's manager earlier in the summer.

Speaking to the Wigan Evening Post, Scotland commented: 'Ferrie is a very good player and obviously it would be great to have him here. He did great for Swansea while I was there and sometimes a player has to take the next step up. We'll have to wait and see what happens but hopefully he will come here and do well.”

'He has many qualities but in Holland they gave him the nickname of 'the Dutch Roy Keane', which says a lot. I know a few clubs have been in for him and that tells its own story for you.'

If Scotland is urging Bodde, and perhaps Gomez, to join him up north, perhaps Swansea should consider whether letting more of their assets follow Martinez, given Scotland is even paid for yet.

Chairman Huw Jenkins has revealed he is unable to spend the money he ‘received’ from Wigan for Martinez and Scotland as he does not have it yet. Martinez and his top scorer from last season moved Martinez’s former playing club over the summer with Wigan paying a fee for both, but Jenkins is unable to provide new manager Sousa with all of the cash agreed, to spend on his squad, because of an agreement with Wigan sees the money paid over the course of two seasons.

The frustrated Chairman revealed: 'Everybody thinks we are just piling the money up in the bank and saving it for a rainy day but it's not like that. The deals we've been involved in this summer just show you the way things work in this day and age, especially with a lot of Premier League clubs. Everybody works on a never never basis in football but we try to pay for things as we have them. We only look to spend what is guaranteed to come in during that season.' Obviously Swansea lack the Royal mint to come to a similar arrangement with its own bankers to cover the gap…

With top scorer Scotland gone, Swansea are struggling in the goalscoring stakes this season thus far and have cast their net further looking to pick up a seasoned yet cheaper alternative.

Former Watford & Blade Danny Webber has revealed he has spoken to Swansea about a move to the Liberty. The 27-year-old has been without a club since leaving Sheffield United in the summer but has spoken to Paulo Sousa about a switch to Wales. Webber commented: 'I've spoken to Swansea and I was very impressed with Paulo Sousa. That is another option I have to consider along with a number of choices.'

Cheating Spanish midfielder Jordi Lopez is set to return from injury for the trip to The Ricoh. The former Real Madrid man has missed the Swans' last two games with a ‘dead leg’ but is expected to return for the game. Lopez, who seems to go down easier than Jordan, has recovered from that injury, but no doubt will find that 20 yards or so from the box on the right, a ghosted challenge will give him just the right distance to test that injured peg…

Sousa will be without a number of squad members with Joe Allen missing due to a hamstring injury, Ferrie Bodde a long-term absentee following knee surgery, Thomas Butler has a groin problem and Darren Pratley a shoulder injury, forcing them all out. None of them are expected to return until September at the earliest.

Swansea from: De Vries, Williams, Tate, Monk, Rangel, Britton, Orlandi, Dyer, Gower, Morgan, Dobbie, Pintado, Painter, Cornell, Bond, Thomas,

INS & OUTS

In: Nathan Dyer, (Southampton), Stephen Dobie, (Queen of the South), Jordi Loez, (QPR).

On Loan None.

Out: Jason Scotland (Wigan), Owen Tudor-Jones (Norwich).

Out On Loan None

Released Dennis Lawrence, Kyle Graves, Callum Hawthorne, Chris Jones.

DANGERMEN

The Swans have scored once in the league this season with Ashley Williams getting a single goal in the 2-1 defeat at Fester. Scot Stephen Dobie scored 2 in the 3-0 League Cup home defeat of Brighton, with the well-travelled Gary Monk getting the other.

Last season’s top scorer, Jason Scotland, with 21 league goals from 39, (6) appearances followed his manager to Wigan, and Jordi Gomez knocked in a useful 12 from 38 (6).

Although out for a large chunk of the season Freddie Bodde returned 7 from 17 and Gorka Pintado contributed 5 from 9 (31).

FORM

Sky Blues - 3rd, The Championship: 7 points from 3 games.

Swansea - 23rd, The Championship: 1 points from 3 games.

Swansea currently has the 2nd worst attack in the league this season with 1 goal scored, 3 less than The Sky Blues

The Swans have the 4th worst defence in The Championship with 5 goals conceded, 4 worse than The Sky Blues

Last 8 League Games:

VISIT THE RIVALS

THE REF

The man in the middle for this game has been a bit more flash with the cards this season than the Spartan Mr Boyeson who reffed our last game!.

Mr P T Crossley (Kent)

Games across all leagues & competitions this season:

Games across all leagues & competitions last season:

Last City game Officiated in: Bristol City v Sky Blues 10/03/2008

Result: 2-0.

Performance: The Sky Blues had an effort ruled out before the close of the half as Eastwood delivered a fine cross to Basso's back post for Marcus Hall who headed into the path of Best who put the ball in the back of the net only the Sky Blues to be penalized for a foul as Morrison was adjudged to have pulled a defender back in the build up.… With Clinton Morrison also earning himself a card for demanding that Carey was sent off after a late one on one challenge, (probably dissuading the ref from making that decision), it was a bad day at the office for a side that had such a convincing February….7/10

PREVIOUS

The Sky Blues last faced Swansea at the Ricoh in a night game Tuesday 26th November 2008 recording a 1-1 draw thanks to a late Danny Fox 87th minute equaliser against the cheating Gomez free kick that beat Kieran Westwood twenty minutes earlier.

Far from being the display Chris Coleman predicted, the Sky Blues had to work hard to hary and grind out a deserved point in a gritty performance against an attractive Swansea side – at a cost. City lost both right backs to self inflicted injuries and goalscorer Fox to a 5th yellow, in a game of many City chances and debatebale refereeing decisions.

Chris Coleman: commented 'We maybe got a free-kick that wasn't a free-kick, but I know for a fact theirs wasn't either. It was a bizarre decision and the referee is just 10 yards away with a clear look at it. We could have had a penalty when Freddy Eastwood was dragged down in the box, again the referee is 10 yards away but nothing.'

Roberto Martinez: Was a little more happier with the point: 'It was great to see (goalkeeper) Dorus de Vries out there, he should have been away for another two or three weeks. Some of the balls he came out for, you would never say he had a fracture. It feels like two points dropped but there are many positives to take from the performance to allow us to keep working and keep developing.'

Sky Blues: Westwood, Wright (Osbourne 33), Ward, Dann, Fox, Mifsud, Beuzelin (Gunnarsson 69), Doyle, Simpson, Eastwood, Morrison, Osbourne (Hall 45).

Subs Not Used: Marshall, Best.

Booked: Fox, Beuzelin.

Goal: Fox, 87.

HISTORY

Prior to last season the Sky Blues last faced Swansea in Coventry at Highfield Road on 22nd January 1983 in the old first Division, (a game I attended!). This was one of two games City played against the Swans in the top flight, and a game the Sky Blues ran out easy 3-1 winners in Welsh clubs’ fleeting visit to Division 1. The other the season before was a 0-0 stalemate in October 1981.

Coventry is not a place the Swans have visited much beyond those two appearances in the 80’s. Bar a League Cup visit in the 60’s most of the action took place in the old Division two prior to the Sky Blues accent.

The last eight games in this fixture were as follows:

Full league Home record against Swansea is as follows:

Overall record against Swansea City Home & Away in all competitions is as follows:

The full detail of that can be seen here:

AMAZING FACTS

Swansea City AFC were formed in 1912, they joined the Football League in 1920, and have been members ever since.

Nicknamed 'The Swans' or 'The Jacks', the club played from its formation in 1912 (as Swansea Town) until 2005 at the Vetch Field

Swansea City moved to a new council owned 20,532 all seater ground, the Liberty Stadium.

On May 5, 2007 a permanent memorial to John Charles, one of Swansea's favourite footballing sons, was unveiled at the Liberty Stadium. Regarded by many as the greatest all-round footballer ever to come from Britain, Charles never played a professional game for Swansea, despite playing for the club as a boy, making his name with Leeds United and Juventus, where he acquired the nickname Il Gigante Buono – The Gentle Giant.

Terry Yorath, Mickey Adams, Alan Cork and GOD himself, Tommy Hutch, have all managed the Swans.

Micky Adams' (Who beat 54 other applicants to become Coventry City manager) thirteen day stint as Swansea boss was the third shortest management reign in English league history!

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Former Sky Blue Davenport attacked at family home.

Calum Davenport is undergoing surgery on both legs after he and his mother, Kim Stupple, 49, were stabbed in an attack after being set upon at his family home in Bedford. Police have launched an investigation and his injuries have been described by doctors as 'serious.”

A spokeswoman for Bedfordshire Police commented: 'Police were called to Springfield Avenue in Kempston at 5am this morning, (Saturday) after a report of a person being stabbed.”

'A 26-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment for serious injury which is not thought to be life-threatening at this time. A 19-year-old man was arrested shortly after the incident in connection with the assault.'

Davenport lives nearby with his wife, Zoey and their daughter, Angel-Skye. It has now been confirmed that two men, aged 19 and 25, have been arrested in connection with the attack. Sources close to Davenport said that the attackers were “not unknown” to the family.

Davenports current club, West Ham released a statement on the stabbing saying: 'West Ham United can confirm that Calum Davenport was being treated in hospital on Saturday afternoon after an incident late on Friday night.”

'The 26-year-old defender and his mum both suffered stab wounds at home in Bedford. His mum is recovering while Calum underwent surgery this morning and his injuries were described as serious by doctors. The club's medical team are in contact with hospital staff.”

'The thoughts of everyone at West Ham are with Calum and his family and, due to the ongoing police investigation, no further information will be released at this time.'

Neighbour Ann Desics, who lives near the scene, said that she was woken up by people arguing in the road outside the footballer’s mother's house shortly before 5am: 'I just thought it was people passing by but then the ambulances came. I didn't see the incident, I just heard all this shouting. The main person shouting had a very strong Caribbean accent. It's an awful thing to happen - I hope he's okay.'

Mrs Desics, 61, said the road was cordoned off for some time after Davenport was taken to hospital while the scene was examined. There was 'quite a lot' of blood on the road, she added.

Another resident of the quiet road where the stabbing happened, said: 'We are all a bit shocked to tell the truth. You just don't expect something like this to happen here, it's a peaceful, quiet spot normally. The man who did not wish to be named added: 'You can't get near the house now, it's all been taped off by the police.'

The 26-year-old is a former England Under-21 international, who cost the East London club £3million after joining them from Tottenham, to whom the former City starlet was sold by the Sky Blues, during the summer of 2007.

Bedford-born Davenport spent a spell on loan at Premier League rivals Sunderland last season and has also been loaned out to Watford. The centre-back started his has also played on loan at Southampton and Norwich.

GMK wishes Calum and his mother a swift and complete recovery from this horrific attack.

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Match Report – Championship: Coventry City 0-1 Swansea City

By Ian Palmer.

The Sky Blues were left to rue a first half penalty miss as their unbeaten start to the season crumbled at the hands of Chris Coleman’s hometown club Swansea City. Ashley Williams’ low drive was enough to win it for the Swans, following up after Nathan Dyer's overhead kick cannoned back off the bar.

Saturday 22nd August, 2009 – 15:00 – The Ricoh Arena

Chris Coleman’s pre-match comments about fixture congestion looked to have been taken to heart by the City players, as it appeared as the match went on that they did not really want to be playing.

The result was an aggitated and disjointed performance, not helped by Sammy Clingan’s 13th minute penalty miss. The off-colour midfielder side-footed the ball wide after referee Crossley had harshly judged that Andrea Orlandi had handled in the box.

Minutes before that, City captain Stephen Wright was lucky he didn’t concede a penalty when he stooped to clear the ball with his shoulder inside the penalty area. Wright was one of the few Ciy players who could be pleased with their performance.

Swansea could have taken the lead as early as the 6th minute, but for Martin Cranie’s well timed challenge on Stephen Dobbie, blocking the strikers attempted shot inside the 18-yard box.

Paulo Sousa was yet to record a win as Swansea manager before today, but the Welsh side belied their slow start to the season with some neat and tidy football and enterprising attacking play.

Tricky little winger Nathan Dyer frequently swapped flanks with Mark Gower, and proved a handful for the City defence. But it also left holes that City should have exploited.

City’s first half efforts were tame. Leon Best sent cushioned volley wide, and a header straight to De Vries. McIndoe followed up some stirling defensive work by Wright with a daisy-cutter from 20 yards, again, straight at the Swansea goalkeeper.

It didn’t seem that the City players really wanted the ball. They were reacting rather than anticpating. Clingan and McIndoe were particularly reticent. That said, Swansea closed down well, and offered City very litle time or space.

The second half followed the pattern of the first. The Swans controlled much of the play, frustrated City, and got their goal. From that point on the Welsh side coasted to their first three points.

The Sky Blues introduced Jack Cork – newly signed on loan from Chelsea – but he had only just been introduced to the players in the warm-up, and didn’t really make an impact.

It was encouraging to see Leon McKenzie make his comeback. The 31-year-old was introduced late on with Freddie Eastwood after a six month injury layoff. Neither he nor Eastwood really got a sniff in their brief appearences.

Before the game City fans paid tribute to fallen local soldiers Lance Corporal James Fullerton, Sergeant Simon Valentine, and Fusilier Louis Carter – heroes lost in war. In that context, today’s result was of scant significance.

POST MATCH & QUOTES

Chris Coleman:

'We didn't lose the game because of the penalty. If we had been on the front foot in this game, we would have got a result.

'That is no disrespect to Swansea because they play good football and have a good manager but we can be better than that.

'That's our fifth game in 13 days so there is maybe a bit of fatigue creeping in but I am not going to make excuses.

'We had one or two under-performing so we hope to have another face in early next week to put a bit of pressure on.'

Paulo Sousa:

'This was not a relief and I believe we can grow much more than we have up to now.

'If we have the desire like that we will get more points. What I want and expect from my team is to be competitive and in the top 10 at the end of the season.

'It is not a concern that the strikers are not scoring. If you look at the last game every player is having opportunities and in my opinion that is the important thing. I just hope we start scoring them.'

HOW THEY LINED UP

Sky Blues: Westwood, Wright, van Aanholt, Cranie, Turner, Osbourne (Cork 64), Clingan, Gunnarsson, McIndoe (McKenzie 85), Best (Eastwood 84), Morrison

Subs Not Used: Konstantopoulos, Cain, Grandison, Clarke

Booked: Best, Clingan, van Aanholt

Swansea City De Vries, Rangel, Monk, Williams, Tate, Dyer, Britton, Bond (Morgan 64), Orlandi (Lopez 70), Gower, Dobbie (Pintado 77)

Subs Not Used: Cornell, Painter, MacDonald, Collins

Booked: Tate, Britton, Rangel

Goals: Williams 69

Att: 16,307

Ref: P Crossley (6/10)

Man of The Match: : Mark Gower – a constant thorn in City’s side, popped up effectively left, right and centre.

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Sky Blues PaperTalk: v Swansea City

By Mel Dixon.

After Coventry lost their place at the top of the championship with Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Doncaster, it was inevitable they would struggle for coverage in the follow-up game at home to Swansea. Nonetheless, like a hyena trying to pick the scraps from Steve Wright’s dinner plate (not our very own Stephen Wright but the Radio 2 star who is now being dubbed Steve ‘Weight’) I will seek out what the papers have been saying about Chris Coleman’s Sky Blues...

The main issue of interest surrounded Swansea’s goal scorer Ashley Williams. The Sun accused the 25-year-old centre-back of being a good-for-nothing liar after his post match comments emphasised the overriding importance of keeping a clean sheet: “Ashley Williams claims he prefers stopping goals to scoring them – but do not believe a word of it.” They then discussed his goal celebration which “...would have looked more at home on Strictly Come Dancing than Match of the Day.” I think we’ll let Strictly’s very own Fabien Dubec be the judge of that. They went on to describe how Swansea’s joy was contrasted only by Coventry’s ‘despondency’ and identified Sammy Clingan’s penalty miss as the turning point of the game, which is probably about right.

The Daily Mirror were also hooked on the goal scorer’s dancing exploits: “Ashley Williams family watched him score his second goal of the season – and could well be buying him some dance lessons for his birthday.” In fairness to the Mirror’ they showed more depth in their coverage by identifying the dance as being performed in the ‘Cossac-style.’ The report was then padded out with a load of quotes about how William’s dance had come about, after which I was still none-the-wiser about what the ‘Cossac-style’ constituted.

Eventually they got round to talking about the game. It was a match where, “Swansea out-passed their previously unbeaten hosts” and Coventry were “left to rue Sammy Clingan’s early penalty miss.” Stephen Wright was identified as the Sky Blues best player, and he said: “It was highly frustrating. The manager said that we are nearly there, but in a league this tight nearly is not good enough.” Just the kind of words you want to hear from a captain.

The Times referred to a goal scoring competition between Swansea’s defenders and how Ashley Williams had taken an important step in winning it. But once again Williams reiterated that keeping clean sheets was of the utmost importance before giving our strike-force a nice compliment: “Shutting strikers out gives me great satisfaction, especially when they are a couple of top class forwards like Coventry’s.” Stephen Wright was left to giving his damning verdict on the voluminous early season fixtures: “I know some of the lads were suffering with aches and pains.”

For the most-part, Coventry were victims of a media blackout – The Independent, Daily Telegraph, Guardian and Daily Express all failed to give us a mention. So thumbs-up to the Daily Mail who once again made space for an in-depth Sky Blues article which simply featured a Chris Coleman quote: “That’s our fifth game in thirteen days so maybe there is a bit of fatigue creeping in,” underneath a headline which read: “Er... but it’s still only August, Chris!”

They may well have a point, and of course there’s nothing hypocritical about the Mail accusing somebody of being a drama queen.

They never ever EVER exaggerate!

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Player Ratings and Perspective is required

By Knowl

The first cut is the deepest as we all know from that awful song, but whilst we did lose our unbeaten record yesterday there is no need to decline into the negativity spouted on CWR.

On a day when we showed our respect to the lads fallen in Afghanistan it makes you realise that one defeat isn't the end of the world. My deepest sympathies to the families of not just the three soliders from the Coventry area but the families of all the soliders killed while on duty.

Saturday 22nd August – 3.00 pm The Ricoh.

I would also like to use this piece to wish all the best to Calum Davenport and his mother in their recovery from the needless attack they suffered yesterday..

Three Parish Notices.

Firstly, we were not as bad as some have marked us down as. Yes it was not a classic but we still retained possession well and we put together a couple of well contrived passing moves. A couple of times we built from the back, and much to the agitation of some, we were prepared to go back to Westie and start again. The centre backs looked like they understood their new roles and the fact they are now required to hold onto the ball a bit longer and be prepared to take the short option into midfield. If we want to play possession football then we have to understand that the players wil take more time on the ball, the ball wont go forward quickly for periods of the game and we will pass the ball backwards to progress forwards, I for one am willing to accept this as I want to see us trying to play good football rather than kick and rush, but it will take time to work.

Secondly, well bugger me we have just watched a Championship game between two sides determined to play football, the number of aimless punts was kept to a minimum from both teams. At one point in the first half Swansea started an attack from passing the ball back to their keeper and then passing it through the middle before creating space in our box, we defended this attack well and countered, we also passed the ball through the middle and played Clinton in on the edge of the area and created a decent chance for ourselves. Yesterday Swansea played with a width we just can't achieve at the moment and at all times they had their wide players hugging the touchline, and as our wide right player was tucked in so much they always had an easy let out ball to a player under no pressure. Swansea are a good side and they are enjoyable to watch, but it must be remembered that the only way they managed to score was from a poorly defended corner and we will play a lot worse than that this season. Okay so the unbeaten run is over but with one or two signings before the end of August a comfortable midtable finish is well within sights.

Lastly, for all the positives I saw in the game our one remaining square peg in a round hole really showed us up. I like the look of the left hand side of the side, Van Aanholt and McIndoe look like they have a decent understanding and when they go forward they look like they can create something. On the right, and to be honest once again Ozzie put in a peach of a cross which should have resulted in a goal, Ozzie and Wright just don't offer enough for me. Ozzie isn't a right midfielder in anyway, he has put in some good work out there but he does not position himself in a way that stretches the opposition and I still do not think he is quick enough when in possession to create chances and attacks often break down. Wright behind him is just as ponderous and while he is obviously in the team to defend, in the modern game and in the way we are playing under Coleman this season, the full backs are going to get a lot more of the ball and often in a lot of space in which to attack. Wright requires a natural wide player infront of him before a fair assessment of him is made but again yesterday we looked good until we needed that outlet on the right and often they were just found wanting.

HOW THEY LINED UP

Coventry: Westwood, Wright (c), Van Aanholt, Turner, Craine, Osbourne, (Cork 64), Clingan, Gunnarsson, Best, (Eastwood 85), Morrison, McIndoe, (McKenzie 85)

Subs Not Used: Konstantopoulos, Cain, Grandison, Clarke

Booked: Van Aanholt, Best, Clingan

Sent Off:

Goals:

Player Ratings

Westie – 7 Had no chance for the goal and he dealt with everything else with ease. The reason he only gets a 7 is because he really did not have much to do and a lot of credit must go to the defence.

Wright – 6 Defensively he played well and apart from one rush of blood were he deserted his position to chase a ball that should have been left to the midfield he look secure. However, as stated above, his use of the ball and the way he utilizes the space provided to him by the way we are trying to move the opposition around needs to be improved upon.

Van Aanholt – 6 I could be wrong but I doubt playing the Ipswich game on Sky has done the dutch lad any favours. Swansea knew that to reduce the impact he was going have on our attacking play they had to give him something else to think about. They did this by playing their wide player very high up the pitch and left him there even when we attacked meaning that Van Aanholt always had to have one eye on what was behind him. Defensively he kept getting caught under the long cross field ball, but IMO he kept at his task well but he looked a little less confident that he had in previous matches.

Turner – 8 The rock at the heart of the defence, Swansea are not the sort of side to punt many long balls at the centre backs, so you need to have more to your game than the ability to win headers. During this game Turner demonstrated his reading of the game by continuously sweeping up behind his fellow defenders and putting in some quality blocks and held the strikers up well. Turner is going from strength to strength at the start of this season and did not deserve to be part of a side which conceded today.

Craine – 8 Like his partner at the back Craine held the Swansea attack up well, he reads the game very well and he made some very vital tackles on the few occasions Swansea broke through. Both of them looked very assured on the ball when we passed the ball around and tried to build from the back. Craine was confident enough to receive the ball even when marked and I like the look of these two as a partnership.

Ozzie – 6 One decent cross and 10 minutes of effectiveness is not enough against a team who can pass the ball well. Ozzie isn't a wide player and maybe should have been moved into the middle instead of going off but his limitations as part of the build up play restrict the overall flow of the side. When you compare the way the all the Swansea players carried themselves when they are on the ball, to Ozzie the difference is there for all to see. The lad is a workhorse and is wasted in those sorts of games on the wing because he can not offer the team what the team requires and that is not his fault, however, he needs to be quicker in his decision making and more purposeful when in possession.

Gunnar – 5 Aimless, hiding and ineffective are not three words often used to describe a Gunnar performance since he joined us last summer. I think Gunnar wants to be involved in every aspect of the game, however, Coleman has asked him to play a more creative game higher up the pitch where his all action game can be more beneficial to the team. This role requires more intelligence and more discipline than was asked of Gunnar last season. To play in this new position Gunnar has to be willing to accept the ball from the defence with a player at his back, hold the ball up and lay it off, he has to realise he will be used more as someone to bounce the ball off and get the game flowing, he will need to pass the ball short as well as long and look to thread the ball into the strikers path, which to be fair he did try to do but was often passing behind the strikers run, he has to up his game because on present form he is not justifying a place in the team. Swansea played a lot of one touch football in the middle or the park to get themselves going and we need to start doing the same but that needs Gunnar to be more mobile when not in possesion and more astute when he is.

Clingan – 7 Once again showed his ability on the ball but with only the defenders showing a willingness to take the ball off him his influence on the game was reduced. Sometimes you have to take into account the performance of an individuals closest colleagues to really understand how well he has played, Clingan was hampered by others and not by his own performance. Also that was a woeful penalty and if he scores that the result could have been so different.

McIndoe – 6 His lack of pace is a problem when we counter as he always has to cut back because he does not trust himself to out pace his marker. McIndoe is a worker with a bit of flair, but to get the best out of him we need to create him so space, due to the narrowness of the right hand side and the lack of anyone in the middle of midfield to release him with a (for want of a better description) a Wise type pass behind the full back in the final third, this was not the most productive of games for the new lad.

Best – 6 Won a lot of headers but that appeared to be Swanseas plan as they often swept up the flick ons. Should have scored when he was free inside the six yard box and Ozzie picked him out with a great cross. Had another header well saved, and dropped deep to try and get involved in the play but his passing left a lot to be desired. With a misfiring midfield it is sometimes trite to bitch about the strikers but neither Best or Clinton really helped themselves with the way they played.

Clinton – 6 With little service Clinton is always going to have a quiet game, to be honest I can not remember him doing anything of note, it was not like he made an error or he produced a piece of football which sticks in the memory. His link up play was a bit hit and miss but as I said above I am not going to slate the strikers when they are feeding off scrapes.

Subs

Cork – 6 Looked nice and tidy but with our ever changing formation it was not the sort of game to judge a debutant on.

Eastwood – No score because he did not do anything.

McKenzie – See Eastwood.

Coleman

Coleman – 6

I do not like the having 10 outfield players in the box to defend corners for multiple reasons, however, my biggest gripe is that having that many players in the box means there is an element of luck involved. We had 3 chances to clear the corner that resulted in the goal. Firstly, Clinton prevents the corner beating the first man but with that many players in the box the reorganisation required for the second ball is huge. Secondly, when the ball is whipped back in the biggest problem Turner has with getting a decent clearing header is the that fact that at least 3 other Cov players are in his way. Finally, when the ball hits the bar and comes out to the edge of the six yard box how come their player is unmarked, but there are 4 men marking no one stood on the line? Too many cooks makes for a shite broth IMO.

Beyond that we needed pace and width to be introduced so why was Cain not introduced, infact if Cain is the reserve wide player why is he not starting and if you do not rate him why not bring in a right winger to give the team the balance they so badly lacked yesterday? and take of the most ineffectual player on the park Gunnar? Then to go to a 4312 with no right side and then whatever formation we ended up with did not help, Swansea look to have a let out all the time and going even more narrow just made it easier for them out. Ozzie should have gone in the middle to help Clingan out and it would have got him more in the game and allowed him to pressure them high up the pitch.

We are not good enough to out pass the teams that play passing football but it was not an awful performance either. Swansea are just more at ease in the style of football they are trying to play and in Dyer they had someone with pace and calmness on the ball that we badly lack. We are still weak in certain areas, but in addition to that ,we really need to work on our set pieces and our link up play in the final third. Coleman talked a lot of sense in his post match interview and we needed this to bring us down to earth, and keep things in perspective.

In short. There are a lot of low scores in a performance I did not think was as bad as some are saying, but playing possession football is difficult and if three of the four midfielders have off days then we will struggle to create chances. The doom and gloom merchants on CWR are just pathetic, we could have won that game one nil or we could have drawn it, we lost the game to the team poorly defending a set piece. We wont win every game, we wont score in every game and we wont win promotion. Once you accept those three things you will accept that in the end we are developing and improving but we are not there yet and we are still getting used to the new style of play and formation.

Play up Sky Blues

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(This weekends game vs Blackpool Sat 29/08/09 (A))

09/10 GMK PL Week 3, Game 4.

By Smiles

We all love the Sky Blues, don't we & would never bet against them, even when the odds may favour it.

However, the unbeaten start to the season, and our home record, both fall against the Welshmen at the Ricoh. Only one player predicted a City loss and he got the score right too, taking nine points. So this week, in a low points scoring prediction, how did you do?

Links:

The follow: (The Rules)

(Last weekends game vs Swansea Sat 22/08/09 (H))

Here’s this weekends fixtures for you to predict.

Game 5: (kick off deadline to post by: 3:00 pm)
Predict the outcome of:

Blackpool vs Coventry:
First Goal Coventry Scorer:
Crowd:

Championship Games:

Predict the outcome of the following games

Home (H), Away (A) or Draw (D), (NO SCORES, you HAVE TO POST H / D or A):

3.00pm unless stated:

Saturday 29th August:

Barnsley vs Reading :
Blackpool vs Coventry :
Bristol C vs Middlesbro :
Doncaster vs Cardiff :
Ipswich vs Preston :
Nottm Forest vs Derby -1:00pm :
Plymouth vs Sheff Wed :
Scunthorpe vs QPR :
Sheff Utd vs West Brom :
Swansea vs Watford :

Monday 31st August:

Peterborough vs C Palace - 5:15pm:
Newcastle vs Leicester - 7:45pm:

Cheers Smiles.

Coventry City Results Prediction League

First up I made a few mistakes last week and omitted Edgy’s predictions he emailed me whilst on holiday, CCFC’s predictions and another one I’ve since forgotten, however they are now all included! So, away we go:

At the top of the league we Gus (+2) is still top of the league, but in his own right on 19 points from 40. Mr Tickle (+2) has 2nd place to himself on 18.

The top 10 has had a shuffle and two new entries in a very slim scoring week for most, so if you scored more than 2 points you moved a long way up the league.

In third, up four, is SteveC189 (+2) on 16 points, in equal 4th is still Vicar_In_A_Tutu (+1) with Perdomo, (+4) up from 13th with his 0-0, Bagsy (+/-0) down from 3rd, SkyBlueBertie (+2) and Tisza (+2) all on 15 points.

Making up the top 10 both on 14 points we have DimiTheGreat (+/-0) and Sky_Blue_Up_North (+2).

Dropping out of the top 10 in 11th & 12th are Oblong (+/-0) and CCFC_Maton, (+/-0) still with 13 points.

In the top 20 the weeks top scorer with 9 points is LordSummerisle who moves upto 13th from 48th on 12 points and other new entries are SundayRef (+4) in 17th from 24th on 11 points and Danny (+2) in 20th from 23rd on 9.

Everyone else follows….

The gap from 1st to 10th is still 5 points (+/-0) & 1st to 20th 10 (+/-0). Our top scorer this week was Carl who received 9 points for getting the 1-0, missed out on the perfect 10 due to being about 700 out on the crowd.

Still no prefect 10’s.

Here’s the updated league:

The top 20 is on the front page this week, check it out on the right of the page!

For a reminder on how to score points again check the rules on the home page on the blue bar, when I’ve worked out how to do it!

Championship Results Prediction League

In the Championship games predictor there were 15 (-3) points to go for and another plethora of double digit returns.

The top five, again, has 4 of last weeks predictors still in it, but in different positions. We have another new leader as equal top scorer BerksSkyBlue(+11) has another double digit return to go top on 35 points, with last weeks leader Bagsy (+9) dropping to 2nd on 34 points. Staying in 3rd is SBGus,(+9) on 33 points with Lagger (+10) up from 7th to join him. The top 5 is made up of 3 players all on 32 points with Oblong (+9), SkyBlue87 (+9) and SkyBlueNemo (+10), again.

In equal 8th making up the top 10 we have 5 players all on 31 points. Both up 4 places are KeanoNo1 (+9) & BlindFaith (+9) from 12th & 13th level with SkyBlueBertie, (+ 10), up from 15th and OwenSkyBlue (+10) up from 18th the final player being CCSBA (+11) another week as top scorer.

In the top 20 from 13th down we have another 5 all on the same points, all on 30, SundayRef, (+9) up one to 13th , last weeks 2nd place, RickyCCFC (+5) down to 14th, SkyBlueExile, (8) and Turk1965 (+9) up one to 16th and Perdomo (+10) into to the top 20 in 17th.

In 18th is Tisza (+9) an the final two making up the top 20 is CCFCMaton, (+7) & Danny (+10).

Dropping out of the top ten from 6th to 26th is CovFanMartin (+3), HK_Blue_Skies (+6) 20th to 25th, DimiTheGreat (+5) and Vicar_In_A_Tutu missing his prediction to fall from 9th to 36th.

So with 48 playing (+9) 1st to 10th is now a gap of 4 points (+1) & 1st to 20th 7 points (+2)

The average points dropped 8.10 from 8.71 (+0.61) and overall total 389 from 369 (+20).

There were 15 points to go for (-3) and the top scorers were all those with 11 points including newbie Halliday87.

Here's the table after week 3 game 4:

Any issues then please e-mail me at the usual address!

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Match Preview: Blackpool v Sky Blues.

By Smiles.

The Sky Blues by the sea. City travel to Blackpool, on a bank holiday weekend, to face the Seasiders and their fool of a manager Ian Holloways. The leagues draw specialist are unbeaten this season having gained a point from every league game to date and are up in the air on an emotional rollercoaster that saw them spank Lancashire rivals Wigan in the League Cup in mid-week.

THE SEASIDERS Vs THE SKY BLUES

City need a bit of a fillip after last weekends poor performance at home to Swansea where the away team had the bulk of the possession hot on the heels of a struggling point away to Doncaster.

If Coleman wants to give an indication that this season is not going to be a slow motion replay of last term then a first City win in the north west since 1922 /23 should do it as a large Sky Blue contingent in the roofless away stand, (including me and the boys making our first trip to Bloomfield), makes its way up the M6 & 55.

City go to the Tangerines who are high on the back of a fine Lancashire Derby win against Wigan in midweek and for once it will be City hoping that they put on an ‘after the Lord Mayors show’ performance that City can take advantage of.

GAME ON THIS WEEKENDS FIXTURES

TEAM NEWS

Chris Coleman has no new injury or suspension problems to contend with for Coventry's trip to Bloomfield. Speaking at the clubs pre game press conference he commented: 'It depends which way I play. I know which way I want to play if I'm being honest. If I was going to play with a different formation then there would have been one or two changes and one or two surprises. I'm not going to wait forever and we can't wait forever. I've got a formation in my head and I've got the team in my head that I'm going to go with.'

Ben Turner experienced a tight hamstring in training on Thursday but is expected to be okay, with Coleman having the same squad to select from as he did for last weekend's 1-0 defeat to Swansea.

Leon McKenzie should make the bench again stepping up his rehabilitation from a ruptured Achilles, while Marcus Hall is getting closer to a return . David Bell (ankle), defender James McPake (shoulder) and goalkeeper Danny Ireland (emergency bowel surgery) continue to miss out, as does defender Elliott Ward.

Sky Blues from: Westwood, Osbourne, Wright, Turner, van Aanholt, Clarke, , Clingan, Gunnarsson, Cork, McIndoe, Best, Eastwood, Morrison, Konstantopoulos, Grandison, Cain, Walker, Jeffers, Cranie.

THE OPPOSITION

A first thought of Blackpool last season, without checking the stats, made me think, well they just survived, however the reality was they finished one place and two points above the Sky Blues.

The second thought is they have old twat face as a manager.

Despite being a knob for the idiots down the M69, that misdemeanour aside, I just can’t take the yokel straw head seriously. A man who falls into the inane post match dumb quoteability of WGFS of seriously annoying, but I guess that’s just his ‘charm’.

The Blackpool club have started steadily this season picking up the crown of ‘draw kings’ having finished level in each of their first 4 games this season, but come into Saturday’s game off the back of a stunning 4-1 league Cup second round win against Wigan.

Holloway was thrilled with his side's performance after they destroyed Wigan 4-1 to move into the third round of the Carling Cup. A comprehensive win with goals from Ishmel Demontagnac, Ben Burgess, Charlie Adam and substitute Gary Taylor-Fletcher gave the Seasiders a comfortable victory at Bloomfield Road. Holloway said: 'Just about everything went right. We ordered the rain and it came down just as they went out for their warm-up. I am not sure how many of them actually fancied it - but my lads did.'

Goal keeper Paul Rachubka has called on his team-mates to be more ruthless in front of goal. On the up after a comprehensive 4-1 thrashing of Premier League Wigan in the Carling Cup in midweek, Ian Holloway's team are still searching for their first league win after four successive draws. Despite their more sedate start to the season, Rachubka is convinced the club are poised to 'give someone a good thumping soon': 'The problem is that in the league we've been struggling to convert our possession into goals. Hopefully it will click for us and we will give someone a good thumping soon.'

'If it happens at the weekend great, because we can then go into the international break on a positive note and somewhere further up the league than where we are now.'

Like Chris Coleman, Blackpool are run on a shoe string with an equally small squad, which has resulted in last seasons squad being ranked ‘poor upfront and defensively minded’ a suggestion Holloway pours disdain on.

Holloway is keen for his side to start delivering some victories in front of their own supporters. With the Seasiders winning only five of their 23 Coca-Cola Championship outings at Bloomfield Road last season, The Tangerines have been tipped by many pundits for another season of struggle this time out.

Holloway is keen for his men to make their ground a fortress after frustrating draws at home to Cardiff and Derby in the opening phase of games: 'I don't like dropping points at home, I never have. The crowd have been very, very good but I'd like to get them some wins. We didn't have enough last year and it's a little bit frustrating at the moment. I feel we're playing some decent stuff but it's still very, very early.'

'I cannot fault our commitment and there were many many positives out of our opening games, but I have got new faces in. These lads don't really know each other and what to expect of each other on the field. Jay Thomas, who came on in the second half of the Derby game, hadn't even trained with us. That is not ideal but we've already started to pick up a few knocks and I need a bigger squad. I felt we deserved at least one win out of the four opening games”.

Holloway is without Ishmel Demontagnac as the midfielder, who is hoping to get his career back on track after being sacked by Walsall last November, could be sidelined for several weeks after pulling up with a hamstring strain in the second half of the surprising 4-1 win against Premiership Wigan despite being on the scoresheet.

On-loan Arsenal midfielder Jay Emmanuel-Thomas was ineligible to play against the Latics but he is now available again and pushing for an immediate return to the starting line-up.

Holloway will again be without former City striker Stephen McPhee, who is nursing a knee injury, but Coventry born Iain Evatt should feature, whilst defender Danny Coid is still recovering from a hairline fracture of his tibia.

Midfielder Joe Martin has now returned to training following a shoulder problem but may not be risked.

Blackpool from: Gilks, Edwards, Baptiste, Eardley, Crainey, Bangura, Southern, Emmanuel-Thomas, Adam, Taylor-Fletcher, Clarke, Ormerod, Burgess, Euell, Evatt, Almond, Vaughan, Rachubka,

INS & OUTS

In: Billy Clarke (Ipswich), Jason Eull, (Southampton), Charlie Hammill (Rangers), Ishmel Demontagnac, (Walsall), Neil Eardley, (Oldham).

On Loan Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, (Arsenal)

Out: David Fox, (Colchester), Shaun Barker, (Derby), Stuart Green, (Wycombe)

Out On Loan None.

Released Matt Kay, Claus Bech Jorgensen, Marlon Broomes, Francesco Carratta, Jermaine Wright.

DANGERMEN

The four league goals that The Seasiders have scored this season have been evenly spread between four players, however Scouser Gary Taylor-Fletcher and Irishman Ben Burgess have scored one in the League cup as well, whereas Cov Kind Ian Evatt & Alex John Baptiste, (who is actually from Sutton Coldfield, haven’t!

Last season’s highest scorer loanee DJ Campbell scored 9 from 20 and Ben Burgess slotted in 6 from 25 (4).

FORM

Sky Blues - 8th, The Championship: 7 points from 4 games.

Blackpool - 13th, The Championship: 4 points from 4 games.

Blackpool have the 10th best attack in the league with 4 goals scored, the same as the The Sky Blues

The Seasiders have the 8th best defence in The Championship with 4 goals conceded, 2 more than The Sky Blues

Last 8 League Games:

VISIT THE RIVALS

THE REF

The man in the middle for this game was last seen as the ref against another seaside club…

Mr N S Miller (County Durham)

Games across all leagues & competitions last season:

Games across all leagues & competitions in the previous season:

Last City game Officiated in: Coventry vs Plymouth: 15/11/2008

Result: 0-1.

Cards:

Performance: A Gunnarsson foul on Mpenza in the 27th minute earnt the Icelander his 5th yellow of the season from Mr Miller. From the ensuing free kick Osbourne again headed away confidently to Morrison who was squeezed off the ball by Cathcart and Fallon combination ignored by the Durham based official as both players went for the same ball, as the ball was played back into the City penalty area Westwood took the ball at ease at head height…. Another good Osbourne intervention resulted in a corner before a Plymouth attack broke down due to a very late offside flag on the Telent line, which resulted in Mackie being booked by Mr Miller for prolonged histrionics at the beleaguered flag waving official….6/10.

PREVIOUS

This fixture has been bought forward a month compared to last year, as City visited Bloomfield Road on 28th September. The Sky Blues took a point away from the seasiders in the late summer sun. `They’ say, if you win your home games and at least take a point away from home then you’re on track, so then after four games unbeaten Chris Colemans City looked a good bet to meet those pre season targets after 8 games. However, events panned at somewhat different.

Chris Coleman: 'When we came here last season we were thrashed 4-0. It is not an easy ground to come to but I think we bossed the first half. What we are not doing is getting any luck in front of goal. Blackpool got bodies in the way when it counted and the ball did not fall for us at all. Blackpool work hard - you have to if you are going to beat Birmingham at their ground - that's why I'm more than happy with today's outcome.'

Simon Grayson: 'Freddy Eastwood seems to like Blackpool. He scored against us for Southend, for Wolves, and now for Coventry. I think the draw was about right. It was a fair reflection of the game. We could not get much tempo going in the first half but we had them on the run for 25 minutes in the second period. I think that we would have got the victory had Ben Burgess' header gone in but Coventry are a good side and they came back at us strongly.'

The team that day was:

Sky Blues: Westwood, Osbourne, Ward, Dann, Fox, Tabb, Doyle, Gunnarsson, McKenzie (Mifsud 86), Morrison (Best 87), Eastwood.

Subs Not Used: Marshall, Hall, Beuzelin.

Booked: Tabb, Fox.

Goal: Eastwood (69).

HISTORY

Well What can you say about this fixture, other than it hasn’t been played that much in the last 4 decades.

The first trip for 37 years in the League to The Seasiders was not a happy one for City, as The Sky Blues went down 4-0 under Iain Dowie. Mr Kyle did his amazing disappearing act and was found on the beach grazing with the Neddies.

Dowie Commented: 'We dominated for long periods with 10 men but despite good possession, poor defending and a lack of discipline let us down. It was four poor goals as far as we're concerned but I can't fault our commitment, we were down to the bare 16 but now we have a chance to turn things around.'

Simon Grayson, understandably was more glowing; 'It's just pleasing for the players, we've been threatening a scoreline like that for weeks and weeks and I'm absolutely delighted with the result. I thought for the last 15 minutes of the first half and the first 15 of the second we lost our way. But it's often hard to play against 10 men but we saw it out comfortably in the end.'

The team that day was:

Sky Blues: Konstantopoulos, McNamee, Ward, Turner, Borrowdale, Tabb, Michael Hughes, (Hughes,69), Doyle, Mifsud, (Osbourne,76), Kyle (sent off 31), Best (Adebola,76).

Subs not used: Marshall, Gray.

The last game previous to last seasons episode that City played against The Seasiders was in the Second Round of the League Cup in 97/98. The first game was a 1-0 defeat at Bloomfield Road with the Sky Blues coming back to win in the second leg 3-1. For a 3-2 aggregate win, thanks to two penalties from Gary McAllister & a goal from Dublin sandwiched in between

The team that day was:

Sky Blues Ogrizovic, Shaw, Burrows, Williams, (Soltvedt,59) ,Breen, Dublin, McAllister, Lightbourne, (Ducros, 59), Boland, Hall, O'Neill.

Sub not used: Gavin Strachan

Bar the League Cup fixtures, outside of the odd league fixture, the last time the two clubs faced each other in the league was at the turn of the 70’s in League One in season 70/71, a 2-0 City win) which saw Blackpool relegated from the top flight for the last time, as the leagues bottom clubs returning just 23 points from 42 games.

With one FA Cup game sandwiched in the 60’s, a 3-1 Sky Blues win, you have to go so far back in time to see the two sides win, when inputting the dates on my spreadsheet to put in the report the computer translated the dates into 2036!

The data from that era is so inconsequential it makes little relevance other than historical fact. The Sky Blues didn’t fair so good then against a Blackpool side on the up to become legends in the ‘Golden Age of Football’. However like most sides of that time, without being too unkind, it could be said their best years are behind them!

The last eight meetings in this fixture have finished thus:

Full league Away record against Blackpool is as follows:

Overall record against Blackpool Home & Away in all competitions is as follows:

You can see a summary of that here:

HOW TO GET THERE

Blackpool Football Club play at Bloomfield Stadium, Seasiders Way, Bloomfield Rd, Blackpool, Lancashire FY1 6JJ, (To get there print off the map on the link below!).

Leave the M6 at Junction 32. Follow the M55 into the outskirts of Blackpool and continue straight along this road until you see the ground on your right. The ground is roughly located about half way between the Pleasure Beach and the Tower and is about a 1/4 of a mile inland from the south shore. Large pay and display car parks are located just across the road from the ground, unlike most towns and cities in England the pay and display car parks near to the ground still charge after 6pm. BEWARE Blackpool loves speed cameras and there’s loads of them, so observe the speed limit!

WHERE TO DRINK

This is where our lot went last season & where I’ll be tomorrow:

The Manchester 231-233, Promenade, Blackpool, Lancashire FY1 6AH, Tel: 01253 408 692

You can find a map on how to get there, by clicking on the image below:

As I have never visited Bloomfield, both of these next two recommendations are from The Football Ground Guide, but as we all know Blackpool is full of pubs, but these two are close to the ground and come recommended on that website:

>B Waterloo Hotel, Waterloo Rd, Blackpool, Lancashire FY4 2AF, Tel: 01253 343 429

No 1 Bar, Bloomfield Club & Institute, 128, Bloomfield Rd, Blackpool, Lancashire FY1 6JW Tel: 01253 344 583

You can find a map of how to get there, click on the picture below!

AMAZING FACTS

Blackpool were formed in 1887 under the name of Victoria Football Club and quickly changed their name to Blackpool St. Johns, and then to Blackpool Football Club, all in the same year, and joined the football league in 1896.

The team originally played their match at Raikes Hall Gardens and had two spells there, firstly from 1887 to 1897, and the second for season 1899-1900. In between this period, they played at the Athletic Grounds, and moved into Bloomfield Road in 1900.

Tom Barcroft was the Clubs first manager & he managed the club between 1903 and 1909.

Blackpool won the second division title in 1930 with 58 points, 3 ahead of Chelsea, who had 55

The 1953 FA Cup final was known as 'The Matthews Final', but it was Stan Mortensen who actually grabbed an hat-trick for Blackpool in a 4-3 victory over Bolton Wanderers.

Despite being ‘the’ club of that time Blackpool did not actually win a League Title in the 20th century they did however, finish as runners-up in the 1955-56 season, 11 points behind champions Manchester United.

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Matchday Chat GMK Recommends mIRC

By Smiles

GMK have linked up with the lads who used to run the old Matchday Chatroom on the Official CCFC site, before it went to the PremiumTv version a few years ago. After the last CCFC website upgrade, the club disposed of this popular facility & then, latterly, its messageboards after some, ahem, 'local difficulty'!

GMK are happy, & proud, to provide a link & guide to all supporters who may wish to take advantage of this first class facility, run by Aussie Sky Blue Gus & Loopy, which a number of our posters have utilised in the past when not able to get to certain games or are on the far side of the globe.

Whilst both GMK & the chatsite site cannot, for legal reasons, offer matchday commentary, (which is available only from the club website via SkyBluesWorld or BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on the Radio), the craic in the chatroom on matchdays is good; as you can exchange banter whilst listening to the commentary via this link on the CCFC Website, (click SkyBluesPlayer Icon on the menu bar just a bit down the page, then the Player button from the next page):

(Please note there is a monthly subscription fee for the above SkyBluesWorld Service full details are available on the website, please read them carefully before you subscribe).

However the mIRC chatsite is FREE, you will have download a program to enable you to use the service, however it is relatively simple, just follow these instructions to join in the fun:

Before you follow these instructions, make sure you create a save point on your pc to go back to, should you mess things up!

Firstly download the free mIRC software from:

Here

Tick all the boxes on choose components. On Completing the set up run mIRC

1). Upon opening, you will be asked to register, left click 'continue'.

2). Register your username and email.

3). Once you have completed this exit out of everything else except the main box

4). Under The File Menu choose Select Server.

5). Scroll down the list and select DALnet & then Random server.

6). Then in the description box: #ccfc & then add & that’s it you’re in!

The next time you want to use the software you should have an icon placed on your desktop, which when you double click will launch the software.

The first time you need the software before a game, i.e. when you download, you should give yourself at least twenty minutes to get it configured - just in case - it only takes about ten minutes, if that.

Don't worry, once you have done it once it only takes about ten seconds to open it next time, save CCFC it to your mIRC favourites and when you have double clicked the icon the mIRC options window comes up, if you have selected the right server just click the button 'connect to server' select 'ccfc' from your favourites, (others are pre-stored by mIRC on there), click ok & you're in!

Please note, the chatroom can be moderated but I think this has been dropped now, both by people who control access & can see both your location & IP, & the 'Loopybot' who will auto kick you if you use foul language and abusive swearwords! i.e. it's less tolerant than GMK! You can also be banned, but not by me!

If at anytime on starting the application you see a box appear flashing a 'register' message, just wait a few seconds & then press continue, as the program IS free FOREVER!

See you in there from time to time, be sure to say hello to SmilesCCFC or SmilesGMK!

Disclaimer: The administrators of GMK are members of the chatsite and have had no difficulty with the software or application. We recommend it as a useful facility. However neither we nor the operators or moderators of the chatroom can be held responsible for any harm that may ensue to your PC as a result of choosing to download the software or by using the application - as is the case with all computer programs adding the application to your existing set-up may cause conflicts with your operating system, if you are unsure whether this will be the case with your PC, check with a qualified engineer before downloading.

GMK recommends you always use virus software & a firewall whilst 'on line'.

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The GMK Match Report: Blackpool v Sky Blues.

By Smiles.

An unadventurous, disengaging, tepid, almost frightened Sky Blues go down by 3 with no reply against a hardly sublime Blackpool, in a display that leaves more, worrying, questions than it answers. Some serious contemplation and action needs to be taken in the international break, to shore up this rocky ship.

Saturday 29th August 2009 – 3.00 pm Bloomfield Road.

Team Changes

Isaac Osbourne made way for Jack Cork in midfield, with more than a few SBA questioning whether the right midfielder had been sacrificed, in the only starting change to the team that covered themselves in little glory in last weeks game against Swansea.

Walker came in for McKenzie in a very youthful City bench as Osbourne joined the replacements. ‘The Duke’ was nowhere to be seen in a week where its rumored a number of other clubs have made the free agent contract offers.

1st Half

A very quick spurt up the M6 & 55 saw none of the predicted traffic snarl ups, for Smiles jnr first trip to the ‘golden mile’. Far from being the jewel in the British seaside crown, the North West bolthole reflects all of the empires’ faded glory and is, frankly, a chavfest hell-hole full of closed down retail outlets, shops selling over priced tat, falling down buildings and badly designed (from every decade) planning nightmares…

Having decided paying £7.50 for any of the council owned car parks that you are channelled into after coming off the M55 was a bad idea, we decided the £3.50 all day one we parked in to come to the Rebellion punk festival 3 weeks ago too far from the ground and so parked on the sand blasted seafront for £4.50 instead, after a quick get to know you run up and down the, nearly all being renovated, promenade.

Refused permission to The Manchester and deciding the family room upstairs was even less appealing, we walked down the Lytham Road to have a swift pint in less than welcoming The Excelsior whose policy of ‘no kids’ didn’t extend to the locals in home shirts, in an inconsistent door policy. Crap beer, swift exit.

We ended up in a working men’s club, (above a fine chippy) with a sea view watching the Chelsea v Burnley game on a foreign satellite channel! Very cosmopolitan.

A swift walk upto the ground revealed the rust on the metal joists holding the newer bits of the existing stand up in all their Irish sea salted glory as a diversion around the building merchants, up a horse shit stained gangway to the away end entrance and a single member of the SBA being hassled by around 15 of the local constabulary, made a lasting memory of ‘welcome to Blackpool’. Yes you are, indeed.

Inside things went from bad to worse, what a fookin shit hole. I’m sure the locals have pride in the place whose days of glory are firmly behind them and the chairman’s jail making shenanigans have obviously cost them dear, but oh dear, what a mess. All that before the team came out. Not impressed.

The two teams rolled out onto the Bloomfield Road pitch in bright sunshine, with around 1,700 SBA packed into the unreserved uncovered temporary seating on the undeveloped Eastside of the ground. The still being erected South stand stood coldly vacant to our left with a large Seasiders banner spread above Kieran Westwood’s goal as some amusingly wobbly looking new seats in the corner looking symmetrically out of kilter in uncompleted rows, their bright new orange out of skew with the faded seats alongside them.

As the captains and ref stood for the obligatory pre-match photo Smiles junior sat down to the sound of a clunking screw falling out of his chair as the SBA songs disappeared into the swilling ether above us. The Ricoh this was not.

Both teams started brightly enough, neither really imposing themselves on the other as the familiar jungle beat of the Tangerines drummer in the Mortensen Spion Kop taught the scoreboard drummer a bit or two about how to both keep time, trot out an inspiring beat and the benefit of practicing your songs away from the ground.

City almost had the ball in the net after just two minutes, as a welcome Gunnarsson break fed Jack Cork who fired wide from 15 yards out. Two minutes later a harshly awarded free kick from Mr. Miller signaled the competency of decisions to come after punishing Wright for daring to dispossess Ormerod and Adam almost made City pay firing over from 20 yards out after Westwood had expertly lined up the City wall.

Being so close to the pitch gave you an action eye view to the events of the game rolling out, as the Sky Blues largely matched the home team in the opening stages, however it must be noted that not only did the Sky Blues players look uncomfortable with the ball there was little movement off it when we had it. This was something that an increasing in confidence ‘Pool side took to their advantage as the game moved on.

The Tangerines were unlucky not to take the lead moments later as Ormerod beat Wright, who had no cover from Cranie or Turner, crossing in for Taylor-Fletcher to be distracted off his header by a lunging Westwood, as the ball rebounded off the bar.

The Westwood denied Ormerod again diving at the forwards feet after being set up by the dangerous Adam as the Seasiders tighten their grip against a nervous looking Sky Blues.

Not to be outdone McIndoe created a chance for the first City corner of the game just before the quarter of an hour forcing Cranie to put the ball out, which sadly came to nothing and from the resulting build up play The Tangerines were handed a fortuitous opener by the northern official Mr Miller. As the ball was played in from the left Clingan found himself with the ball with Burgess infront of him, and as he cleared the Pool forward with his back to goal tangled with the City midfielders attempted clearance and ended face down in the turf.

Far from being a goal scoring opportunity, the City player had control of the ball and was clearing and the ‘attacking’ player had his back to goal with no chance of shooting, but the incompetent bald official showed why he’s unlikely to feature in the league of Collina, never mind Premiership, by awarding a spot kick to the home side. Even Burgess seemed surprised by the award smiling as he got up.

Adam confidently converted the kick despite Westwood diving the right way, and to be honest that was it, game over.

A corner moments later as Wright did his usual competent right back performance, (or is he a central defender – I’m not sure even he or the team knows – little troubled City as the game moved inanely forward with City doing little to threaten The Seasiders tenuous lead.

Now, if I’d have suffered the injustice of that award I’d be angry and out for some form of reward or vengeance, but City lacked grit. As Best and Morrison did their best to create holes in an increasingly confident home defence, City were pushed forward up the field. Clingan resorted to crab like behaviour passing sideways as the SBA became frustrated with the lack of advance up the pitch, perfect conditions for the home support to take the piss.

Adam was booked on 25 minutes for multiple fouls and niggles that even Mr Miller could not ignore, and despite pressure that resulted in three successive corners City were unable to break through a stoical home defence. Westwood landed awkwardly a few times in the 1st half as the home side attempted to ruffle his composed feathers.

Just before half time The Seasiders created a final chance that they were unlucky to convert as City struggled to have a shot on goal, when Eardley crossed for Burgess as Cranie put out for a corner that came to nothing.

Half Time

Half time: Blackpool 1-0 Coventry.

We didn’t bother with the half time scrum at the refreshments queue, having been largely crap in the first half, a diarrhoea burger didn’t really appeal to any of us…

2nd Half

When you take a large support away from home, it’s a good idea to give them something to sing about, up the ante and make the home support feel intimidated and largely silent. Having not done any of that in the first period, and gone a goal down and produced little in reply, it was inevitable that if things didn’t start well in the 2nd half, City would have the crowd on their backs. And so it came to be…

The opening 15 minutes or so of the 2nd half were a largely sterile affair and if any terse words had been spoke in the away dressing room at half time they were having little effect.

Countless times going forward City looked unable to produce anything to beat the, increasingly more, effective home offside trap that pushed City further and further up the pitch. Best was more often than not the recipient of the linesman’s flag, as the Sky Blues lacked any kind of bite in midfield, particularly Cork, shirking challenges or standing off the ball.

Both Best and Morrison seemed to either spring the offside trap by advancing too far forward allowing the home defence just to step up, or were so deep all the City players were in a cluster in the midfield. No width, no brain and very little brawn against hardly one of the most physical teams in the league,

After 59 minutes if the first hadn’t killed City the 2nd most certainly did, Southern made a determined challenge in the centre and as Euell careered forward finding Ormered, with Tuner out of play and Van Aanholt sucked in Burgess had an easy enough header on the six yard line for two-nil.

A fair few, but by no means all, of the SBA decided that the pleasure beach was a better bet at this point and decided to leave, but it really was heads down stuff from here on in. No passion, no desire and definitely no motivation.

The goalscorer then made way for Emmanual-Thomas as the wiser of the two managers decided to freshen things up, as City adopted a head in the Blackpool sand philosophy. How many times have we seen things in this awful 3 wins in 19 games run have we seen no response from the bench when going one, two or more goals down? If you’re not going to use your subs, why have them? It must be as dispiriting for them not to be given the chance of an impact as is for those on the pitch having to suffer the ignominy of knowing there’s no cavalry charging over the hill..

Best was denied a chance of a pull back as ‘Pool gaol keeper Ruchbuka needed help from Evatt and Edwards to deny City in one of only a few clear cut chances we created on goal all afternoon as the SBA sighed after actually creating a chance or two.

That was only a temporary respite in a frustrating afternoon as ‘Pool wrapped it up with twenty minutes to go. Southerns blocked shot fell was picked up by Euell and with Sky Blues bodies here there and everywhere Taylor-Fletcher converted as the bulk of the rest of the SBA headed for the exits shepherded by a large number of Sky Blue stewards bought up by the club.

With ten to go, Vaughan replaced Taylor Fletcher and Bangura Adam, as the City bench remained motionless, as the home support reminded us that ‘you’re so shit its unbelievable’, and without being defeatist or ‘negative’ it was hard to disagree.

Eardley smashed a free kick into a City wall, as Clingan urged his fellow team mates to ‘keep it up’ whatever ‘it’ was, (it wasn’t good enough), as the game melted down to a sterile end.

The final whistle bought boos, (although not from me), from those that had remained.

I just shuffled off, numb from a display that had, and bought, such little passion. A shrug of the shoulders and ‘oh well, here we go again’.

To comment that it was ‘ a bad day at the office’ makes a presumption that you actually turned up in the first place. Totting up the day £57.50 on tickets, nearly £50 on petrol and £45 on food and drink that’s nearly £150, when money is tight, on a day where I saw nothing to inspire me that traveling to anything other than the grounds I’ve not yet been to - this season - is a good idea.

There’s something decidedly lacking in the team at the moment, far from the bubbling team spirit around after the first two games and something needs to change quickly if this slip doesn’t turn into a slide.

As for Blackpool, well Holloway seems to have them fine-tuned enough on even less resources than we have, good luck to him, and his support who really got behind their team. I reckon they’ll be a safe midtable outfit this year. Oh well another ground ticked off the list.

On the up side for us? Oh well at least it didn’t rain!

POST MATCH & QUOTES

Chris Coleman: 'Our second 45 minutes were abysmal. I have a dressing room full of players who are unhappy, disappointed and disgruntled and rightly so.”

'Their keeper could have come off the pitch and we just have not turned up to the match for the past few games.'

'I have to take the blame as I have asked the players to play in formation and something is not working.'

Ian Holloway: 'I believe this is a special group of players and it's very nice to follow up the win over Wigan midweek.”

'Brett Ormerod was terrific for us and he truly deserved a goal. He is playing all over the pitch because that's what I want my players to do.”

'I want my players to never stop attacking and this new system I've brought in is wonderful to watch.'

HOW THEY LINED UP

Sky Blues: Westwood, Wright, Van Aanholt, Cranie, Turner, Clingan, Gunnarsson, Cork, McIndoe, Best, Morrison, (Eastwood 62).

Subs Not Used: Konstantopoulos, Grandison, Clarke, Osbourne, Walker, Cain, Eastwood.

Booked: None.

Goals: None.

Blackpool: Rachubka, Crainey, Eardley, Evatt, Edwards, Southern, Taylor-Fletcher, (Vaughan 80), Euell, Adam, (Bangura 81), Burgess, (Emmanuel-Thomas 61), Ormerod.

Subs Not Used: Gilks, Baptiste, Vaughan, Emmanuel-Thomas, Bangura, Clarke, Almond.

Booked: Adam.

Goals: Adam (pen) 13, Burgess 59, Taylor-Fletcher 71.

Att: 8,239

Ref: Mr N Miller (Co Durham). 5/10

Man of The Match: : Wright.

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All quiet on the Westwood front?

By Smiles

Hold back on the righteous indignation until around 5pm tonight, or perhaps will it be sometime in January?! With 9 hours to go the ‘imminent’ departure of the jewel in the, (slipping), crown is still at the club.

Thousands of pursed Sky Blue lips stay straining with the inevitable curses, insults, bile and fever as the much predicted, but yet to be delivered, sale of the player who kept us in the league last season, (and is definitely needed to do so this season too), Kieran Westwood, stays stuck fast at CCFC.

As cliff-hangers go, this is a biggie for everyone concerned as the watched more than Star Wars, (ok that’s an exaggeration, but you get the drift), ‘sale’, goes to the final chapter as the SBA await the prequel.

Yes folks, it’s back to the future with Ray and Chris, as a thousand piss stained Herberts with bulging veins, in throbbing foreheads, fists clenched, sore vocal chords frantically try to rip their plastic season tickets (good ploy that), in half – if they have them yet - and consider driving through the club shop window to personally deliver the twisted shards back from whence they came.

I’m not a poker player, but I understand the premise of the game, and at the moment there’s a big bluff going on and we’re all waiting for the blink and tell. What a sweater!

There’s a lot at stake here, and either everything, or nothing to do.

Will it be an all cash up front deal, like Fox, or nothing, a ‘best price we couldn’t refuse’ duffer? A how can you leave it till the last minute and leave us with Dimi halfwit, (poor fooker), nothing, or yes thanks that’s ok, now just let us find a decent replacement(s) to placate the fans before announcing deal?

The only certainty will be, if there's anything done, it will be 'undisclosed', de-de-derrrrrrr!

As the honeymoon period, if there ever was one, for Ray & SISU comes to and end, (I reckon Chris Coleman’s has already passed), we’re back from whence we came aren’t we? A selling club with no prospects, little chance of investment, scrambling around in the bargain basement pound shops hoping to polish a piece of cole up well enough to bluff a diamond.

Well, perhaps, may be not, but we’ll know by the end of the afternoon, and it’ll either be a case of both barrels, (not that Ray will break sweat), or as you were, pensive, coiled, frustrated and awaiting the next target to release that pent up aggression on.

Have a nice day…

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Sky Blues PaperTalk: Blackpool 3 – 0 Coventry City

By Mel Dixon.

The game where early season optimism sunk without trace. In defeat last week, Coventry became a mere footnote to the dancing exploits of Swansea’s defender-turned-goalscorer, Ashley Williams. On Saturday’s visit to Bloomfield Road, PaperTalk was hoping for a more positive result, if only to avoid the prospect of the Sky Blues playing a bit-part in some hacks amusing angle on the game. But sadly we went down with all guns on safety catch in a three-nil defeat.

The Daily Express went with the headline: ORMEROD: WE’RE HAVING A LAUGH. Well, I’m glad somebody is. Veteran striker Brett Ormerod was so buoyed by the win that he believes Blackpool... “can giggle their way towards a promotion drive with the help of madcap boss Ian Holloway.”

Ormerod played a key role in the win by setting up two goals from his new position out on the wing, and he believes that “playing with a smile is making a difference.” Apparently this has all stemmed from the manager as he always insists on being in a good mood – something which has rubbed off on the players.

The Times went with the same story: “It is all smiles at Blackpool under their new manager, Ian Holloway, according to Brett Ormerod.” At the end of the short article, Aron Gunnarsson maintained that it was the players’ fault and not the manager’s; in response to Coleman’s suggestion he had employed the wrong tactics.

Mike Ellis, writing in The Sun, went into Brett Ormerod overload in his coverage of the game: “Twelve years ago Brett Ormerod appeared on the scene at Blackpool via Accrington Stanley. Now, after stints at Southampton and Preston, the striker is back at his spiritual home and proving he is not too old to learn new tricks...” – or provoke the regurgitation of old clich�s. After the mini-biography, they eventually got around to discussing the Sky Blues and the “mass walkout” of fans 20 minutes from time. Coleman took some responsibility for the performances over the last couple of games, suggesting they were uncomfortable in playing the way he was getting them to play. In his summation of Coventry’s performance, Ellis wrote: “Absolve Sammy Clingan and Ben Turner from blame but, as for the rest of the line-up, forget it.”

“Charlie Adam insists he loves being put on the spot for Blackpool after scoring his second goal in four days.” A point goes to Andrew Ashcroft in the Daily Mirror for taking this different angle on the game; but he gets five more taken away for also picking out the dullest aspect of the match. The report talks about the ongoing battle between Adam and Ormerod for penalty taking duties. They eventually get around to the game itself: “The Seasiders bossed the game and the only surprise was it took them until the hour mark to double their lead.” Coleman “fumed”: “I have a dressing room full of players who are unhappy, disappointed and disgruntled and rightly so.”

Hmm, maybe we should lighten up. We’re becoming the Jack Dee of championship football: Whilst other teams are dancing like freaks and laughing in our faces, we’re presenting a dour persona to the world and going down like a lead balloon.

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Former Players Association Update

By Mike Young

On September 12th 2009 before, during and after the Sky Blues' game against Bristol City. The Former Players Association will be bringing together, and entertaining, many of the surviving members of the squad that achieved promotion at the first attempt from the old Division 4 in the 1958-59 season.

The promoted team that continued the fight in Division 3 the following season, managed by Billy Frith and trained by Alf Wood, provided the initial shove in assisting the club's climb through the divisions eventually culminating in City reaching the top flight (the old First Division) in 1967.

Already confirmed as attending are such stars of yesteryear as Ron Farmer; Vernon Griffiths; Lol Harvey; Mick Kearns; Brian Nicholas; Dudley Roberts; Ken Satchwell; Graham Walker and Peter Wyer. We also hope to have Brian Hill and Bob Wesson in attendance as well as close relatives of Billy Frith; Alf Wood; Frank Austin; Reg Ryan and Ray Straw.

These stalwarts will be entertained at the Bristol match; will be presented with a special memento of their historic achievement from the Club and Association and will be introduced before City supporters at half time.

After the game the 1959 team mates will be entertained at the G-Casino at the Ricoh where a fans forum will be held. Entrance to this question and answer session (and auction/sale of memorabilia) is free- all are welcome- especially our Association Members and Associate Members.

The FPA would love to see you at the G-Casino after the game where you will have a chance to meet and mingle with these wonderful players of the past each of whom has made an important contribution to City’s history. There will be opportunities to have your photo taken with the players as well as purchase memorabilia of the players, team and era as well as replicas of the special medals presented to the 1959 team.

The Fans forum today is one of several held during each year to allow former players to meet and share their views and experience with fans and supporters of all generations. Associate Membership of the Former Players Association (membership costs £10 including membership badge) which gives you privileged access to the Association’s events and activities is available today.

Please sign up with the Membership Secretary Mike Young or any other committee member (look out for the badge) in the G-Casino lounge after the game or contact Mike on m.young9@ntlworld.com or Tel. (07528 016870)

More details on the CCFCFPA can be found HERE

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09/10 GMK PL Week 4, Game 5.

By Smiles

There’s some places we just don’t do that well, despite what may be. Blackpool is one of them. So, with that in mind: How did you do?

Links:

(This Weekends game v Bristol C Sat 11/09/09 (H))

(Tuesday v Sheff Utd 14/09/09 (H))

(This weekends game vs Blackpool Sat 29/08/09 (A))

To follow: (The Rules)

Here’s this weekends fixtures for you to predict.

Game 6: (kick off deadline to post by: 3:00 pm)
Predict the outcome of:

Coventry vs Bristol City:
First Goal Coventry Scorer:
Crowd:

Championship Games:

Predict the outcome of the following games

Home (H), Away (A) or Draw (D), (NO SCORES, you HAVE TO POST H / D or A):

3.00pm unless stated:

Saturday 12th September:

C Palace vs Scunthorpe:
Coventry vs Bristol C :
Derby vs Sheff Utd :
Leicester vs Blackpool :
Middlesbro vs Ipswich :
Preston vs Swansea :
QPR vs Peterborough :
Reading vs Doncaster :
Sheff Wed vs Nottm Forest :
Watford vs Barnsley :
West Brom vs Plymouth :

Sunday 13th September:

Cardiff vs Newcastle :

Cheers Smiles.

Coventry City Results Prediction League

At the top of the league we a new leader in Perdomo (+4) Gus (+/-0) drops one on 19 points from 50. Mr Tickle (+/-0) drops from 2nd to 3rd on 18.

Sky_Blue_Up_North (+5) mopves up from 10th to 4th and is SteveC189 (+/-0) drops to 5th still on 16 points.

In equal 6th is still Bagsy (+1), LordSummerisle (+4) moves to 7th from 14th on 16 points with Vicar_In_A_Tutu (+/-0) with SkyBlueBertie (+/-0) and Tisza (+/-0) all still on 15 points, making up the top 10.

No-one dropped out of the top 10 this week in a slim points scoring week.

Moving into the top 20 this week is SkyBlueNemo (+5) up from 26th to 16th, top scorer BerksSkyBlue (+6) up from 35th to 17th & CovAtron (+4) upto 20th from 30th.

Everyone else follows….

The gap from 1st to 10th is now 4 points (-1) & 1st to 20th 8 (-2). Our top scorer this week was Berks who received 6 points for predicting 1-0, and getting the crowd right.

Still no prefect 10’s.

Here’s the updated league:

The top 25 is on the front page this week, check it out on the right of the page!

For a reminder on how to score points again check the rules on the home page on the blue bar, when I’ve worked out how to do it!

Championship Results Prediction League

In the Championship games predictor there were 15 (+/-0) points to go for and not too many double digit returns this week.

The top five has just 2 of last weeks predictors still in it as BerksSkyBlue(+12) has another double digit return to stay top on 47 points.

Upto 2nd we have KeanoNo1 (+9), again, with 40 points and in 3rd SkyBlueNemo (+7) on 39.

In 4th a big riser Perdomo(+8) up from 17th with 38. We then have 5 players tying for 5th all on 37 points: Oblong (+1) still in 5th, Bagsy (+3) dropping from 2nd SBGus, (+4) down from 3rd , Lagger (+4) down one from 7th & OwenSkyBlue (+7) up from 11.

In equal 10th on 36 points we have SkyBlue87 (+4) and BlindFaith (+4).

Outside the top 10 starting in 12th is RickyCCFC (+5) equal with Tisza (+5) & Danny (+7) all on 35 points.

In 15th & 16th are Turk1965 (+4) & AndrewBrown (+8) both on 34 points.

Making up the top 20 all on 33 points are new entries 17th – CovAtron (+6) 18 – CCFC (+6) 19th – HK BlueSkies (+7) & ME (+7)

Dropping out of the top 20 are SkyBlueBertie, (+/-0), 10th to 24th CCSBA (+/-0) 12th to 25th both who missed their predictions. SundayRef, (+1) down from 13th to 26th SkyBlueExile, (+1) 15th to 27th & CCFCMaton, (+3) 19th to 27th.

So with 46 playing (-2) 1st to 10th is now a gap of 11 points (+7) & 1st to 20th 14 points (+7)

The average points dropped from 8.10 to 5.52 (-2.58) and overall total 254 from 389 (-135).

There were 15 points to go for (+/-0) and the top scorers was Berks.

Here's the table after week 4 game 5:

Any issues then please e-mail me at the usual address!

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The GMK Match Preview: Sky Blues v Bristol City.

By Smiles
It’s 50 / 50, things can go either way. Forget about the ‘bogey team’ tag The Robins have, the managers of both clubs are in focus for different reasons, as the battle of the Cities takes place, with the now customary early season meet at The Ricoh - between Bristol & Coventry.

THE SKY BLUES Vs THE ROBINS

Chris Coleman’s honest, but ultimately pointless, comments about ‘getting it wrong’ at Blackpool last time out have only re-enforced a creeping feeling in the SBA that the Welshman is less than inspirational, or indeed decisive, when things aren’t going well.

In my own view, he still leaves me non-plussed, with a foot neither in the pro or anti ‘camp’, but I do think he’s still a lot to prove the doubters and today would be a good day to start to stop the mumblings of discontent that started around March.

Bristol are on a bad run away from home at present and will be looking for a result against a Sky Blues side that is looking for its first win against them in 6 home and away, league and cup games. A tally that has put the balance back in the fixture with both sides honours even 50-50 since the first match between the two in 1919/20.

Getting a result against Gary Johnsons men would go along way to silence, at least for a while, the increasingly questioning stance of those who have only seen 3 wins in 20 games since the start of March last year. A creeping discontent could turn into something more louder, in spite of what is or isn’t happening off the field at the moment, should this less than inspiring run of form contine…

GAME ON THIS WEEKENDS FIXTURES

TEAM NEWS

The Sky Blues will be without Patrick van Aanholt for todays game. The on-loan Chelsea left back has been ruled out for three to four weeks with a groin strain and will therefore miss out against the Robins, but experienced left-backs Marcus Hall and Jordan Clarke are both available to step in, with Hall only just coming back into focus after an injury, many hope the promising Clarke will be given a start if not an actual from the bench utilisation.

Hall has recovered from the knee injury sustained during his testimonial against Everton at the start of the season while Clarke will be in confident mood following his recent debut for the England Under-19`s and must surely now be in serious contention in playing a part, if he’s good enough, he’s old enough. Coleman needs to be bold, for a change & give some of his more eager charges some experience.

Otherwise he has no other new injury or suspension concerns, with winger Michael McIndoe set to come up against his former club. Keiren Westwood, Leon Best, Sammy Clingan, Jack Cork and Aron Gunnarsson are all in fine fettle, if a little jaded, following their international exploits.

This leaves just winger David Bell (ankle), defenders James McPake (shoulder) and Elliott Ward and goalkeeper Danny Ireland (emergency bowel surgery) as long-term absentees.

Sky Blues from: Westwood, Wright, Cranie, Clarke, Wynter, Turner, Grandison, Hall, Cain, Osbourne, Walker, Cork, Clingan, Gunnarson, McIndoe, Eastwood, Morrison, Best, Konstantopoulos.

THE OPPOSITION

Last seasons 10th place finish after making the play offs the previous season came as a disappointment to the West County faithful who, like many, were expecting bigger and better things from Gary Johnson’s side.

Johnson is one of the most highly respected managers outside the Premiership – with even former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho as an admirer. Ever since he took charge of the Robins they have gone from strength to strength, almost gaining back to back promotions from League One to the Premier League but after last years slump, largely due to a failing attack, the honeymoon period for the former Yeovil manager is definitely over in Bedminster.

There have been many changes at the club in the close season with Michael McIndoe coming to the Sky Blues as one and although it may have been felt that it may well take time for all the new players to settle down and adapt, City have started quite well. But the Robins still remain a relatively inexperienced at this level and although last season's 10th-place finish - off the back of a hugely successful first season back in the Championship when they reached the play-offs - gave hope, many now think they could struggle this time around.

It’s all been about the home games for Bristol of late that have not won away since the credible 2-0 win at Reading on the 21st February, (9 games) Johnson has praised his side's fighting spirit following a 2-1 Coca-Cola Championship victory over Middlesbrough at Ashton Gate in their last match.

In form Nicky Maynard grabbed a brace as the Robins maintained their 100% home league record, (despite losing to Carlisle 2-0 at home in the League Cup earlier in the month). The City boss said: 'It has been a difficult week for us with two defeats, (After also losing 3-0 away to Cardiff), but today the lads showed that they have the fighting spirit to make a success of the season. We can be proud of our club. We knew Boro would have a lot of the ball and that we would have to win it back. That was the way it was and after our defeat in the Carling Cup when we went out to League One Carlisle the players held their own meeting to put things right.'

Bristol’s strength has been their home form, which was given a boost in controversial manner when a legitimate Crystal Palace goal was ruled out by incompetent reffing and a general lack of sportsmanship by the West County side. To make matters worse Johnson inflamed the situation by commenting that referee Rob Shoebridge did not award Freddie Sears' phantom 'goal' because of 'an infringement' and believes it is his club, not Crystal Palace, that should get an apology from referees chief Keith Hackett. The row blew over in the end, but Johnson is picking up a reputation of being quite pugnacious with a ‘win at any cost approach…

The main threat to The Sky Blues this afternoon will be youngster Nicky Maynard who is coming good after his transfer from Crewe. Johnson insists he was always striker Maynard would be capable of competing in the Championship. In his second season with the Robins, the 22-year-old has been in prolific form, with four league goals in five games :'He`s learning and wanting to make sure his game is good enough for this level,' said Johnson speaking on BBC Radio Bristol. 'He knows he`s got all the attributes, he`s just got to pull them all together, which he is at the moment, so the world is his oyster. Players don`t tend to set the Championship alight in their first season but we were confident Nicky had the tools, and you have to go with your judgement.'

Johnson insists that Sky Blue Michael McIndoe has nothing to prove when he faces the Robins today. The Bristol City Manager allowed 3rd highest scorer last season McIndoe to join Coventry in the summer and the Scottish winger is quoted as eager to turn in a good display against his former club . But Johnson commented rather barbedly: 'When Macca leaves any club he says there is a point to prove, but there is nothing to prove. He got a move that was right for him and us and that's what happens in football. When you say things like that you've got to come up with the goods. We've got to make sure we keep him quiet.'

Meanwhile Johnson does not expect star signing Evander Sno to start today. The former Celtic midfielder joined on loan from Ajax last weekend but has not played competitively for five weeks. Having played 90 minutes for the reserves, (who were beaten 5-1 at home by Plymouth) on Tuesday Johnson admits his new recruit is still not ready: 'I'm not saying he needs a lot of time, he just hasn't got 90 minutes of Championship football in him. He's got some minutes in him and he's fighting for a place on the bench At the moment he hasn't had enough competitive games recently but it won't take him very long at all. He's not far away.

Alvaro Saborio is expected to start on the bench alongside midfielder Sno. The Costa Rican strike joined the Robins from Swiss side FC Sion, trained with his new team-mates for the first time on Wednesday and could also be on the bench, with Danny Haynes and the in-form Nicky Maynard paired in attack.

Johnson will monitor defensive duo Bradley Orr and Lewin Nyatanga, who have both been laid low through illness. Striker John Akinde will play no part after picking up an ankle injury in a reserve team game this week and he could be out for three or four weeks.

Bristol from: Gerken, McCombe, Brian Wilson, Fontaine, McAllister, Carey, Elliott, Skuse, Hartley, Maynard, Sproule, Haynes, Orr, Johnson, Basso, Ribeiro, Blackman, Sno, Ribeiro, Williams, McCombe, Brian Wilson, Artus

INS & OUTS

In: David Clarkson, (Motherwell), Andre Blackman, (Portsmouth), Dean Gerken, (Colchester), Paul Hartley (Celtic), Danny Haynes (Ipswich), Lewin Nyatanga (Derby).

On Loan Andrius Velicka (Rangers), Alvaro Saborio (FC Sion), Evander Sno (Ajax).

Out: Dele Adebola, (Notts Forest), Jennison Myrie-Williams (Dundee Utd), Chris Weale, (Leicester), Scott Murray (Yeovil), Izzy Iriekpen (Hamilton), Michael McIndoe (Sky Blues), James Wilson, (Brentford) Marlon Jackson (Hereford).

Out On Loan Peter Styvar (Xanthi), Tristan Plummer, (Hereford), Lee Trundle, (Swansea), Frankie Artus, (Cheltenham),

Released David Noble.

DANGERMEN

The Leading scorer to date is Nicky Maynard who has slotted in 4 of the 6 league goals The Robins have scored to date. A £2.25m Capture from Crewe last season he’s scored 15 in 39 (8) appearances overall. Clarkson and Hartley have the others.

Last seasons top scorer was Maynard with 11 from 34 (8) and our Dele with 10 from 32 (7). The Robins were a bit light in front of goal which ultimately cost them dear.

McIndoe was the third highest scorer with 6 from 43 (2) league appearances.

FORM

Sky Blues - 12th, The Championship: 7 points from 5 games.

Bristol City - 5th, The Championship: 10 points from 5 games.

Bristol has the equal 11th attack in the league this season with 6 goals scored, 2 more than The Sky Blues

The Robins have the 13th best defence in The Championship with 6 goals conceded, 1 more than The Sky Blues

Last 8 League Games:

VISIT THE RIVALS

THE REF

The man in the man in the middle today has been quite a regular visitor in the last 5 seasons…

Mr N Swarbrick (Lancs)

Games across all leagues & competitions this season:

Games across all leagues & competitions last season:

Last City game Officiated in: Coventry vs Notts Forest 06/12/2008

Result: 2-2.

Performance: A patient Forest build up with 7 minutes to go was stopped by Westwood with ease as Forest wasted any number of chances to equalise before a pretty anonymous Mr Swarbrick awarded two minutes extra time… Garner's persistence that paid off a minute later as Forest levelled for a second time in the game after Gunnarsson needlessly fouled James Perch on the edge of the penalty area. The resulting free-kick from McGugan was glanced on by the head of Garner and past Westwood into the bottom-right corner of the net for 2-2 as City let there chance to take the game on and kill it slip by…. Doyle was yellow carded on 63 for diving in a very unconvincing shout for a penalty…7/10

POSTSCRIPT

This was my summary at the end of the game, (Prophetic or what!)

So as the old PIL, (that may be hard to swallow), once recanted, “I may be wrong, I may be right”, it wasn’t the result of this game that was the pivotal headline of the week.

There’s increasingly little I’ve seen of late to convince me we’re any less likely to face a downhill trend towards the end of the season, and with every passing game, dropped points and moves away from the middle table that familiar end of season scrap edges closer.

It could be so, in the short term, that the club does not suffer, immediately, any financial penalty, in a take the bucks and run decision, but to further alienate the remaining, for now, faithful and wish on a hinging favour elsewhere, you have to hope for the 2nd half of the season, the road really does begin rise with you.

PREVIOUS

The Sky Blues last faced Bristol City at the Ricoh on Saturday 23rd August 2008 recording another 0-3 loss thanks the inevitable, but controversial, Dele Adebola returning to haunt you factor on 17 minutes, McIndoe 54, & Brooker 90 minutes.

The Sky Blues were out muscled by the Dele Adebola and Phil Dowd show, as Bristol illustrated to City; that if you don’t play well and ride your luck, you will be out done, if you don’t raise your game against a well organised and determined team.

With the first quarter of an hour gone, and both teams looked equal, the 16th minute bought the first controversial moment of the game as Adebola tangled with Westwood in the box. As McIndoe delivered a cross from the left, the Sky Blues keeper came out to punch and was left in a crumpled heap on the floor by Adebola’s strong challenge, as the City defence appealed for the foul Adebola somehow hooked the ball into the left hand side of the goal as The Sky Blues and it’s support awaited a decision to rule out the goal for foul play, Mr. Dowd, (who we feel doesn’t particularly like the Sky Blues), decided that legitimately protecting a keeper in his own area only applies to teams other than Coventry and waved away the protests to award the goal, to boos and jeers from the crowd.

After that it just got worse, O’Dowd sent Chris Coleman to the stands and we crumpled.

Chris Coleman: “We’re bitterly disappointed with the result and we never saw that coming with Bristol City beating us 3-0. Events in the 1st half dictated the game, we effectively lost Freddie Eastwood on 10 minutes with a groin strain, but he struggled to make it to half time. We lost Westwood for their goal with a dislocated finger and concussion in a challenge we thought should have given us a free-kick.”

“A fit Freddie Eastwood gets there to the ball first but we were reacting this week rather than dictating play like we did at Barnsley last weekend. It was just one of those afternoons”.

“Some of the decisions that went against us this afternoon were mind boggling, we were lucky with the penalty against Norwich I accept but the ref even gave the little decisions against us today. I reacted badly, which I shouldn’t have, and now I’ll be missing from the touchline for the next three games. I know Phil Dowd from the Premiership and I respect him but his first half performance couldn’t have been much worse for us, unfortunately.

“We’ll have to take our punishment, dust ourselves down, get back on the front foot and see what comes out of the next two games and then reflect at the end of next week.”

In the 2nd half we lost a little belief which we didn’t last week – we looked a little disjointed and we paid the price for it.”

Gary Johnson: 'Maybe the home crowd won't agree with me, but if you analyse the major incidents I think he has got most of them right. I have felt for the last couple of years that the referee standard is getting better.'

Sky Blues: Westwood (Marshall 21), Gunnarsson, Ward, Dann, Fox, Mifsud (Simpson 73), Tabb, Beuzelin, Gray, Eastwood (McKenzie 46), Morrison.

Subs Not Used: Doyle, Turner.

Booked: Morrison, Fox, Beuzelin.

Goals: None.

HISTORY

Matches between the Sky Blues and The Robins are things of legend, probably down to fact previous to last season, we'd not played each other in the league for over 25 years, and thanks to THAT game on the 19th May 1977 when the two sides contrived a 2-2 draw at Highfield Road in the last, delayed, game of the season to send Sunderland down, tee hee, hee, (and I was there!)

Despite recent misfortunes the Sky Blues have a good overall record against the Robins at home, so good infact that their highest ever home victory margin was recorded against the Bristol City in 1934 when the Bantams, as we were then, romped home 9-0 on 28th April in the 33/34 season when we were playing in the Third Division South, this is also the Robins highest league defeat.

Prior to the last two seasons, Bristol City have not won in Coventry in a league game for 53 years which, given the degrees of separation in the league places over the last 25 years, is actually only 11 games ago!

The Sky Blues first faced The Robins in the Championship at the Ricoh on 15th September 2007 returning the first 0-3 loss under Iain Dowie.. The Sky Blues were top and Bristol were 3rd in ‘the plum tie of the 5th game of the season. Echo, echo, echo….

Both teams went into the game unbeaten, bloody hell it was groundhog day all over again, and the Sky Blues were a number of days away from a Cup Tie against a Premiership team in the League Cup &….. the Sky Blues failed in a top of the table clash in which the depleted Sky Blue City failed to live up to their top billing. A buoyant Bristol City made the most of their chances & made hay in the sunshine.

Iain Dowie was his usual self afterwards in a quote you could put to any game he’s managed in the last two years, (for any side): “'There were loads of positives in the game. You can dominate games and lose. It was a very disappointing result. Apart from the last 20 minutes I can't complain apart from the final ball. I think their goal was their only shot on target in the first half and I thought we started great. Soft goals are killing us at the moment.'

Understandably Johnson was a lot more upbeat: 'It is very, very satisfying to be top. We knew that Coventry had a game plan to get the ball forward to Dele Adebola very, very quickly. We had to compete and at the same time be very, very strong. We knew if we defended well we could hit them on the break. It was a very, very good away performance.'

The Sky Blues side that day was:

Sky Blues: Konstantopoulos, Hall (Andrews 86), De Zeeuw, Ward, Borrowdale, Cairo, Stephen Hughes, Doyle, Tabb (Simpson 68), Adebola, McKenzie.

Subs not used: Marshall, Davis, Turner.

They’ve been some meaty scorelines down the years & the majority of games between the two clubs have guaranteed at least 4 goals per game. The first 3 seasons worth of games in the 20’s were standard fare but in 23/24 there was a 2-2 draw at Ashton Gate, followed by a 2-5 at Highfield Road the following season.

In 1932/33 the two games returned a total of 14 goals! With a 6-0 home win for Coventry & then a 5-3 defeat in Bristol. The following year was the 9-0 episode with a tamer 0-0 in Bristol.

The gap between the Robins First Division demise in ’79 80 and last seasons first League game in over two decades was bridged by the FA Cup double header tie between us both. The first game was a 3-3 thriller at Ashton Gate with the Sky Blues coming back to draw level from 3-1. The return game signalled Mickey Adams demise, I game I refused to attend (as it was a waste of money when I had none), so obvious was the outcome with the Sky Blues going down 0-2 at home.

The team that day was: Sky Blues Steele, Whing, Page, Turner, Hall, Tabb, (Birchall ,59), Osbourne, (Thornton, 46 ), Doyle, McKenzie, Kyle, (Adebola, 59 ), John.

Subs not used: Hughes, Virgo.

The last eight meetings in this fixture have finished thus:

Full league Home record against Bristol is as follows:

Overall record against Bristol City Home & Away in all competitions is as follows:

The full detail of that can be seen here:

AMAZING FACTS

From their formation in 1894 as Bristol South End, the club played at St. John's Lane. The ground was, obviously, a great deal less sophisticated than modern stadia, but even at that stage of club football development it posed a few challenges. A large hill at one end called Mutton hill ensured that the club missed out on a lot of revenue as the fans used to climb it to get a free view. The club responded to this by putting up 30 ft high sheets to block the view. These were also used as advertising hoardings.

In 1897 the club changed it’s name to Bristol City.

Three years later they merged with Bedminster FC in 1900, who played at Ashton Gate. The merged club then proceeded to play at both grounds until making Ashton Gate their full-time home in 1904.

Bedminster themselves were also known under a different name before the merger as they were originally called Southville FC.

Sam Hollis was the Robins first recorded manager. Hollis actually had three spells as manager. The first being from 1897-99, the second from 1901-05, and finally from 1911-13.

The club enjoyed a steady climb through the divisions and were promoted from the then second division in 1975-76, and in the following seasons, finished 19th, 17th, 13th and 20th. Following this, the club went on a bad streak of relegation trouble, after dropping to the fourth division in consecutive seasons.

_________________________________________ _____________________________

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The GMK Match Report: Sky Blues v Bristol City.

By Smiles

A brighter Sky Blues matched the weather, avoiding the occasional afternoon shower, to avoid defeat against the Robins for the first time in the league in five matches. A Leon Best opener, was matched by a Maynard stunner, in game that was an improvement on previous Sky Blues appearances, but still left you feeling we were watching two teams who have yet to reach the standards they both desire.

Saturday 12th September 2009 – 3.00 pm The Ricoh.

Team Changes

Marcus Hall replaced the injured PVA as Clarke stayed unused on the bench, with Osbourne replacing the out of form Gunnarsson who in turn became a sub.

In reserve Ashley Cain was replaced by Sean Jeffers, and the returning Elliott Ward did the same for Adam Walker, in the only changes to the squad that under performed at Blackpool last time out.

1st Half

To follow

Half Time

Half time: Coventry 1-0 Bristol City.

2nd Half

To Follow

POST MATCH & QUOTES

Chris Coleman: 'We felt the referee should have blown up for handball twice in the build-up (to their goal).

'We were disappointed to have that second goal ruled out for offside because if we had gone in at half time 2-0 up, we probably would have won.

'But this has stopped a little run as we had lost two in a row. We have got a point but might have had three.'

Gary Johnson: 'He's scoring goals like that all the time in training. No goalkeeper in the world was going to save that.

'He's got some good ones this season but that might just be his best one.'

'I thought a draw was a fair result. I wasn't happy at half-time because I hadn't seen our pattern - there was too much kick and rush.'

HOW THEY LINED UP

Sky Blues: Westwood, Hall, Cranie, Turner, Wright,Osbourne, (Eastwood,77 ), Clingan, McIndoe, Cork, (Gunnarsson,78), Morrison, Best.

Subs Not Used: Konstantopoulos, Clarke, Ward, Gradison, Jeffers.

Booked: Eastwood, Hall, Morrison,

Goals: Best (18).

Bristol: Gerken, McCombe, Brian Wilson, (Orr, 65), Fontaine, McAllister, Carey, Elliott, Skuse, (Johnson, 74) , Hartley, (Sno,74 ), Maynard, Saborio.

Subs Not Used: Williams, Sproule, Nyatanga,

Booked: Carey, Elliott, Saborio.

Goals: Maynard (48).

Att: 16449

Ref: Neil Swarbrick (Lancashire) 6/10

Man of The Match: : Cork.

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Player Ratings and Tactics and Leadership

By Knowl

Do you ever think about what you would do if you were managing a side against Cov and how you would beat us? Gary Johnson altered his tactics and showed how much influence a manager can have on a game.

A True game of two halves and sometimes after games like that it can be easy to focus on the second half, I have tried to balance out the whole 90 mins but Coleman must ask himself questions in regard to why it took so long to try and change our system.

Saturday 12th September – 3.00 pm The Ricoh.

Three Parish Notices.

Firstly, the first half, we looked very good, as good as we have looked all season. The back four were dealing well with the Bristol attacking play and the midfield were on top with Cork and Clingan using the ball well, McIndoe roaming and probing and Ozzie working very hard and putting himself around. Even upfront we looked a threat with Best and Clinton linking up and while not everything worked we were well worth the one goal lead and it should have been two, and having seen it again Clinton was behind the defender when Best headed goal bound so that was an horrific decision. However, the first half showed how reliant we are on Best dominating his centre backs and Clingan being given the freedom to sit back and dictate the play. If you take those two out the game and you pressure our back line you get the second half.

Secondly, the second half. Bristol came out and took the upper hand from the first minute and never gave it up. They pressured our back four meaning we could not take our time while building up the play, they marked Clingan out of the game, they allowed Ozzie time on the ball and they restricted the ball being played to McIndoe. They also made sure that Best had no time when the ball was played to him. Bristol squeezed the life out of the side and due to our lack of leadership on the field, a distint lack of leadership off the pitch and a side which was starting to lose any grip it had on patience and commosure, meant that Bristol really should have walked away with a victory.

Lastly, serious questions have to be asked about some aspects of our current way forward. We lack any invention at set pieces, we only have a plan A, some of our senior players are either out of form or not good enough, we lack leadership on the pitch, Wright is to erractic and yesterday when he should have been taking the sting out of the game, calming everyone down he was just as immature as the rest of them. Anyone who watched us yesterday could work out how to stop us and its down to Coleman to change things and change them quickly when we are under pressure. We needed to reassurt ourselves when we had blatently lost the battle, Coleman dithered for too long and then to bring Eastwood on the right wing was just a complete waste of time. Gary Johnson won the battle yesterday and that was frustrating to witness.

HOW THEY LINED UP

Coventry: Westwood, Wright (c), Hall, Turner, Craine, Cork, (Eastwood 78), Osbourne, (Gunnarsson 78), Clingan, Best, Morrison, McIndoe

Subs Not Used: Konstantopoulos, Ward, Cain, Grandison, Clarke.

Booked: Hall, Morrison, Eastwood.

Sent Off: None

Goals: Best (18).

Player Ratings

Westie – 8 Four top quality saves, had no chance with the goal and caught everything with ease. As much a reason we drew as anyone and reiterated his importance in games where we are under the cosh. For me MOTM.

Wright – 5 Can Wright talk? If so why is the only reason that Craine knows he is there on occassions because they bump into eac h other? His lack of leadership was annoying but his passing and lack of presence was pathetic. Wright has started the season very poorly and I do not think he is suited to the right back role anymore especially in the way we are trying to play. Marcus showed Wright how to do it.

Hall – 7 Great cross for the goal, great cross for the goal that was not and he defended with confidence. In the second half he played some stupid balls inside to Turner and his distribution will always be called into question but a good display by they old man of the team.

Turner – 7 Won his headers, read the game well but in the second half he showed a lack of confidence on the ball and looked like an accedent waiting to happen. However, it still took a wonder strike to score against us.

Craine – 7 It's not easy to play alongside another inexperienced centre back in a game where we are under pressure for an entire half. Craine played ok and it was a tough test for him but I think they passed it well and these two are looking like staying first choice for the forseeable future.

Cork – 7 A tidy passer of the ball who's sphere of influence was restricted by playing wide right. A brilliant little through ball to Clinton in the second half illustrated what he can do. One of the only players in the middle and attacking parts of the side who managed to continue his first half form into the second half. I would prefer to see him in the middle where his probing and movement would be more benefical.

Ozzie – 6 On the groan-o-meter there were 5 mass groans during the game and four of them occurred after something Ozzie had done, all of them where when he was in space with multiple options and he passed it to no one. Ozzie worked extremely hard in he first half and its to his credit that he was so notciable, however if you work extermely hard to win the ball and then you give it away as easily as Ozzie did then whats the point? In the second half Bristol left him to it and they made sure that Clingan was marked out of it, so we needed Ozzie to take control of the ball and allow us to reorganise and he did not offer us this.

Clingan – 5 His play in the first half was at the crux of our dominance, he took his time on the ball and linked well with McIndoe and Cork. His laidback style was perfect for the first half, however, Gary Johnson saw how much influence he was having on the game with his passing so he marked him tight, he made sure the defence could not play easy balls into him and basically starved the guy of possession. Now it is up to two people to sort this out, either Coleman pulls him over and has a quick word and changes his role or Clingan should go over to Coleman and point out whats going on and alter his own game. Whoever does what is not the issue, the issue is that someone should be doing something, if you take Clingan out of play then we are lacking even our plan A.

McIndoe – 7 Worked hard and probed all game. Linked up well with the maurding Hall and they took the game to the Bristol right hand side. Even in the second half he did not stop trying to find space and create something.

Best – 7 His hold up play was what we expect to see from him everyweek. If he played like that everyweek then we would have some player on our hands, he is strong, has a quality first touch and he even finished his first chance with a beautiful header and forced the keeper into a save with another good header. Question marks must be placed next to his name as to why have been waiting so long for another performance at that level. Consitancy is so important when you get to this standard of football and Best has to realise that if he wants to cement his place in the Ireland squad then yesterday has to be a stock performance not a monthly or 10 gamely one.

Clinton – 6 Should be celebrating another goal this morning. In the first half Clinton was a threat and he linked up well with Best. In the second he was frusted by the rubbish we were throwing his way and he just could not get involved. Oh and Clinton stop tracking back during open play, there is no need for you to act as a centre half during the first half of anymatch, ever!!

Subs

Gunnarsson – 6 Too late to have any real impact, if he did not take long throws he would have added nothing.

Eastwood – Is there any point bringing him on to play him on the right wing? Yep the correct answer is, there is none.

Coleman

Coleman – 5

The tactics of having Ozzie in the midfield to pressure the Bristol players into mistakes and Clingan sweeping up behind him. That was great in the first half as Bristol were playing off us and we were afforded space, Ozzie was doing a great job in forcing Bristol into mistakes high up the pitch and we were on top. In the second half Bristol started playing higher up the pitch, they forced us into making mistakes and Cligan was tightly marked. Ozzie for all his strengths being a ball player or having time on the ball to make decisions isn't one of them, thus Bristol allowed him freedom and consequently more of the ball. They made sure that Best and Clinton didn't find it as easy to link up and they basically forced us into playing quicker and less composed.

So our plan A was fine, infact it was good and we should have been two nil up. The question marks come when we require plan B, the lack of leadership on the pitch is one thing, we are a young side and the players can be forgiven some sins, but the continued torture of the second half should have been retified a lot earlier than the 78 min. Even then it was to little, to pointless. IMO we should have put Cork in the middle after 55 mins when the tide had turned, we should have give Cain a chance to provide us pace and width. We should have done something, we did not.

When was the last time that we rallied after we conceded a goal? When was the last time we regained the initiative after we have lost it?

Coleman has to start to make changes which alter the course of the game otherwise he will never improve as a manager.

In short. A tale of two halves, yada yada yada. A tale of two managers, one who had the intellect to see his teams frailaties, one who did nothing. A draw was a fair result but without Westie it could have been worse.

Play up Sky Blues

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(Tuesday v Sheff Utd 14/09/09 (H))

09/10 GMK PL Week 5, Game 6.

By Smiles

Well who would have thought it? Bristol, league game, no loss. Even some of our most hardened predictors went for a Sky Blue defeat, but it didn’t turn out that way, did it?! After so many games where we've failed to win against the West Country bandits, a draw against them came as a pleasant surprise. How did you do?

Links:

(Saturday v PNE 19/09/09 (A))

(Last Weekends game v Bristol C Sat 11/09/09 (H))

To follow: (The Rules)

Here’s this weeks fixtures for you to predict.

Game 7: (kick off deadline to post by: 7:45 pm)
Predict the outcome of:

Coventry v Sheffield Utd: :
First Goal Coventry Scorer: :
Crowd: :

Championship Games:

Predict the outcome of the following games:

Home (H), Away (A) or Draw (D), (NO SCORES, you HAVE TO POST H / D or A):

Tuesday 15th Sept 7:45pm unless stated:

Coventry v Sheffield Utd: :
Derby v Barnsley: :
Ipswich v Notts Forest: :
Leicester v Peterboro: :
Plymouth v Watford: :
QPR v C Palace: :
Scunthorpe v Preston: :
Sheff Weds v Middlesboro: :
Swansea v Bristol: :
WBA v Doncaster: :

Weds 16th September:

Blackpool v Newcastle: :
Reading v Cardiff - 8:00pm:

Cheers Smiles.

Coventry City Results Prediction League

In the topsy turvey world of the GMK Prediction League at the top of the league we have another new leader in SteveC189 (+9) only missing out on the perfect 10 by the wrong crowd prediction, (+1097), Steve moves up to 1st from 5th with 25 points. In 2nd is Tisza (+8) who got the crowd right (+201) but not the scorer, and moves up from 10th two points behind on 23 points. Upto 3rd from 7th is LordSummerisle (+4) on 20 points for our top 3.

We then have a trio on 19 points Perdomo (+/-0) down from 1st to 4th & Gus (+/-0) dropping from 2nd to 5th still on 19 points from 6 and Sky_Blue_Up_North (+3) dropping from 4th to 6th.

Two more on the way down is Mr Tickle (+/-0) drops from 3rd to 7th on 18 equal with Bagsy (+2), from 6th to 8th.

Making up our top ten are with SkyBlueBertie (+2) and still in 9th on 17 points, and SundayRef (+2) on the same up one place.

The illusive Vicar_In_A_Tutu (+/-0) dropped out of the top 10 from 8th to 13th.

Moving into the top 20 this is Turk1965 (+7) on 15 points moving to 16th from 33rd, in 17th from 43rd is Wils another (+9) again everything right bar the crowd (+340), & SternsLovChild in 20th from 23rd with 13 points.

Everyone else follows….

The gap from 1st to 10th is now 8 points (+4) & 1st to 20th 12 (+4). Our top scorer this week were Wils & SteveC189 who received 9 points for predicting 1-1, and getting the Leon Best as the first Sky Blue scorer.

Still no prefect 10’s.

Here’s the updated league:

The top 25 is on the front page this week, check it out on the right of the page!

For a reminder on how to score points again check the rules on the home page on the blue bar, when I’ve worked out how to do it!

Championship Results Prediction League

In the Championship games predictor there were 15 (+/-0) points to go for again, and, again, not too many double digit returns this week.

One of those double digit returns, for the 4th week in a row, is BerksSkyBlue(+10) to stay top on 57 points to open up a 9 point gap.

Staying in 2nd is still KeanoNo1 (+8), with 48 points and in 3rd SkyBlueNemo (+9) is still there on 48.

In 4th is my lad OwenSkyBlue (+7) up from 9th with 44 points. Storming into the top 5 is the other double digiter and top scorer CCSBA, (+12) on 43 points.

We then have a trio on 43 points in 6th, up one from 7th, SBGus, (+6), also up one from 8th to 7th is Lagger (+6) and joining them is Tisza (+8).

In 9th topping a group of 6 is CovAtron (+9) on 42 points and Bagsy (+5) dropping from 6th to 10th

The next 4 follow all on the same points, SkyBlue87 (+6) down one place, BlindFaith (+6), RickyCCFC (+7) downing the same and then AndrewBrown, (+8) up 2 places to 14th.

Oblong (+4) drops 10 places from 5th to 15th, Turk1965 (+6) down one to 16th both on 41 points.

We then have four players all on 40 points, Danny (+5), Me (+7) up from 20th to 18th Sky_Blue_Up_North (+8) to 19th from 23rd and finally SteveC189 (+9) up to 20th from 29th.

Perdomo(+/-0) drops big from 4th to 23rd.

Dropping out of the top 20 all are CCFC (+/-0) 19th – HK BlueSkies (+5)

So with 41 playing (-6) 1st to 10th is now a gap of 15 points (+4) & 1st to 20th 17 points (+3)

The average points increasaed from 5.48 to 6.92 (+1.43) and overall total 284 from 258 (+26).

There were 15 points to go for (+/-0) and the top scorers was SteveC189.

Here's the table after week 5 game 6:

Any issues then please e-mail me at the usual address!

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Sky Blues PaperTalk: Coventry & Bristol one each!

By Mel Dixon.

Well, at least a point was gained against a Bristol City side who have long been a bogey team for the Sky Blues. Is it a sign that we are set for an improved season? Or does it prove that Bristol City are a side on a steady decline which has seen them come down to our level?

Here’s how the papers covered the game...

“Gary Johnson wasted little time extending the language skills of his new international striker Alvaro Saborio,” wrote David Moore in the Sun. Before the game, Saborio already had an understanding of five languages, but afterwards he’d picked up another one: ‘bad’ English.

Saborio had been signed on a season’s loan from Swiss club Sion and only started the game after Danny Haynes came down with tonsillitis and, “the 27-year-old Costa Rican did enough to suggest he’s another of Robins boss Johnson’s shrewd signings.” Moore reminds us that Coventry have not beaten the Bristol boys for twenty years before describing how: “Leon Best put Coventry ahead after 18 minutes with a power header from Marcus Hall’s cross.” Power header. Does that make it more forceful than your regular powerful header? I can almost visualise Best as a character in Shaolin Soccer with his incredible power header technique rocketing the ball into the back of the net and beyond.

Keiran Westwood is given credit for some “smart stops” but he loses out in the man-of-the-match award to his opposite number Dean Gerken.

The Daily Mirror begins by downgrading Danny Haynes tonsillitis to a mere sore throat: “Danny Haynes sore throat could well give his manager Gary Johnson a sore head.” The reason for this was the performance of his replacement (Saborio) who “was a constant thorn in the Coventry side and set up Maynard’s stunning 48th minute blast from 25 yards.” We then get a few quotes from Nicky Maynard who babbles on a bit about the competition for strikers at the club. The Mirror then states that: “Maynard’s side should be a contender for Championship goal of the month.” Eh? Have they changed the nature of the competition?

Still, the report redeems itself by allowing Marcus Hall to say his bit: “We were excellent in the first half but for some reason we were about a yard off the pace in the second, and in the end we are glad to have come away with the a point,” He adds: “We cannot make any excuses. Everything is going well in training, we are listening to what the manager and coaches are saying, so it is really down to the players.”

The Times also goes with the Alvaro Saborio angle and how he was “quick to impress his new teammates.” Once again, Marcus Hall is sounding half critical and half upbeat, which is pretty apt – we’ve got a point against our nemesis, ended a two-game losing streak (albeit a short streak), but finished the game looking the weaker side.

Ah well the equilibrium is restored….

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The GMK Match Preview: Sky Blues v Sheffield United.

By Smiles

The Sky Blues face a tough challenge from the Blades in contrast to the poor away form on record for the weekends visitors Bristol City. Although mid-table, anything other than a point on the board could see The Sky Blues slip down the league in a fixture that has produced mixed results in recent meetings.

THE SKY BLUES Vs THE BLADES

Coleman felt the Sky Blues deserved better following the weekends draw with Bristol City. Nicky Maynard's 25-yard stunner cancelled out Leon Best's headed opener after a bright start from the Sky Blues.

'We have got a point but we feel we might have had three,' said Coleman, who questioned whether Maynard's goal should have stood. “Take nothing away from the strike. But we felt the referee should have blown up for handball twice in the build-up.”

The Sky Blues had an effort disallowed which Coleman believes would have propelled them to victory: 'We were disappointed to have that second goal ruled out for offside because if we had gone in at half time 2-0 up, we probably would have gone on to win the game. But this has stopped a little run because we had lost two games in a row.'

The key to tonight’s game will be how Coleman chooses, if he does at all, to utilise his wider options on the bench, a facet of his tactical approach that has drawn rising criticism in recent games.

GAME ON THIS WEEKS FIXTURES

TEAM NEWS

Chris Coleman has no fresh injury concerns for the visit of Sheffield United this evening.

The weekends 1-1 draw against Bristol City ended a run of two successive defeats but Coleman is desperate for three points against the Blades having not won since the second weekend of the season only the 3rd win in close to 20 games.

Left-back Patrick van Aanholt remains sidelined for around three weeks with a groin strain, with Marcus Hall expected to cover in defence.

Midfielder David Bell (ankle), defenders James McPake (shoulder) and goalkeeper Danny Ireland (emergency bowel surgery) remain long-term absentees.

Elliott Ward remains an option in the centre of defence

Sky Blues from: Westwood, Cranie, Wright, Ward, Clarke, Wynter, Turner, Grandison, Hall, Cain, Osbourne, Walker, Bell, Cork, Clingan, Gunnarson, McIndoe, McKenzie, Eastwood, Morrison, Best, Konstantopoulos.

THE OPPOSITION

It’s being a testing time at Bramall Lane of late with Kevin Blackwell changing virtually his whole squad in the close season as well as losing Sky Blues fans favourite Penny Kenny to suspension after a well documented failed drugs test in early season.

Uniteds 1-0 defeat to Burnley in the play off final in May prompted quite a clean out at the South Yorkshire club with 18 players geminately leaving the club and 3 going out on loan.

The Blades are un beaten this season thus far and their away form is as good as any in the league bar the play off defeat last season.

The PFA have expressed concern at the nine-month suspension handed to Kenny. The United keeper failed a drugs test after a routine urine sample was found to contain traces of the banned substance ephedrine, but argued that an over-the-counter chest remedy was to blame. Despite accepting the player's explanation, an FA Regulatory Commission still ruled he should be suspended for nine months.

John Bramhall, the PFA's assistant chief executive commented: 'Paddy accepts he has certain responsibilities that he did not adhere to but equally WADA (the World Anti-Doping Authority) realises that these things can enter your body for means other than to be performance-enhancing. That has been accepted to be the case in this instance. We are waiting to receive the full written evidence detailing why they banned Paddy for that period before we can think about taking the matter any further.'

United have stood by the long standing player, however they insist that any decision to launch an appeal against the drugs ban rests solely with the player and not the club. Blackwell has confirmed the Blades are in no position to consider an appeal and although the goalkeeper is still being paid by United, the decision is Kenny's once he has consulted his lawyers: 'The next step is for Paddy to speak to his representatives after they have received and discussed the summary of the case and findings from the FA. They will then decide whether to make an appeal.'

Blackwell revealed the club will ‘consider its options’ before deciding what to do next: ''We know Paddy's not a drugs cheat and they've accepted that. We're just considering our options. We think nine months for a mistake out of a medicine chest seems harsh. 'We'll consider our options. That's down to the legal people. It was a long day and at the end of it they accepted it wasn't taken to enhance sporting performance. If you've got a bad chest and you take something to relieve pain it isn't going to make you quicker, faster, taller.'

Blackwell went on to warn all professional athletes of the dangers of taking over-the-counter remedies without consulting doctors. Players have to take responsibility for their lives and actions but new regulations which have come in the last couple of years mean a player can be pulled in at any time. If you're not feeling well, make sure you check every detail (with medicines) because the ramifications for anyone caught breaking the rules are very severe. It's a lesson for every professional footballer and athlete now, with the Olympics coming up, they're very hot on it...I think you'll see the authorities really clamping on it.'

The Blades have used Mark Bunn, (on loan from Blackburn – still trying to find out if he’s any relation to our Frank) and have Mark Bennett in reserve as a replacement. In his 6 appearances to date Bunn has kept 3 clean sheets….

The Blades have finished no lower than ninth in the Championship since 2002, and although shipping so many players they have retained an experienced core, with new signing Ched Evans an exciting prospect up front. In addition they have invested the money from the Carlos Tevez settlement with West Ham wisely to bolster they’re squad.

Having put the Kenny issue to one side The Blades have consolidated last seasons performance in the league and started well despite the degree of upheaval at Bramall Lane, Blackwell has the resources and experience at his disposal to secure at least a play-off spot.

Blackwell has complained that his players do not get the ‘credit they deserve’ following their unbeaten start to the season. The Blades have climbed up to 5th place in the table after former their striker Rob Hulse's own goal clinched them their second away win of the season at Derby at the weekend, in a game where Blackwell's team displayed all the doggedness that has characterised his teams and helped The Blades reach the play-off final last season.

Blackwell commented: 'People can talk about flair and flashness all they like but you can't survive in this competition on that alone. What really pleases me about my team is their mental toughness. They experienced a huge disappointment at Wembley in May but they've dusted themselves down and delivered exactly the right response. I really don't think they get enough praise for it to be honest.'

Blackwell is not expected to make any changes to his starting line-up for tonights game although Blackwell conceded one unnamed player had sustained a slight ankle injury, it is unlikely to affect his team selection for the trip to the Ricoh.

Ched Evans started on the substitutes' bench on Saturday after returning from international duty with Wales and may be hoping to play a bigger role should that ‘injured player’ be a striker.

Blackwell has no other new injury or suspension problems as his side approach the second of three matches inside seven days, with the Blades taking on city rivals Sheffield Wednesday at home on Friday night.

Sheffield from: Bunn, Morgan, Kilgallon, Taylor, Walker, Quinn, France, Treacy, Cotterill, Montgomery, Harper, Ward, Henderson, Evans, Bennett, Reid, Little.

INS & OUTS

In: Kyel Reid, (West Ham), Leigh Bromby, (Watford), Andy Taylor, (Tranmere), Ryan France (Hull), Ched Evans (Man City), Glen Little (Portsmouth), Jordan Stewart (Derby) Lee Williamson, (Watford).

On Loan Keith Treacy and Mark Bunn (Blackburn), Kyle Walker (Tottenham) James Harper, (Reading).

Out: Ben Starosta, (Darlington), Nicky Law (Rotherham), Paul Gerrard, (Stockport), Jamie Annerson (Rotherham), Kyle Walker & Kyle Naughton, (Spurs), Leigh Bromby (Leeds), Lee Hendrie, (Derby) David Carney (FC Twente) Jon Stead, (Ipswich).

Out On Loan Jordan Robertson (Bury), Brian Howard (Reading) Billy Sharp, (Doncaster).

Released Sun Jihai, Danny Webber, Derek Geary, Gary Speed, Aymen Tahar, Ugo Ehiogu, Samuel Wedgbury, Keith Quinn.

DANGERMEN

Goals have been spread very evenly through the Blades squad so far this season with Welsh forwards David Cotterill, Ched Evans and Brummie Jamie Ward all with two each. Cotterill’s have all come off the bench, Evans and Ward 4 (2) & 5 (0) appearances each.

Last season’s top scorer was James Beattie with 12 league goals from 21 (2) after joining from Stoke.

FORM

Sky Blues - 11th, The Championship: 8 points from 8 games.

Sheffield Utd - 5th, The Championship: 6 points from 12 games.

United has the 6th best attack in the league this season with 9 goals scored, 4 more than The Sky Blues

The Blades have the 3rd best defence in The Championship with 4 goals conceded, 2 better The Sky Blues

Last 8 League Games:

VISIT THE RIVALS

THE REF

The man in the middle for this match hasn’t been seen in one of our games for a while…

Mr A Taylor (Cheshire)

Games across all leagues & competitions this season:

Games across all leagues & competitions last season:

Last City game Officiated in: Blackpool vs Coventry 22/12/2008

Result: 4-0.

Performance: A controversial game with Kyle seeing red, not for the first time, with more than a fair splattering of yellow cards too... 5/10

PREVIOUS

The Sky Blues last faced United in another evening game at The Ricoh on Wednesday 4th March 2009 and ended up in a controversial 1-2 defeat. Leigh Bromby's shot may not have crossed the line, but the linesman flagged for the goal and City's six-match unbeaten run was brought to an end by a spirited Sheffield United.

With supporters decrying 2-0 to the referee Chris Coleman was less than pleased:

Chris Coleman: 'I can't tell you how angry I am. One, we defended it poorly. But two, the linesman has had an absolute horror show with the decision. I have seen it again and again and he isn't even in line with the ball and there are players in front of him so his view is obstructed. Unless he is 100% sure - 100% sure - that the ball is over the line he can't give that. And there is no way he is 100% sure and I'll tell you why - it is because the ball is not over the line. His feet are maybe just over the line but his hands are in front of the line. You only have to look at the reaction from the Sheffield United players - they are not expecting to get it. And look at the reaction from Westwood.'

Kevin Blackwell: I realised it was a record [12 away league games unbeaten]- 120 years old - but the win matters more. Coming to the form team, we knew it was going to be tough, but my lads rolled up their sleeves. It is about grinding results out in this league because it is the hardest league to get out of.'

Sky Blues: Westwood, Wright, Dann, Turner, Fox (Osbourne 46), Henderson, Gunnarsson, Doyle (Beuzelin 64), Bell, Simpson (Morrison 64), Eastwood

Subs Not Used: Marshall, Ward.

Booked: Westwood, Gunnarsson, Dann.

Goals: Dann 71.

HISTORY

In what has been a quite regular fixture in the last decade or so, prior to last season the Sky Blues last faced Sheffield United at home at the Ricoh on 1st December 2008 recording a 0-1 loss thanks to a 62nd minute winner from Chris Armstrong.

However, the fixtures, home & away, hasn’t been played as often as you may think and home and away ties haven’t given a distinct advantage to either side. Results between the two sides have been remarkably close over the years since our first meeting in 1936/7,

Honours have been even in the previous 7 going back to both clubs Premiership days with City winning 3, the Blades 3 and one drawn.

The Sky Blues last won in 2006, 2-0, thanks to 1st half goals from Adebola and McSheffrey in the late season surge under Micky Adams thanks to Dennis Wise.

Prior to that it was two wins in 2002 separated by a close season. The FA Cup loss in the 6th round replay on penalties, after 1-1 draw at Highfield Road, is best forgotten, as the memories are still a raw wound…

The last eight meetings in this fixture have finished thus:

Full league Home record against Sheffield Utd is as follows:

Overall record against Sheffield United Home & Away in all competitions is as follows:

The full detail of that can be seen here:

AMAZING FACTS

Sheffield United were formed in 1889 and entered the football league in 1892.

Their highest League win was in their first season 10-1 against Burslem Port Vale. They were promoted in the same season along with Small Heath (Brum) and Darwen (Blackburn).

They won their only league title in 1897/8 Wednesday have won 4 1930 1929 1904 1903!

The worlds oldest known football club is from Sheffield but is neither Wednesday or united but Sheffield FC formed in 1855 after the first ‘initial’ rules were drawn up at Cambridge University in 1848.

The first football game played under floodlights was at Bramall Lane, Sheffield on 14 October 1878.

Brian Deane scored the Premierships first ever goal on the 15th August 1992 in the 5th minute of the game vs Manchester United.

Keith Gillespie entered the record books for a more inauspicious reason on January 20, 2007 with the fastest sending-off in the Premiership - officially 0 seconds.

If you’re from Sheffield the ‘Blades’ are colloquially known either as the ‘Blunts’ or The Pigs’.

_________________________________________ _____________________________

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Match Report – Championship – Coventry City 3-2 Sheffield United

By Ian Palmer

Chris Coleman knows his team can play. The question was whether they could do it for ninety minutes.

On Tuesday night his team answered with a battling 3-2 win over Sheffield United, which took every ounce of their efforts.

The importance of this win won’t be known until next May, but as the dust settled on a thunderous encounter, there was a sense that this was more than just a win.

It was a statement about this team, and what it is capable of.

Tuesday 15th September, 2009 – 19:45 – The Ricoh Arena

Goals from Leon Best, Clinton Morrison and Martin Cranie won it for a Sky Blues team that was unchanged in personel, but tweaked tactically. Wright and Cranie swapped positions in defense and Clinton Morrison moved to the right in a five-man midfield.

City have come unstuck recently against teams who play five across the middle, prompting criticism in some quarters of Coleman’s tactical nous. But this change seemed to do the trick.

A pin-point Sammy Clingan pass on 12 minutes found Best in the penalty area. Instant chest control from Best, as usual, and a fine finish to match as he blasted the ball past keeper Mark Bunn.

Cue a confidence surge Coventry’s play. A neat passing move to eliviate danger by their own corner flag led to Best balancing the ball on his head as he evaded two defenders. City’s dominance helped by some sloppy Sheffield passing.

But a misplaced pass from Isaac Osbourne was intercepted by Keith Treacy who broke free and played the ball out to Jamie Ward on the right. Ward was given ample space and cut inside to send a stunning shot past the diving Westwood for a United equaliser.

Mirroring City’s last game, heads dropped after conceding the goal. Stephen Wright had to block a Henderson shot from close range, before Westwood came to City’s rescue with a fine onrushing save to deny Stephen Quinn.

City reeling, but Jack Cork’s drive and industry in midfield ensured the team didn’t dwell on matters. Cork, given licence to get forward as Osbourne and Clingan sat back in midfield, was outstanding throughout.

Cork volleyed over from a Best nod-down (could have done better), before a Darius Henderson header across goal somehow evaded Andy Taylor, when the defender looked odds on to score.

City were winning the individual battles all over the pitch, but knew they had to maintain their initiative in the second half. A mistake from Nick Montgomery made things a little easier.

When Montgomery missed a challenge, McIndoe capitalised, scampering down the left. His mis-hit cross behind Best was picked up by Morrison who showed a touch of class in lashing a first-time left foot shot into the far corner to give City the lead.

His shirtless celebration showed less class, earning him a booking, but frankly, who cares? It (the goal) was a moment of quality.

Westwood made another sharp stop to deny Quinn from close range before City won a corner. McIndoe’s inswinging delivery was met majestically by Cranie to give the Sky Blues a 2-goal advantage.

United sent on Ched Evans and David Cotterill to find a way back into the game. And they did so, thanks to a lucky ricochet which set up a Ward shot that Westwood could only parry. James Harper pounced on the rebound to make it 3-2 and cue a frantic last fifteen minutes.

Morrison had to block a shot in front of his own goal before Evans flicked the top of the crossbar with a rasping 20-yard drive. Coleman sent on Jordan Clarke and Aron Gunnarsson to bolster the rearguard.

Five long minutes of injury time ensued, but Coventry held firm to seal a hard fought and well earned victory.

POST MATCH & QUOTES

Chris Coleman:

'I thought the players were tremendous from start to finish - there were some colossal performances.

'We've got a great three points, and there aren't many better teams in our league than them. We had to work hard for it but we did - and we got it.

'We just had that siege mentality. We weren't pretty; we've played better than we did tonight.'

Kevin Blackwell:

'If you don't take your chances and give away Mickey Mouse goals you don't deserve to win games.

'We spurned three or four nailed-on chances that would have seen off Coventry, there's no doubt about that, and then we give them goals.

'If you do that, you can't win games. Effort and commitment were there, but we weren't smart tonight.'

HOW THEY LINED UP

Sky Blues: Westwood, Cranie, Wright, Turner, Hall (Clarke 84), Osbourne, Clingan, Cork, McIndoe, Morrison (Gunnarsson 84), Best

Subs Not Used: Konstantopoulos, Ward, Eastwood, Cain, Grandison

Booked: Morrison

Goals: Best 12, Morrison 51, Cranie 60

Sheffield United: Bunn, France, Morgan, Taylor (Stewart 72), Walker, Ward, Montgomery, Harper, Quinn (Evans 62), Treacy (Cotterill 67), Henderson

Subs Not Used: Bennett, Reid, Little

Booked: None

Goals: Ward 31, Harper 76

Att: 14,326

Ref: A Taylor (7/10)

Man of The Match: Jack Cork. It could have been Leon Best, or Ben Turner, but Cork was the driving force of this performance.

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(Saturday v PNE 19/09/09 (A))

09/10 GMK PL Week 5, Game 7.

By Smiles

A rather unexpected, and it must be said unpredicted, 3-2 win over Sheffield United turns the tables on their head a bit! Don't forget United play tonight in the Sheffield derby, so if your predicting championship games there's one for you to do today! In a recent run of games where we haven't done too well, this was a welcome return to winning ways. How did you do?

Links:

(Tuesday v Sheff Utd 14/09/09 (H))

To follow: (The Rules)

Here’s this weeks fixtures for you to predict.

Game 8: (kick off deadline to post by: 3:00 pm)
Predict the outcome of:

Preston v Coventry: :
First Goal Coventry Scorer: :
Crowd: :

Championship Games:

Predict the outcome of the following games:

Home (H), Away (A) or Draw (D), (NO SCORES, you HAVE TO POST H / D or A):

Friday 18th Sept 7:45pm unless stated:

Sheffield Utd v Sheffield W - 7:45pm:

Saturday 19th Sept 3:00pm unless stated:

Barnsley vs Swansea :
Bristol C vs Scunthorpe :
C Palace vs Derby :
Cardiff vs QPR :
Doncaster vs Ipswich :
Middlesbro vs West Brom :
Newcastle vs Plymouth :
Nottm Forest vs Blackpool :
Peterborough vs Reading :
Preston vs Coventry :
Watford vs Leicester :

Cheers Smiles.

Coventry City Results Prediction League

A more stable top ten this week pretty much the same top ten, the same players but not necessarily in the same order!

At the top of the league is last weeks new leader SteveC189 (+2) with 27 points in what was a slim week, in fact if your scored 4 then your amongst the best.. Still in 2nd is Tisza (+2) on 25 points. Upto 3rd from 5th is SB Gus (+4) on 23 points

Making up the top 5 equal on 22 points are LordSummerisle (+2) down a palce to 4th & MrTickle, whose emailed Bristol predictions I missed in mid week, no re-instated and back in the top 5 with both results added.

A duo on 20 points share 6th with Sky_Blue_Up_North (+1) keeping his 6th slot and is joined by Bagsy (+2), up to 7th from 8th.

Perdomo (+/-0) drops down from 4th to 8th on 19 points & making up our top ten are with SkyBlueBertie (+1) and still in 9th on 18 points, and DimiTheGreat (+2) up one place to 10th from 11th.

SundayRef (+/-0) drops out of the top ten from 10th to 12th.

Moving into the top 20 this is week are Lagger (+4) upto 16th from 23rd & RickyCCFC (+4) 26th from 19th & HK-BlueSkies (+2) 22nd to 20th.

Everyone else follows….

The gap from 1st to 10th is now 9 points (+1) & 1st to 20th still 12 (+/-0). Our top scorer this week were everyone with 4 points who got either Sky Blues scoring 3 (a rarity) or Sheffield 2 and getting the Leon Best as the first Sky Blue scorer.

Still no prefect 10’s.

Here’s the updated league:

The top 25 will be on the front page as soon as I’ve created the new league as the old one is stuck on the old server! Check it out on the right of the page some time Friday night / Saturday morning!

For a reminder on how to score points again check the rules on the home page on the blue bar, when I’ve worked out how to do it!

Championship Results Prediction League

In the Championship games predictor there were 15 (+/-0) points to go for again, and, again, and again and only one double digit return this week.

A slimmer point scoring week this week although there’s a lot of movement BerksSkyBlue(+3) needed his big lead this week to stay top on 60 points as SkyBlueNemo (+8) edged closer moving up to 2nd from 3rd on 56 points.

Dropping down from 2nd is KeanoNo1 (+7), with 56 points in 3rd and making up the top 5 in equal 4th on 51 points are SBGus, (+8) & RickyCCFC (+9) both on 51 points.

In equal 6th are Bagsy (+8) & BlindFaith (+8) up from 10th & 12th on 50 points each. Down from 5th to 8th is CCSBA, (+6) on 49 points equal with SkyBlue87 (+7) & Sky_Blue_Up_North (+9) in 9th and 10th up from 11th & 19th respectively to make up our top ten.

Dropping out, rather spectacularly from 4th to 20th is my lad OwenSkyBlue (+1) from 7th to 13th is Lagger (+4) is Tisza (+3) from 8th to 17th & CovAtron (+6) on 48 points dropping from 10th to 11th

No-one dropped out of the top 20 this week so no new entries either.

So with 47 playing (+5) 1st to 10th is now a gap of 11 points (-4) & 1st to 20th 15 points (-2)

The average points decreased from 6.92 to 5.51 (-1.41) and overall total 259 from 291 (+32).

There were 15 points to go for (+/-0) and the top scorers was BigBen with (+10).

Here's the table after week 5 game 7:

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Match Preview: Preston North End v Sky Blues.

By Smiles.

The Sky Blues travel up the m6 to Deepdale to take on the 3rd of their ‘bogie’ sides in the form of Preston North End. City have never won in the North West and will be looking to end that sequence after gaining welcome points against Bristol and Sheffield United.

THE LILLYWHITES Vs THE SKY BLUES

All things pass, City will hope, as The Sky Blues travel to the nightmare venue of some many failed hopes. Chris Coleman will be dreaming that his charges can do a lot better than the last trip in this direction after failing so spectacularly at Blackpool 3 weeks ago.

After getting his shape and tactics spot on against Sheffield United in mid week, although Coleman will look for some stability in his slim squad, Preston at home will prove a different proposition entirely.

Alan Irvines team will be looking to bounce back from a defeat at Scunthorpe that ended his side’s fine start to the season as the SBA hope they’ve caught PNE on the hop…

GAME ON THIS WEEKENDS FIXTURES

TEAM NEWS

Chris Coleman is expected to keep faith with the same starting XI that ended Sheffield United's unbeaten run on Tuesday night, making it four points from two games after two successive defeats. Coleman commented: 'The team pretty much picks itself after Tuesday if I'm being honest. I'd probably have a couple of frustrated knocks on my door if I did too much changing around.'

That means Iceland international Aron Gunnarsson will continue to make do with a place on the bench as Isaac Osbourne cements his place in midfield.

Defenders Patrick van Aanholt (groin), James McPake (shoulder) and Elliott Ward, midfielder David Bell (ankle) and goalkeeper Danny Ireland (emergency bowel surgery) remain sidelined.

Sky Blues from: Westwood, Hall, Clarke, Cranie, Turner, Wright, Osbourne, Clingan, McIndoe, Cork, Morrison, Gunnarsson,, Best, Ward, Eastwood, Konstantopoulos, Cain, Grandison, Walker, Jeffers.

THE OPPOSITION

It’s a season of pretty much same again for PNE, as the club the with only a slightly longer, longest stay in the Championship attempt to go one better this term gaining either instant promotion or that illusive play off victory. ‘The Lillywhites’ have been there or there abouts consistently over the last few seasons without tasting success.

Manager Alan Irvine has altered his squad little over the close season and the club have started well, despite last weeks setback at Scunthorpe.

Irvine has urged his side to erase the pain of their defeat to Scunthorpe with victory against The Sky Blues at Deepdale on Saturday. North End's unbeaten start to the campaign was ended by a 3-1 reverse at Glanford Park and Irvine is demanding an immediate response. 'One of the benefits of the forthcoming glut of games is that we can try to quickly put right mistakes made during Tuesday night's defeat at Scunthorpe. It's always good from a coaching perspective to get straight back to work after a defeat and look at things in training and quickly get the chance to see a response in the next game. I think we're all looking forward to the Coventry game now.'

The one major change to the squad has been the departure of highly rated defender Sean St Ledger who has joined Middlesbrough on a three-month loan deal with a view to a permanent move in January. The Republic of Ireland defender has linked up with Gareth Southgate's squad after 24-year-old signed for the Lilywhites in the summer of 2006, and went on to play more than 130 games for them. St Ledger was named as Preston's Player of the Year in 2008. Understandably the move has not been universally popular in Lancashire.

Irvine had to admit that his star’s players departure was imminent when St Ledger appeared to bid farewell to Preston fans after staying behind after the final whistle to applaud the Deepdale crowd following the 2-0 win over Swansea. Irvine said: 'We know that there is an interest from Middlesbrough and we know that their interest is quite strong. Unfortunately nowadays the decision (to keep a player) doesn't always come down to the manager. Every player at this club will have his price, regardless of whether I want him to stay or whether the chairman and the board want him to stay.”

'Sean St Ledger has been fantastic for us and the last thing I want to do is lose a good player. He's come on in leaps and bounds and is a lad who is desperate to learn and desperate to improve. We've got a fantastic relationship and I hope that continues for a long time.'

PNE goalkeeper Andrew Lonergan has backed under-fire charirman Derek Shaw following the sale of Sean St Ledger. Shaw came in for criticism from sections of the Deepdale support after selling St Ledger to Middlesbrough this week. Lonergan commented: 'It is always a shame to lose your best players, but then again I think it was a fantastic price for him. Credit to the chairman there - £4.5million for a centre-half is a lot of money. He takes a lot of stick and I want to back him up. I feel some of the criticism he gets is pretty unwarranted.”

'Derek Shaw is running a good club. Obviously I would like him to buy more players and give us more money for wages, just like everyone does. But we have to be realistic and sensible. We invest when we need to invest and don't live beyond our means, which a lot of clubs do and get into trouble for.'

It is understood 20% of the fee will go to Peterborough as the Fens club negotiated a decent sell on clause when St Ledger left them for the North West.

Last season's run to the play-offs was another impressive display and proved how far Alan Irvine has taken the club since taking over from Paul Simpson. Neil Mellor and player of the year Jon Parkin formed an effective partnership, which is already off the ground this season whilst defensively Sean St Ledger was a rock.

In addition to the loss of St Leadger the departure of influential captain Paul McKenna to Nottingham Forest was a major blow. The tough-tackling midfielder had been at the club for 12 years, clocking up over 400 appearances. It remains to be seen whether North End can sustain a challenge and if the defeat at Scunthorpe is the start of a slip, or merely a wobble.

Irvine will be without Callum Davidson, Barry Nicholson and Paul Parry again for today’s game. Left-back Davidson has been ruled out for several weeks with a torn hamstring and midfielder Nicholson remains another long-term absentee with a broken leg. Winger Parry also tore a hamstring in last weekend's 2-0 home win over Swansea and subsequently missed the 3-1 defeat at Scunthorpe in midweek.

Parry also set for a period on the sidelines but defender Youl Mawene came back into the side at Glanford Park after a similar injury. Mawene should again partner Liam Chilvers at the heart of the defence.

PNE from: Lonergan, Jones, Chilvers, Nolan, Mawene, Wallace, Brown , Shumulikoski, Chaplow, Sedgwick, Carter, Parkin, Mellor, Elliott, Henderson, Collins, Hart,

INS & OUTS

In: Paul Parry (Cardiff), Velice Shumulikoski, (Ipswich).

On Loan Neill Collins, (Wolves)

Out: Chris Neal (Shrewsbury), Paul McKenna, (Notts Forest), Simon Whaley, (Norwich), Karl Hawley, (Notts County).

Out On Loan Neal Trotman, (Southampton), Adam Barton, (Crawley), Sean St. Ledger, (Middlesboro).

Released Danny Mayor, Andy Murphy.

DANGERMEN

Neil Mellor and Jon Parkin have 3 league goals each from 4 (1) & 3 (1) league appearances respectively contributing half of the PNE league return to date. In addition 6 other players have chipped in a goal each from around the team.

Parkin was last season’s top scorer with 11 league goals from 30 (9) appearances and Mellor 2nd highest with 10 from 20 (11).

FORM

Sky Blues - 10th, The Championship: 11 points from 7 games.

Preston - 6th, The Championship: 12 points from 7 games.

North End has the 5th best attack in the league with 12 goals scored, 4 more than The Sky Blues.

The Lillywhites have the 6th best defence in The Championship with 5 goals conceded, 3 less than The Sky Blues.

Last 8 League Games:

VISIT THE RIVALS

THE REF

The man in the middle for this game was last seen being very unfavourable to us at Scunthorpe...

Mr D Deadman (Surrey)

Games across all leagues & competitions this season:

Games across all leagues & competitions in the last season:

Last City game Officiated in: Sheffield Utd vs Coventry 16/09/2008

Result: 1-1.

Cards:

Performance: 7/10.

PREVIOUS

The Sky Blues last faced Preston at Deepdale on Saturday 14th March 2009 with a predictable 2-1 defeat. It was another case of beware the slides of March! After a glorious February the Sky Blues found the next month a much tougher affair, with a an unfortunate Ben Turner own goal in the mix as well as a rather sarcastic PA announcer....

Undefeated in the years second term, City conceed two in every game since and lead at Deepdale only to throw it away, again. It became the Sky Blues third straight league loss, with the Chelsea Cup defeat in-between, and saw a City nil return as City faced a key game against Doncaster at home the following weekend - in a game that could have signaled City’s safety against a team that were marginally above us, or a late season dose of Delhi belly.

Chris Coleman: “Four games running in the games we’ve played we’ve not been dominated, but it’s individual errors that have cost us and you can’t plan or coach for that. We've got to cut that out because until that stops, well I don’t know, we won’t win games, if you keep doing that then you're going to lose games and that's what has happened today.”

“I think our bubble has burst when we lost to Sheffield United and since then we’ve have so many games we’ve not had a chance to prepare or rest from each other and we’ve seen the results from that in the last 4 games.”

“Ben Turner is not happy with that goal, Ben said thought he was pushed into the goal, a few decisions have gone against us, like at Bristol with our disallowed goal. But we’ve not played with confidence in this game, people say may be we can win this, maybe we can win that but when we make individual errors it costs us and knocks our confidence.”

“We’ve had a few close calls and maybe we could have scored more, but we’ve lost confidence, if we could have passed it more in the 2nd half like we did in the first who knows, in the second half you couldn’t see the two teams apart but Preston are 4th or 5th so there you go that’s the difference. We thought it was a penalty from where we were on Clinton, the ref looked nervous to give the decisions on a few occasions but there you go, what can you do?”

'In the first half we played some good stuff but in the second half Preston came on strong. It’s a very important game against Doncaster next week in a half empty Ricoh, it won’t be full like it was against Birmingham, Wolves and Chelsea, but we have to stop losing games, simple as that.”

“Gunnarsson is empty at the moment, no energy, he’s coughing a lot and not well, and we didn’t gamble him today apart from the last ten minutes. We want to finish strong, very important we finish mid table bearing in mind where we finished last season, but we’ve played a lot of games recently and it’s taken it’s toll. We need to have a good summer and then come back to challenge next season.”

“Alan has proved to be a good manager and maybe he will be embarrassed with that today, but that’s the way it goes, good luck to him and this club and they have a professional set up and look like they will finish well.”

Alan Irvine: 'The lads kept going and it was a good finish from Jon Parkin. There was a lot of composure, he timed his run well and when he got through he sat the goalkeeper down and went round him. It was a terrific goal and we showed great character to come back and we've done that a lot of times this season.'

The team that day was:

Sky Blues: Westwood, Wright, Turner, Dann, Hall, Henderson, Beuzelin, Doyle (Gunnarsson 82), Bell, Eastwood (Simpson 79), Morrison.

Subs Not Used: Marshall, Ward, Osbourne.

Booked: Henderson, Beuzelin.

Goals: Morrison (17).

HISTORY

Many will remember vividly City's first visit to Deepdale after relegation, but for all the wrong reasons.

Those Sky Blues supporters who attended the match, on a sunny day in April 2002, not only saw city thrashed 4-0, but also one 'fan' invade the pitch, thump Magnus Hedman in the City goal and attempt to land one on then-player-manager Roland Nilsson. Roland was sacked soon after - but it did not halt our decline, only accelerated it.

Another four goals were shipped on City's following visit as Deepdale continued to be a bit of a graveyard - at least in the league - which continued the following season with a 3-2 defeat, with Jorgenson & McSheffrey getting the goals. Thankfully Cresswell, who always seemed to score against us, is no longer at PNE.

Then there was a New Years Eve match to ‘enjoy’ we proved to be another reverse for the Sky Blues with David Nugent running the show. North End were 3-0 up at half time and apart from the hospitality at the pub pre game a totally wasted day out!

City fared better in 2006/7 when an 80th minute Adebola equaliser snuffed out another Nugent opener as we sat in the stands with Claus Jorgensen and Andy Morrell. But over all trips to Preston have not been happy with only wins in the League Cup in 2000/1 (3-1) and FA Cup in 1909/10 2-1 (Our first ever meeting) to be happy about.

The following seasons trip to PNE was, again, not a happy one for City on the 9th February 2008 as the Sky Blues wretched form at Deepdale continued. Having never won there in the league, City fell behind to a sucker punch, despite dominating the game in quality possession, however the only stat that mattered was the one goal the Sky Blues conceded to lose the game. Having only gained 11 points from the last 45 and starting to lose against teams below us, our luck in front of goal, if not our prowess, needed to change, and fast

Ian Dowie: 'Sometimes football can be cruel. I think we did more than enough to get something out of the game. It was a game we should never have lost. We had some decent opportunities and I think we were poor in both boxes today That's two away games in a row where we should be sitting here with two clean sheets - we've got to start turning them into results. We gave away a real poor goal from a set-piece, otherwise Dimi (Konstantopoulos) had one save to make, and creatively, we didn't do enough in the last third. We've come here and dominated possession, but we've said that too often. We've got to grind it out and then the worst you can get is 0-0.'

Alan Irvine: was a lot more grateful: 'It's a massive result, there's no doubt about that. But there's a long way to go yet. There is an awful lot of hard work that is still to be done - we can't stop the league now unfortunately. We probably still need another seven wins to be able to relax because I can see it going right the way through until the end of the season.'

The team that day was:

Sky Blues: Konstantopoulos, Osbourne, Ward, De Zeeuw, Hall (Dann 81), Tabb, Stephen Hughes (Michael Hughes 46), Doyle, Gray, Best, Simpson (Mifsud 55).

Subs Not Used: Davis, Marshall.

Booked: De Zeeuw.

Goals: None.
The last eight meetings in this fixture have finished thus:

Full league Away record against Preston is as follows:

Overall record against PNE Home & Away in all competitions is as follows:

HOW TO GET THERE

Preston North End Football Club play at Deepdale, Sir Tom Finney Way, Deepdale, Preston, Lancashire PR1 6RU. Tel: 0870 442 1964 (To get there print off the map on the link below!).

Leave M6 at Junction 31 and follow signs Left for Preston. Go up a steep hill (often a police speed trap on the hill, so stick to 30) and follow the road down to a mini roundabout (speed camera by the BP garage on the left). At the roundabout with the Hesketh Arms turn right into Blackpool Road. Go straight on over three sets of lights and just before a fourth set, the ground appears set slightly back on the left. Parking is mainly in the streets surrounding the ground.

Player Ratings and Why can

By Knowl

Three games on the bounce we have gone one nil up, three games on the bounce we have been the better side when we have taken the lead and all we have to show for it is 4 points, its a on going problem from last season and it has to change.

Saturday 19 September – 3.00 pm Deepdale.

Another game of two halves, yada yada yada. We took the lead when we were on top and then slowly but surely released our grip on the game and then got caught on the counter twice.

Three Parish Notices.

Firstly, the first half, we played the ball around well and our three central midfielders where on top, Best was released twice and we should have been 2 up and apart from some quality keeping we would have been.

Secondly, the second half. What happens to us at half time? Why are we forever taking the lead and then surrendering it? Why do we hardly ever score the second goal in a game after we have scored the first? Yesterday we had too many bad performances, in the first half the midfield played so well it didn't matter but in the second we stopped doing the things which were making us so effective and our frailaties killed us.

Lastly, last season Marcus Hall had a game which will haunt all those who saw it for many a year, Derby away was so bad it is now has lengendary status, it is seen as a benchmark of horrificness, well Stephen Wrights performance yesterday may well just have equalled that low watermark. We have a youngish side with a couple of senior pros scattered around who need to be the leaders on the pitch. Yesterday Clinton and Wright put in displays that can only be described as pathetic and Coleman needs to show a ruthless side to two of his elder statesmen.

HOW THEY LINED UP

Coventry: Westwood, Craine, (Eastwood 84) Wright (c), (Ward 70), Hall, Turner, Cork, (Cain 77), Osbourne, Clingan, Best, Morrison, McIndoe

Subs Not Used: Konstantopoulos, Gunnarson, Grandison, Clarke

Booked: Morrison

Sent Off:

Goals: Clingan (19), Morrison(94)

Player Ratings

Westie – 6 Not as dominant as he was on Tuesday and seemed to be caught under a lot of crosses. Had no chance with the first two but should have caught the third.

Craine – 7 Is a solid defender where ever you put him but when we are playing 433 we need our full backs to be comfy on the ball higher up the pitch. He can not be faulted for his general play but we need to play a right back at right back and Craine has done nothing wrong to suddenly find himself away from centre back where in my opinion he and Turner were forming a nice understanding.

Hall – 7 Gave his best and while two goals came down his side he can not be blamed for either.

Turner – 7 It must be hard when you can see your partner at the back have a complete shocker. He needs to start looking into midfield when he has the ball and he was doing that in the first half but in the second he was looking further afield. Another solid defensive display and he is maturing into a key player.

Wright – 4 An awful choice as captain as the guy is devoid of a voice or presence. He was having some lame games at right back and moved to the centre against Sheff Utd where his positioning was poor but at least we won. Yesterday he was too blame for the first two goals and was always a weak link, he was so bad even Coleman took him off. The second goal came from a cleared corner, Wright was up against Neil Mellor in their half, Mellor was by the left touchline and he didn't have the ball under control, now in that situation you take the man out, or you win the ball, if you take the man out, or a top four foul as we call it, you don't get booked but you prevent the counter, Wright did nothing, he limply tried to take the ball off him to no effect and then we were picking the ball out of the net. Neil Mellor pissed all over him for the entire time they were both on the pitch and I'm sorry but if the fat Steven Gerrard is making you look shit then you have problems.

Cork – 7 Top quality in the first half, his probing and movement was causing problems and he kept finding space or creating space in the inside left position. His workrate and composure on the ball indicate that he is from bigger things but his frustration got in the way in the second half as his team mates could not maintain the upper hand. Whatever happens he has to be kept in the middle of the pitch as he will be wasted wide right.

Ozzie – 7 Played well in the jack russell role, basically his job is to chase, harry and win or block as much ball as possible, his distribution still needs to improve and when it does then he will be a feature in the side.

Clingan – 6 Needs to step it up when we have lost the upper hand. I like Clingan and when we are on top like we were in the first half yesterday he was supurb, his passing wasn't as accurate as it has been but his controlled play was the key to the way we were playing. However, when we are under the cosh he needs to move away from his comfort zone and push the whole midfield higher up the pitch and he doesn't need to be in the anchor man role he needs to puch into the middle and push either Cork or Ozzie onto the centre back and we need to pressure the weakest players in the oppositions teams the centre halves.

Clinton – 5 The only man in the entire world who benefitted from the four minutes of injury time the rest of us had to suffer. It is in his make up that he wants to win so bad it hurts and that means he can work too hard and sacrifice his position, add into that his momumental sulks and really hurt the team. He may well have played well on the wide right for Palace but he looked short of focus and intellegence their at Deepdale. He doesn't offer an outlet and when he does his one trick of holding the player up and turning them is great if its near the box but on the half way line he lacks the pace to get away so he needs to learn to give and go. He had a great shot that hit the bar but even when he went upfront he lacked anything worthy of praise.

McIndoe – 7 In the first half, McIndoe and Cork were causing alsorts of problems down the left and even in the second half he was a secure let out. Is beginning to get more and more effective in the games but he has to improve his set pieces because a poor one to the first man resulted in the counter from which they scored.

Best – 7 The third performance we were looking for in a row but while he can be a menace in the lone striker role he needs help to build upon his dominance of the long ball. Colemans tactics in his playing of 433 needs to be looked at and if we are to continue with it, which I doubt we will we need to get someone closer to Best to really hurt teams. Should have scored twice but due to Lonergans top quality goal keepings he didn't have the time. Now the more observant of you will notice I haven't assigned a MOTM, well thats because the man who had the biggest impact on our result was Lonergan whos keeping was akin to Westwoods against Sheff Utd.

Subs

Ward – The game was lost by then.

Cain – Too late.

Eastwood – What was the point? Came on to play as the striker behind the strikers in a 343 waste of time.

Coleman

Coleman – 5

When you play 433 you have to look at the way the middle three of organised, now Liverpool play it with the point of the triangle is behind the striker so you are basically playing a withdrawn striker. Chelsea played it with one being defensive, one box to box and Lampard playing further forward where he can hurt the opposition from deep. Barca play the triangle with the point at the base but they have two wingers who play as strikers and force the oppoisition to leave 4 defenders back. We played a 433 with the point at the bottom but the two midfielders infront of that also slightly withdrawn, so the gap to Best was just as big as if he had been playing 442 but with two defensive midfielders. Coleman has to throw a little caution to the wind because most of the time when PNE had the ball the back Clingan was marking no-one and Best was having to close down two. We need to release one of the midfielders, Cork, to push further forward and pressure the defenders and to link with Best.

Coleman must have the best average of games to leads taken and the worst record of leads taken to victories. Things have to change in this aspcet because it is the hope which is beginning to kill me.

Oh and Coleman, subs can change games but not when the tide has already turned som much against us we have lost.

In short. Took the lead, threw it away, lost a game we could have got a decent result out of and Wright has to go.

Play up Sky Blues

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Sky Blues PaperTalk: Coventry lose to yoga masters!

By Mel Dixon.

The Sky Blues follow up a 3-2 victory over Sheffield United with a 3-2 reversal at Preston North End. This may be the most baffling Coventry team that I can remember. Are they playing to the level of their ability? Or are they underperforming? We may never know, unless they take up yoga...

Here’s how the papers covered the game...

The Daily Mirror’s headline yelled: “PRESTON PUT FAITH IN POWER OF YOGA.” Apparently Preston’s strikers Neil Mellor and Chris Brown have “turned to yoga in a bid to fire North End to promotion.” And according to the Mirror, this may have been an important factor in enabling them to “stretch” the Coventry defence.

I think that’s stretching the point a bit too far, but the game certainly was “turned on its head” when the strike duo hit three goals in a “devastating 18-minute spell at the beginning of the second half.” Brown then starts detailing the benefits of yoga for both himself and “Mells.” It’s reportedly made them more flexible.

Away from yoga, Clingan’s free kick is “stunning”, and Preston manager Alan Irvine talks about the importance of squad rotation (and not yoga). Coleman accuses his players of getting complacent after a couple of decent results: “That’s why we are not in the top six, or the top 10, or the Premier League.”

Moving on to The Sun, whose report begins: “Chris Brown has revealed the secret behind his recovery from a persistent injury which wrecked his campaign last season - yoga. Cue more yoga chat which goes on for a few paragraphs before the game is talked about. Clingan’s goal is described as more “glorious” than stunning, and Coleman is as damning as ever: “The difference between us and the teams at the top is mental toughness.”

The Times offers a surprisingly long and detailed account of the game and not a mention of yoga. The report begins: “Chris Brown grabbed a second-half double to help Preston return to winning ways against Coca-Cola Championship rivals Coventry.” The visitors “began the brighter” and Clingan curled “a delightful right-footed shot into the top corner.” Andy Lonerghan was “impressive” in the Preston goal.

It is the first time this season that a match report has been exactly that: a report of the match. The game isn’t simply relegated to being the backdrop of a “story”. There’s no talk of yogic inspiration; no talk of a goal-scorer’s dancing moves – just cold hard football reporting. Very odd. It gives you a good impression of the game and everything.

Next up for the Sky Blues is a home game on Saturday against Middlesbrough. Whatever the score, I’m sure the papers will have plenty to say... About Middlesborough. If we win, it will be all about the boro’ manager; if we lose, it will be all about Gareth Southgate.

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Vokes set for Sky Blues loan?

By Ian Palmer
Coventry City are poised to sign Wolves striker Sam Vokes on an ‘emergency’ three-month loan, according to the Coventry Telegraph.

Chris Coleman, speaking yesterday to the Telegraph, explained that City were close to a deal.

“We are in for a striker who should have been in on Monday but one or two things have occurred and we are hoping he will be in tomorrow.

“The kid we are talking about, there have been a lot of clubs in for him but he wants to come here, so that’s another feather in our cap.

“And fingers crossed he will be joining us.”

Those other clubs reportedly keen on Vokes include Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Watford, and Swansea. But it seems that City have won the race for the 19-year-old’s signature.

Vokes made four starts and 32 substitute appearances last season, scoring six goals. He also has 12 full international caps with Wales, scoring twice.

GMK Online understands that Vokes will train with his new teammates today and is set to be named in the squad for City’s Saturday clash with Middlesbrough at the Ricoh Arena.

09/10 GMK PL Week 6, Game 8.

By Smiles

How not to hold a lead. After doing the hard bit, very well, and keeping it going for a third of a game, the impossible – a win at Deepdale – slips through the Sky Blues grasp and the inevitable defeat follows. As sure as night follows day we come away from the North West pointless, predictable? How did you do?

Links:

(Saturday v Middlesboro 26/09/09 (H))

(Saturday v PNE 19/09/09 (A))

To follow: (The Rules)

Here’s this weeks fixtures for you to predict.

Game 9: (kick off deadline to post by: 3:00 pm)
Predict the outcome of:

Coventry v Middlesboro: :
First Goal Coventry Scorer: :
Crowd: :

Championship Games:

Predict the outcome of the following games:

Home (H), Away (A) or Draw (D), (NO SCORES, you HAVE TO POST H / D or A):

Saturday 26th Sept 3:00pm unless stated:

Blackpool vs Peterborough:
Coventry vs Middlesbro :
Derby vs Bristol C :
Ipswich vs Newcastle 17:30 :
Leicester vs Preston :
QPR vs Barnsley :
Reading vs Watford :
Scunthorpe vs Doncaster - 12:00 :
Sheff Wed vs Cardiff :
Swansea vs Sheff Utd :
West Brom vs C Palace :

Sunday 27th September:

Plymouth vs Nottm Forest - 13:15: :

If, for any reason, you cannot post on the messageboard due to issues with your password or the site not working: email me your predictions to gmkadmin@hotmail.co.uk, but please use this sparingly & put 'Prediction League' in the title and your user name. Please email me the predictions in the body of the email & not as an attachment!

Cheers Smiles.

Coventry City Results Prediction League

Points were few and far between this week with the top 6 unaltered & virtually the same top 10.

Still at the top of the league is last weeks leader SteveC189 (+/-0) still with 27 points still in 2nd but now equal is Tisza (+2) on 27 points. In 3rd is SB Gus (+2) on 25 points

Joining him is LordSummerisle (+3) in 4th, and in equal 5th are MrTickle (+2) whose emailed Bristol predictions I missed in mid week, no re-instated and back in & Sky_Blue_Up_North (+4) both on 24 points.

Our first mover up to 7th is SkyBlueBertie (+4) up from 9th to 7th with Bagsy (+/-0), down from 7th to 8th equal with DimiTheGreat (+2) up one place to 9th from 10th & Edgy (+2) upto 10th from 11th.

As a result Perdomo (+/-0) drops down from 8th to 11th still on 19 points and is joined by Lagger (+2) on the same number of points.

The weeks biggest riser is Torchie (+4) into the top 20 from 25th to 13th now on 18 points, also moving into the top 20 this is week are Danny (+2) upto 18th from 21st & MZ87 (+2) 20th from 23rd.

Everyone else follows….

The gap from 1st to 10th is now 7 points (-2) & 1st to 20th 11 (-1). Our top scorers this week were everyone with 4 points.

Still no prefect 10’s.

Here’s the updated league:

The top 25 is on the front page.

If the board is down for any reason or you cannot post email me your predictions!

For a reminder on how to score points again check the rules on the home page on the blue bar, when I’ve worked out how to do it!

Championship Results Prediction League

In the Championship games predictor there were 15 (+/-0) points to go for again, and, again, and again and again & no double digit return this week in the lowest turn out, average and overall points scored we’ve had this season..

BerksSkyBlue(+6) is still top on 66 points as SkyBlueNemo (+7) nudges even closer in 2nd on 63 points.

KeanoNo1 (+6), stays 3rd with 62 points and in equal 4th on 55 points are still SBGus, (+4) & RickyCCFC (+4).

In equal 6th we now have 3 (different) players all on 54 points CCSBA, (+5) up 2 places CovAtron (+6) up to 7th from 11th and SkyBlue87 (+5) 8th from 9th. I’m next (+6) upto 9th from 15th as Bagsy (+2) drops from 6th to 10th equal with my lad OwenSkyBlue (+7) up from 20th to 11th and Turk1965 (+4) to make up our top 10.

New entries in the top 20 this week are SkyBlueBertie (+7) up from 22nd to 13th and Neil10 (+4) up from 21st to 20th.

Dropping out from 18th to 22nd is SteveC189 (+/-0) & Oblong (+/-0).

So with 40 playing (-7) 1st to 10th is now a gap of 14 points (+3) & 1st to 20th 17 points (+2)

The average points decreased, again, from 5.51 to 4.57 (-0.93) and overall total 183 from 259 (-76).

There were 15 points to go for (+/-0) and the top scorers was BigBen with (+10).

Here's the table after week 6 game 8:

Any issues then please e-mail me at the usual address!

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Fans Forum - the aftermath

By Ian Palmer

Sky Blues fans had another chance to hurl questions at Chris Coleman and Ray Ranson in the latest Fans' Forum that took place earlier this evening.

The questions came thick and fast from fans present and at home, and clearly not all were happy with the life as it is at Coventry City. Playing most questions with perfectly straight bat, Ray Ranson was laconically steadfast in his responses, with Chris Coleman displaying a touch more candour at times.

The event was broadcast live on BBC Coventry and Warwickshire, and will be available to listen to on iPlayer, or at the official Coventry City website.

Here are the highlights of the evening’s discussions. Chris Coleman’s and Ray Ranson’s responses are paraphrased.

Sam Vokes

Chris Coleman was asked about the latest news on potential loan signing, Sam Vokes from Wolves.

Coleman: The deal had been delayed, but that isn’t the fault of either club, and I expect the deal to go through next week.

Player Motivation

One fan questioned the players’ motivation at times this season.

Coleman: Motivation has to come from the individual. Players shouldn’t rely on a manager for motivation – it’s something we have to be better at.

Sisu

A number of questions, as you’d expect, were asked about Sisu’s involvement.

Ranson: We’re losing several million pounds a year, but Sisu continue to be supportive. They have invested £23m in total, a million more than they initially agreed to, and there is no bank overdraft to worry about. The money from the sales of Scott Dann and Danny Fox has been reinvested in the club to cover losses going forward, and also reinvested in the team. We have a better balanced squad now.

Coleman: The recession has changed the club’s spending plans. We couldn’t spend as much as we wanted to. It’s affected other clubs as well – a number of clubs in our division haven’t made any new signings this season. The club is in the best financial position it’s been in for a long time, but we must be careful with what we spend.

Current Squad

Chris Coleman was asked whether the current squad is good enough to get us into the Premiership.

Coleman: If I’m honest, no. We’re not quite there yet and we need to strengthen, but we have a better balanced squad now than when I first took over.

Player Contracts

One fan asked about status of Leon Best’s contract.

Ranson: Leon Best’s contract runs out at the end of the season, but he has been offered another one. Aron Gunnarsson and Keiren Westwood have also been offered improved deals. Gunnarsson has been offered a contract which would double his wages.

Matchday Ticket Prices

There was criticism of the fact that tickets are more expensive to buy on the day of a match.

Ranson: I’ve taken your comments on board, and it is something that will be discussed.

Aron Gunnarsson

A fan asked what was up with Aron Gunnarsson this season.

Coleman: Aron is still the same player he was last season, but his performances this season have been nowhere near what he’s capable of. He’s had a bit of a tough time off the pitch. He’s very young, he’s moved from a different country, and has moved his family here. He and his agent are in contract negotiations with the club, although they have one idea about the contract and we have another at the moment. I’m protecting him by taking him out of the team for the moment, but he will come strong again.

Undisclosed Fees

Ray Ranson was asked why the majority of transfer fees this day are undisclosed.

Ranson: I prefer it that way. It adds an air of mystique to the deal, which helps us in negotiations.

Ranson revealed that Coventry is entitled to a percentage of the transfer fee that Manchester City received from Chelsea after a tribunal (thought to be £6m, although Ranson did not confirm this).

Ownership of Ricoh Arena

As expected, Ray Ranson was asked about plans to buy a 50% stake in the Ricoh Arena.

Ranson: There is a set formula that was agreed from the outset, for us to buy a 50% stake in the Ricoh Arena from the Higgs Trust. This agreement is set in stone until 2015. It’s calculated on a number of factors, including a percentage of the value of the stadium. Buying this stake is just not a priority at this point in time. Owning 50% won’t suddenly mean an injection of cash – it won’t change the landscape that dramatically.

Negativity

Natalie Cox, from the Sky Blue Trust. She asked how positivity could be improved amongst fans because the fans have been accused of being fickle.

Coleman: Every club has fickle fans. Sometimes, if I doing an interview with Andy (of the Coventry Telegraph) or someone, I’ll try to stir things up to make sure that we get a result. It’s unfair to say there’s a lot of negativity around – we could be in the top six tomorrow.

If you didn’t catch it the first time the full exchange between Natalie, Ray, and Chris is well worth listening to!

Charlie Adam

One fan asked whether our scouts had watched Charlie Adam before he signed for Blackpool earlier this season (for a rumoured fee of £500,000).

Coleman: Yes, he was on our radar.

Coleman’s Contract

Chris Coleman (who has two years to run on his contract) was asked whether he would sign a new contract if it were to end tomorrow.

Coleman: Yes. (Applause.)

Protecting Players

One fan suggested Coleman was a bit too over protective of his players. He said that after the Blackpool game, he would have “took a stick to the ‘em [the players].” He also said it would be good to have a player participate in the Fans’ Forums.

Coleman: I protect my players in the press, but what I say to them in the dressing room stays there. I would be happy to bring a player here if it was 48 hours before a match, but it’s the night before so that’s too close. I’m here, but I have half a mind on what’s going to happen at 3 o’clock tomorrow.

The Fans

A fan asked what Ray and Chris would like the fans to do.

Coleman: Stick with us. It doesn’t half make a difference.

Ranson: It’s your football club; we’re just custodians. The more people we get in [to the stadium] the better the club will be. If we had 25,000 each week we wouldn’t have had to sell Scott Dann and Danny Fox. It’s your football club. It’s in your hands.

The GMK Match Preview: Sky Blues v Middlesboro’.

By Smiles

‘Beware of the Middlesboro backlash’ warned Chris Coleman in midweek, don’t get me wrong Chris, but shouldn’t we be talking up the Sky Blues backlash after last week’s capitulation? The Sky Blues entertain Gareth Southgate’s Middlesboro team not seen in Coventry in the League since the first game of THAT season at the start of the decade. As City start the game that marks the passing point of a 5th of the season, hopes will be high that City can put the result at Preston well behind them.

THE SKY BLUES Vs THE SMOGGIES

Hopefully Chris Coleman’s charges will be desperate to get back to winning ways after last weekend`s 3-2 defeat at Preston and, in the process, get one over on close friend and former Crystal Palace team-mate Gareth Southgate.

Talking up the Boro threat seems strange to me, perhaps it’s just my lack of understanding of pre game psychology, you know bigging up the opposition, putting the pressure on them as ‘favourites’ and all that, but it just sounds like a ready made excuse for potential failure.

I await to be pleasantly surprised that his ‘message’ had the desired motivating effect on the team and that everything turns out fine. I hope he’s right & I’m wrong, which I’ll be more than happy to admit…

GAME ON THIS WEEKENDS FIXTURES

TEAM NEWS

Chris Coleman will be without Isaac Osbourne for the clash against Middlesbrough, which is likely to mean that Aron Gunnarsson will be back as a midfield starter.

The young Sky Blues midfielder apparently sustained a knee injury and did not train on Thursday, and with one eye on ‘burnout’ in such a small squad the Sky Blues manager is likely to rest Osbourne for the visit of Boro.

With Gunnarsson struggling to hit the heights of last season this time out, the Icelandic youngster is likely to make his first start since the 3-0 defeat at Blackpool.

On loan Chelsea left-back Patrick van Aanholt has resumed training following his groin injury after treatment back at Stamford Bridge but it is doubtful whether he will be fit enough to be considered for this match. Fellow defender Elliott Ward has made a complete recovery from his knee problem and is battling for a starting place, although Ward is now coming to the conclusion that his future lies away from the Ricoh.

The Sky Blues highest paid player is quoted as saying that he believes he does not have a future at the club. The 24-year-old admitted he could leave as soon as the January transfer window opens, and that he doesn't see himself staying at the Rioch Arena past the summer.

Speaking in the Coventry Telegraph Ward commented: 'If I play a few, which I want to and need to, then January could be an option but if I am not playing then people soon forget you and it will be a case of leaving at the end of the season. That's what I expect anyway, to see out the rest of the year and then leave. But until then I want to be playing and my aim is to push back into the team. Things do change in football so who knows what will happen but I believe it is set in stone at the moment.'

One player who will definitely not feature is Sky Blue target Sam Volkes whose proposed loan to City from Wolves is struggling to be concluded down to what is presumed to be more agent meddling as the player and both clubs have reached an agreement with the player. Defender James McPake (shoulder), midfielder David Bell (ankle) are still out.

Sky Blues from: Westwood, Osbourne, Cranie, Wright, Turner, van Aanholt, Clarke, Hall, Clingan, Gunnarsson, McIndoe, Cork, Ward, Best, Eastwood, Morrison, Konstantopoulos, Ireland, Grandison, Cain, Walker, Jeffers.

THE OPPOSITION

After Boro’s relegation from the Premiership Steve Gibson has been lauded as one of football's most patient and loyal chairmen for continuing to back Gareth Southgate. Despite the set back of a drop in divisions the club has some fine young prospects such as David Wheater and Adam Johnson who will prosper in this division if Boro are able to keep hold of them in the longer term. The club reduced its wage bill and added some decent acquisitions to a strong squad that ahs already started to challenge well at the right end of the Championship table despite some commentators reservations in Southgate’s managerial pedigree.

Whilst Boro had abundant quality in their squad, players with World Cup aspirations like Tuncay, Downing and Alves were not really happy to play in the second tier of English football, so Southgate had a job on his hands maintaining dressing room harmony and keeping his big-name players motivated. They, or perhaps it was Gibson, quickly made their minds up and off as the North Easterners got on with the job of attempting to bounce back at the first attempt.

Chairman Steve Gibson has revealed that relegation cost the club £25million in lost income. Despite the parachute payments that will ease that somewhat, Gibson has come under fire from sections of the club's support after selling Stewart Downing, Robert Huth, Tuncay Sanli and Afonso Alves over the summer, but he insists the Teessiders had little choice: 'During the summer we had a huge drop in income. Our income last year was about £55million and being relegated reduced that to £30million, so you have got a £25million deficit. You have got to do it. There is a temptation to try to hang on to your favourite players but at the end of it you have a sum of money that you have got to raise and as soon as that comes in, you have to take the offers.”

'We are in a position now to re-invest in the squad - and let's put it into context. We are a very well resourced Championship club. In terms of resource, we can compete with anything in this league. Maybe Newcastle are double what we are in terms of income, but other than Newcastle we can compete with anybody in this league.'

An opening day 0-0 at home to Sheffield United was follow by 3 wins in succession before a 2-1 set back at Notts Forest in the league cup, and a stutter by the same score at Bristol. However Southgate got his charges back on tracking with back to back 3-1 wins against Ipswich and at Sheffield Wednesday, before last weekends surprise home defeat by leaders West Brom.

Southgate is backing his side to hit the goal trail once again as they attempt to bounce back from their 5-0 home humiliation: 'We are focusing more on how we break teams down and our attacking play, and having more of a set pattern in terms of we know what we should be doing when we have got the ball as a team”

'Everybody knows their roles and responsibilities. Obviously, we have dropped a league and it means that you face different questions, and we have got some players who at this level can be as good as there is in the division in their individual position. But everybody knows their role, everybody knows how we are trying to play and when we keep our game simple, we look an effective team.'

Southgate will welcome back both Gary O'Neil and Jeremie Aliadiere from injury for the trip to the Sky Blues. O'Neil missed last weekends defeat by West Brom with a hamstring injury, while Frenchman Aliadiere limped off in the second half with a similar problem. However, both players are expected to be fit for the trip South.

Club captain Emanuel Pogatetz and midfielder Didier Digard both played 70 minutes for the reserves in midweek but are expected not travel as they attempt to build up match fitness. Andrew Taylor and Chris Riggott (both ankle) remain on the sidelines along with long-term absentee Matthew Bates (knee ligaments).

Middlesboro from: Coyne, St. Ledger, McMahon, Wheater, Grounds, Williams, Yeates, Adam Johnson, Arca, Digard, Aliadiere, Folan, Emnes, Lita, Hoyte, Hines, Bennett, Jones, O’Neill.

INS & OUTS

In: Mark Yeates, (Colchester), Danny Coyne, (Tranmere), Leroy Lita, (Reading).

On Loan Sean St. Ledger (Preston), Caleb Folan (Hull).

Out: Graeme Owens, (Kilmarnock), Ross Turnbull, (Chelsea), Stuart Downing, (Aston Villa), Robert Huth & Tuncay Sanli (Stoke).

Out On Loan Ahmed Mido, (El Zamalek), Nathan Porritt, (Darlington), John Johnson, (Northampton).

Released None.

DANGERMEN

Sunderland born Adam Johnson is leading scorer with 5 league goals from 8 league games. He is supported by former Arsenal trainee Jeremie Aliadiere, who has 3 from 3 (3).

Last seasons highest scorer, (with 7 from 30 (3)), Tuncay Sanli, scored 2 before hopping off to Stoke.

FORM

Sky Blues - 11th, The Championship: 11 points from 8 games.

Middlesboro - 3rd, The Championship: 16 points from 8 games.

Boro has the 3rd best attack in the league this season with 14 goals scored, 4 more than The Sky Blues

The Smoggies have the 8th best defence in The Championship with 9 goals conceded, 2 better The Sky Blues

Last 8 League Games:

VISIT THE RIVALS

THE REF

The man in the middle at today’s game has never reffed us previously

Mr G D Horwood (Bedfordshire)

Games across all leagues & competitions this season:

Games across all leagues & competitions last season:

Last City game Officiated in: None

Result: N/A.

Performance: N/A

PREVIOUS

The Sky Blues last faced Middlesboro in the FA Cup 4th round replay at the Riverside on 9th February 2006 after a 1-1 draw at the Ricoh recording a 1-0 defeat thanks Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's 20th minute first-half strike.

The Dutch forward rounded then City keeper Marton Fulop to slot home his ninth goal of the season after 20 minutes and to set up a trip to Preston in the next round and break Sky Blues hearts. Hasselbaink could have added to his tally shortly after but Fulop bravely blocked his left-foot volley. Although the Sky Blues grew in belief in the second half and went close through Marcus Hall and Stern John, Boro held firm. The home side were the dominant force in the first period but were unable to make more of their territorial superiority at the Riverside.

Sheffers posed the only real threat down Boro's left wing, and his cross set up John's first chance, forcing a fine save from Schwarzer eight minutes before the break. City turned the tables early in the second half with a smattering of half-chances before Hall went close with a left-foot shot and John drew a late diving save from Schwarzer. Yakubu, Spaniard Gaizka Mendieta and Stuart Parnaby all had speculative efforts for Boro, while Massimo Maccarone squandered a one-on-one with Fulop minutes before the end.

Micky Adams commented: “We felt it was a good opportunity for us to take advantage of their problems, that was in our favour to some degree. But you have to remember they still have quality players, particularly at the business end of the pitch. They will kick in and produce a little bit of magic so you have to concentrate for 90 minutes, we had one lapse really.'

Steve McClown responded: 'The result was all important - winning football matches puts smiles on people's faces. It was a gritty performance - not pretty, but gritty. Being hard to beat and keeping a clean sheet was the most important thing. Everybody from the front to the back gave a performance which showed they didn't want to get beat.'

Sky Blues: Fulop, Whing (Morrell 85), Page, Williams, Hall, Scowcroft, Hutchison, Doyle, McSheffrey, Adebola, John.

Subs not used: Ince, Jorgensen, Heath, Shaw.

HISTORY

Recent fixtures between the two clubs in Coventry have been split evenly, with the last meeting at the Ricoh in 2006 in the 4th round of the FA Cup finish level 1-1. In fact over the last 8 league games in the Premiership and old Division one honours are even too.

City last met ‘Boro in the first home game of the relegation season recording a 3-1 home defeat which only went to underscore a feeling that I had pre-season that this was the year we wouldn’t stay up. A Job opener on 2 minutes was equalised by John Eustace just before half time and two 2nd half goals by Boksic started that dour season in the worst possible fashion.

Prior to that in the millennium season City recorded a 2-1 hone win in April thanks to an Ince own goal, to much merriment and a Robbie Kean 2nd in the second half with a Ziege penalty 3 minutes later giving City another edgy closing period in which they held out for a win. This avenged the previous seasons defeat by the same score which put to an end a 3 game Premiership unbeaten run with the last game played in the old 1st Division in 88/89 being a 3-4 thriller defeat at Highfield Road where the game was poised at 0-0 at half time!

The last eight meetings in this fixture have finished thus:

Full league Home record against Middlesboro is as follows:

Overall record against Middlesboro Home & Away in all competitions is as follows:

The full detail of that can be seen here:

AMAZING FACTS

Middlesbrough FC were formed by Middlesbrough's Cricket Club at the Albert Park Hotel in 1876. Their first game was against Teesside Wanderers in 1877, and the result was 1-1.

The club first played their home games at the Old Archery Ground in 1877-79, followed by Breckon Hill until 1892, when they had a spell at Linthorpe Park until 1903. The club then moved to Ayresome Park, which was their home until moving into the brand new Riverside Stadium in 1994.

There were many problems involved with building the Riverside stadium, mainly caused by its location. One problem was that the surveyers thought that their might be Anthrax spores buried beneath the site. There were also safety issues concerning the gasses being produced in factories in the surrounding area.

As the crow flies, who were Middlesbrough's nearest league rivals are Hartlepool. Middlesbrough is about 20 miles South of Newcastle. It is 10 to 15 miles away from Darlington.

John Robson was the clubs first manager at the helm between 1899-1905, when Alex Massie took over for a year. Andy Aitken followed until 1909, followed by short spells by J Gunter (1908-10) and A Walker (1910-11), until Tom McIntosh became manager until 1919. John Robson went on to manage Manchester United at the start of World War I, until 1921.

The club experienced severe financial difficulties during the mid-1980s. Middlesbrough were dropping down the table, and finished nineteenth in the 1984–85 season. In April 1986 the club had to borrow £30,000 from the PFA to pay wages.

Brian Clough scored 204 goals for Boro coming in just 222 games; almost a goal a game! A true legend of the game, Clough made his Middlesbrough debut in 1955, before signing for Sunderland in 1961. Sadly, Clough died at the age of 69 in September, 2004.

Middlesbrough beat Brighton 9-0 in August 1958 to set the record for their highest win. Incidentally, they lost 9-0 to Blackburn Rovers which set the record for their heaviest defeat!

While Middlesbrough were relegated from the Premiership in the 1996-97 season, they also managed to reach both of England domestic cup finals in the same season. They reached the League Cup final, where Steve Claridge's extra-time goal gave Leicester City a 1-0 victory. A month later, they played in the FA Cup final, where Chelsea took the Cup with goals from Roberto Di Matteo in the 1st minute, and Eddie Newton in the 83rd.

Middlesbrough finally won their first major trophy in their 128-year history when they won the 2004 Carling Cup.

Local radio commentator Bernie Slaven promised a bet that if Middlesbrough were to beat Manchester United at Old Trafford in their up-coming league fixture he would bare his bottom in the window of a large Middlesbrough department store . There is a local saying that, 'I'll bare my backside in Binns' window' as an exclaimation that an event is unlikely to occur (Binns' is a local department store in the town centre). Unfortunately for Bernie, he said it 'on air' open mike on a radio show, and amazingly, Middlesbrough beat Manchester United 3-2. A few days later, his posterior was then displayed with the scoreline written on the cheeks!

The club's traditional kit is red with white detailing. A white band across the chest, initially introduced in the 1970s, has returned following a vote by the fans. Middlesbrough's original home kit upon election to the Football League in 1899 was a white home shirt with blue shorts and they did not adopt their colours of red and white until later that season.

There have been various crests throughout the club's history, the most recent of which was adopted in May 2007, incorporate a lion rampant. The Middlesbrough crest has gone through four changes since the formation of the club. Initially, the badge was simply the town of Middlesbrough's crest with a red lion instead of a blue lion in order to fit in with the club's colours. Following the adoption of the white band on the shirts in 1973, only the red lion remained with the letters 'M.F.C' underneath in red. This was further adapted following the reformation of the club in 1986 to a circular crest with the lion in the middle and the words 'Middlesbrough Football Club 1986' around the circle in order to reflect this new era. In 2007, Middlesbrough changed their crest once again, this time with the lion inside a shield and the words 'Middlesbrough Football Club 1876' underneath.[12] The club stated that this was to reflect the club's long history and not just their post-liquidation status.

Traditionally supporters come from Middlesbrough itself and towns in the immediate area. Middlesbrough have one of the highest proportions in Britain of locally-born season ticket holders at 80%, and one of the highest proportions of female fans at 20%. A survey at the start of the 2007–08 season found Middlesbrough supporters were the seventh loudest set of fans in the Premier League.

The nickname Smoggies was first used as a derogatory term by opposing supporters, it relates to the industrial air pollution (smog) that has been ever present since the Industrial Revolution. But was later used by Middlesbrough fans in a somewhat self-deprecating manner before finally being adopted as a badge of pride by supporters of the club. An example of this can be seen on the banners carried to away games stating 'Smoggies on Tour

Former CCFC manager Bob Dension also managed Boro between 1954 – 1963.

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GMK Match Report City 2-2 Boro'

By Ian Palmer.

The Sky Blues come back from two down with a fine second half revival against a battling and skilful ‘Boro side bristling with talent and guile. Chris Coleman’s second period reshuffle, forcing Cork into a more central role as City stop the rot and leave it late to get back on equal terms.

Saturday 26th September – 3:00pm – The Ricoh Arena

A stoppage time equaliser from Leon Best capped a terrific second half comeback for the Sky Blues, after a poor showing in the first.

Middlesbrough must have thought the points were in the bag with their 2-0 half time lead, thanks to goals from Sean St Ledger and Rhys Williams.

But City produced a dogged second half display to fight back with strikes from in-form strikers Clinton Morrison and Leon Best.

Boro, fresh from their 5-0 drubbing at West Brom, started brightly and could have taken the lead in the opening minute. Stephen Wright fluffed a clearance allowing Marvin Emnes in on goal. His shot was well saved by the legs of Kieren Westwood.

City responded with a cross from Morrison that was narrowly headed wide by Michael McIndoe, before Gary O’Neil shot over the other end.

Chris Coleman gave a first start to the season for Jordan Clarke at right back, with Martin Cranie dropping to the bench. But the defensive frailties, which have blighted City in the previous two games, were still there for all to see.

Kieren Westwood made another fine save at the feet of Jeremie Aliadiere after the young winger had burst into the penalty area.

Middlesbrough looked in control, and although Morrison sent a shot narrowly wide, there really was only one team in it at this stage. And it wasn’t long until Middlesbrough made their pressure count.

A Johnson corner four minutes before half time saw St Ledger out-jump two City defenders and plant his header past Westwood to give Boro the lead.

City looked overrun in midfield, and seemed incapable of stringing more than two passes together. A misplaced pass from Sammy Clingan let in Emnes who shot wide and really should have done better.

City nearly got back on level terms when McIndoe nicked the ball away from Brad Jones, but the impressive keeper recovered well to save Morrison’s shot.

Then Boro doubled their lead in first half stoppage time. Jordan Clarke cleared a Gary O’Neil’s cross against Wright and the ball fell nicely for Rhys Williams who placed it into the net.

It was no less than Boro deserved. Their dominance looked to have them headed for a very comfortable victory. But Chris Coleman had other ideas and switched things around at half time.

On came Patrick van Aanholt and Aron Gunnarsson to start the second half, taking the places of Isaac Osbourne and Marcus Hall.

City immediately looked sharper in the second half. Leon Best beat two defenders in the air to set up McIndoe who shot straight at Jones.

Westwood had to make another smart save to deny the dangerous Johnson, before Wright headed a Clingan free kick just over the bar. A mistake from Wright then gifted the ball to Aliadiere who shot wide.

Jordan Clarke who, like most City players was having a much-improved second half, crossed into the area for Leon Best. His flick-on found Morrison who swiveled and bundled the ball past Jones to get the Sky Blues back in the game with twelve minutes remaining.

Clarke nearly equalized himself, but he fluffed his shot after being teed up by Best. City had Boro camped in their own half and seemed hell bent on getting something from this game.

Deep into stoppage time they got it.

A Clingan free kick was only partially cleared to van Aanholt. The Dutchman’s cross found an unmarked Best at the far post who slotted the ball under Jones to save a deserved point for the battling Sky Blues.

POST MATCH & QUOTES

Chris Coleman:

'I've been in the other dug-out when that happens and it rips your heart out.

'We were booed off at half-time and to be honest I would have been booing because we stood off them.

'We were two goals down and to be honest it could have been more.'

Gareth Southgate:

'The feeling in the dressing room is similar to last week.

'In fact, it might be worse as we had three points in our grasp and we threw them away.

'Ordinarily, coming here and getting a point would be a good result but not when you have a two-goal lead.'

HOW THEY LINED UP

Sky Blues: Westwood, Clarke, Wright, Turner (Ward 77), Hall (van Aanholt 45), Cork, Osbourne (Gunnarsson 46), Clingan, McIndoe, Best Morrison

Subs Not Used: Konstantopoulos, Eastwood, Cranie, Cain

Booked: Ward, Wright

Goals: Morrison 78, Best 90 (+5)

Middlesbrough: Jones, Hoyte, Wheater, St Ledger, Bennett (Grounds 64), O’Neil, Williams, Arca, Johnson (Yeates 74), Aliadiere, Emnes (Lita 53)

Subs Not Used: Coyne, Folan, Hines, McMahon

Booked: Bennett, Johnson, Lita

Goals: St Ledger 41, Williams 45

Att: 16,717

Ref: G Horwood (7/10)

Man of The Match: Gary O’Neil – a constant threat for Boro, and really looks a class above in this league.

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Match Preview: Watford v Sky Blues.

By Smiles.

City travel to another away day graveyard in the form of Watford’s Vicarage Road to face a resurgent Watford who surprising stand 7th in the Championship after a fine start that sees them unbeaten at home this season. A blend of free scoring youth has seen Malky Mackays side edge quietly towards early play off contention escaping the radar of many.

THE HORNETS Vs THE SKY BLUES

This hop down the M1 has not been a happy one for City over the years. With City’s dire form in Hertfordshire Chris Coleamn will need to get the balance right to come away with only City’s 2nd 3 points since the turn of the 1900’s.

GAME ON THIS WEEKS FIXTURES

TEAM NEWS

Chris Coleman will be without defensive duo Ben Turner and Marcus Hall for the trip to Vicarage Road. Centre-back Turner was forced out of Saturday's dramatic 2-2 draw against Middlesbrough with knee and ankle knocks while full-back Hall also picked up a knee problem.

Elliott Ward and Patrick van Aanholt look the likeliest two players to replace them although it remains to be seen whether manager Chris Coleman will go with the pair again, but the options are limited with such a small squad.

Isaac Osbourne overcame a knee injury in time to face Boro and he will again be hoping to keep his place in midfield, despite coming off for Aron Gunnarsson at half-time. Defender James McPake (shoulder) and midfielder David Bell (ankle) remain long-term absentees.

Sky Blues from: Westwood, Clarke, Wright, Ward, van Aanholt, Cork, Osbourne, Gunnarsson, Clingan, McIndoe, Best, Morrison Konstantopoulos, Eastwood, Cranie, Cain, Grandison, Walker, Jeffers, Ireland.

THE OPPOSITION

A mid table finish last season was better than many Hornets fans could have hoped for in a topsy turvy season of departures and false dawns.

At the start of the season The Hornets had an experienced squad who were well accustomed to this division. Mackay himself played with the majority of the players and will be looking to prove himself as a rookie coach. However a number of high profile departures depleted that squad and MacKay now finds himself devoid of that experience, (all of whom are now struggling with their new clubs) and the club has taken on a fresher look as the board try and balance the books.

It seems a distant memory that Watford were in the Premiership only three years ago. It will take some doing for them to get anywhere near that with the majority of their time in the Championship spent languishing in the bottom half. Aidy Boothroyd achieved great success with the club and even though he did not start so well at the beginning of last season it was arguably a mistake to let him go.

His replacement, Brendan Rodgers saw fit to jump ship in the close season and the Hornets have started well this term to surprise many who believed that Mackay’s team would struggle this term, even more so with the departure of their top scorers after the seasons start.

However, Mackay is confident the future is bright at Vicarage Road with the emergence of a host of talented youngsters complemented further with some canny loan signings from premiership Academies.

Mackay has had to sell the likes of Tommy Smith, Jobi McAnuff, Tamas Priskin and Mike Williamson this season and replace them from within the clubs youth ranks. Youngsters such as Ross Jenkins, Dale Bennett, Lee Hodson and Marvin Sordell have stepped up to the plate and helped secure back-to-back wins against Barnsley and Plymouth: 'We had 10 Academy products in the squad at Plymouth,' said Mackay. 'I see the maturity of two or three of our players and I think it's outstanding. They keep learning and I think they are going to play an awful lot of football in their careers.'

The only addition to last years team was the signing of Carlisle youngster Danny Graham who has already set the division alight with six goals from nine league games. Adding some experience to a young squad has seen Watford completing the signing of former Hornets favourite Heidar Helguson on loan from QPR. The 32-year-old Iceland international has put pen to paper on a deal until December at Vicarage Road.

Helguson initially joined Watford in January 2000 and scored 64 goals in 148 starts before moving on to Fulham for £1.3 million in 2005. He joined Rangers from Bolton, initially on loan, in November 2008 and scored six goals in all competitions.

Mackay is hopeful that the clubs transfer policy will continue to bear both fruit and points and hopes that loan stars Henri Lansbury and Tom Cleverley will both opt to extend their stays at Vicarage Road.

Arsenal teenager Lansbury and Manchester United academy sensation Cleverley have already made a big impression with the Hornets and Mackay feels both may be happy to stay on after their initial loan spells end in January: I think both are feeling that they would like to be here longer term, in terms of being here for the rest of the season. Both are thoroughly enjoying being here and being at training every day and being part of the group and the atmosphere, they already feel a part of it.'

After a credible draw at Reading at the weekend, managed by Hornets ex boss Brendan Rogers, Mackay confessed his admiration for his battling patched up side that finished with 10 men: 'I'm proud of the way we played to come back from the first 10 minutes, compose ourselves and go on to get the point. I am also delighted with the way we managed the game when we were down to 10 men near the end. I thought both of the yellow cards for Nathan were justified.'

Mackay will be without strikers Nathan Ellington and Heidar Helguson this evening as Ellington is suspended after being sent off towards the end of Saturday's 1-1 draw at Reading and Helguson is still sidelined with the calf injury he suffered against Leicester the previous weekend.

The Icelander will undergo another scan to determine the extent of his calf injury this week. MacKay commented: 'We are going to have another scan, we didn't like the reaction we saw on Saturday morning and that being the case there will be another scan done on him, so I doubt there will be any chance of Heidar playing this week.'

In form Danny Graham, who hit his sixth goal of the season at the Madejski Stadium, will continue upfront as the sole lone striker. Captain Jay DeMerit will be checked over having missed the last four matches with a groin injury followed by an eye infection.

Adrian Mariappa will continue at centre-half with 17-year-old Lee Hodson staying at right-back if DeMerit is ruled out again. Midfielder Scott Severin remains a doubtl with a groin injury.

Watford from: Loach, Doyley, Mariappa, Cathcart, Hodson, Eustace, Lansbury Ellington, Cleverley, Harley, Cowie, Jenkins, Graham, Lee, Hoskins, Henderson, Bennett, Bryan.

INS & OUTS

In: Danny Graham, (Carlisle) Scott Severin, (Aberdeen) Jure Travner (CMC Publikum Celje).

On Loan Tom Cleverley, Craig Cathcart (Manchester United), Henri Lansbury, (Arsenal), Heidar Helguson, (QPR).

Out: Theo Robinson, (Huddersfield), Leigh Bromby & Lee Williamson, (Sheffield United), Stuart Searle, (MK Dons) Steven Kabba, (Brentford), Tamas Priskin, (Ipswich), Jobi McAnuff, (Reading), Tommy Smith & Mike Williamson, (Portsmouth).

Out On Loan John O'Toole, (Colchester).

Released Alhassan Bangura, Gareth Williams, Cedric Avinel, Andrei Stepanov, Mart Poom, Aleksandrs Cauna.

DANGERMEN

Youngster Daniel Graham is on fire scoring 6 league goals in 9 games after signing on a free from Carlisle. On loan Man United youngster Tom Cleverly has 3 from 7 and the returning Heidar Helguson, on loan back from QPR has 2 in 1 sub appearance.

Last years’ top scorer Tommy Smith is now at Portsmouth and Tamas Proskin is at Ipswich.

FORM

Sky Blues - 13th, The Championship: 12 points from 9 games.

Watford - 7th, The Championship: 14 point from 9 games.

Watford has the 7th best attack in the league this season with 14 goals scored, 2 more than The Sky Blues

The Hornets has the 14th best defence in The Championship with 12 goals conceded, one better than The Sky Blues

Last 8 League Games:

VISIT THE RIVALS

THE REF

The man in the middle for this game has not been seen at a City game for some time….

Mr A Marriner (West Mids)

Games across all leagues & competitions last season:

Games across all leagues & competitions in the previous season:

Last City game Officiated in: Sheffield United vs Coventry 03/11/2007

Result: 1-3.

Cards:

Performance: 6/10.

PREVIOUS

Last seasons 2-1 defeat in December was nothing short of farcical. The Sky Blues and Watford played out a damp squib in conditions that were hardly conducive to passing football on a pitch better suited to Water polo. After two pitch inspections, the last as late as 1:30pm, the match finally went ahead with a number of supporters stranded at various train stations on route to Hertfordshire.

Many of us speculated, like Sheffield Wednesday around the same time last year, that although the game had started it wouldn’t finish, as the midfield area was particularly heavy and the ball just wouldn’t carry on a drenched pitch that even when dry, presents a challenge for decent football, in any shaped sphere.

All the goals came in a 10 minute period in the 2nd half, with City giving away a penalty, Morrison equalising and then O’Toole wrapping it up on 72 minutes.

On a pitch that had already passed the unplayable stage, it was a wonder that the local ambulance service hadn’t sent a fleet of ambulances to prepare for the wounded before Ross Jenkins was stretchered off after a collision with Ben Turner. It was an inevitability, in a game that was already a lottery before the kick off and a poor spectacle for the paying supporter.

Chris Coleman: 'Anything can happen in conditions like that. I think that in the end it was a little bit dangerous. I was contacted this morning to say the ref wasn’t sure about the pitch, no spectators would be let in until we had the inspection at 1:30. Before half time I turned to my staff and said ‘there’s no way this is going to the ninety’, but we got to half time & we were going to finish it. We’re not going to make any excuses about the pitch on another day you could say with a bit of luck the pitch could have given us something but not today.”

I wouldn’t like to see many games played on pitches like that, when you arrive you say anything can happened and unfortunately for us today that’s what happened. I said don’t pass through midfield try not to pass back to Kieran, play the way you’re facing, and play basic football, it would have been crazy t try and play passing football today.”

'There was not really any football being played by both teams because really it was impossible. Michael pulled out yesterday through food poisoning, suddenly in a season you get phases were injuries don’t go for you and that’s were we are today, we have three young boys on the bench, but thankfully today we didn’t have to use them as they’re not ready for it yet.”

We have five players out 3 carrying knocks so in training we wrap them up in cotton wool and hope we don’t get any knocks. After 20 minutes I didn’t think we’d see then end of the game, but we did. Kieren made some fantastic saves at the worse end, the 2nd half it was a lottery but in the 2nd half their keeper made a couple too. From where I was it looked like a penalty, we came straight back in to it again and at that point you think we’re not going to lose this game, but shape wise, we lost it and it cost us”.

'We said at half-time the team that makes the least mistakes in their own penalty area is going to come out on top, and we ended up giving away a penalty. You can’t leave someone ten yards out with no-one on them, it was a na�ve error, and it’s not the first time we’ve done that be we need to make them lose their shape. We didn’t get any lucky bounces, Freddy’s hit one, Tabb has hit one and got a rebound, I was disappointed the ref only gave three minutes it was at least four or five minutes with all the substitutions, and we didn’t even get three.”

We’ll arrange a game for Leon in midweek we need some players back, we need to get a win at the Ricoh, our fans have been great today, turned up in numbers, we need to get some players back, and get the numbers up.”

Brendan Rodgers: I thought John-Joe O'Toole did exceptionally well. His goal was terrific. John-Joe and I have had this sort of rapport from early on and he's a good guy. I was just waiting for the right moment to put John-Joe in. I think you've seen today that with conditions like that you need drive, but I am also trying to get him to think about his game.'

The team that day was:

Sky Blues: Westwood, Hall, Ward, Turner, Fox, Doyle (Best 75), Gunnarsson, Tabb, Simpson, Eastwood, Morrison.

Subs Not Used: Marshall, Walker, Clarke, Wynter.

Booked: None.

Goals: Morrison 67

HISTORY

Recent history had not been kind to City in Watford with the Sky Blues winning just one of the last eight games since the turn of the century.

The previous seasons trip to The Hornets produced the now familiar defeat as Watford ran out 2-1 winners. Ellington opened the scoring in the 9th minute, Best equalised 50 minutes later and Smith wrapped it up twenty after that! Defensive slackness & the inability to put away our chances robbed the Sky Blues of a minimum of a point at Vicarage Road, with a 2nd half performance that could have returned all three rather than us going home without nothing

Chris Coleman commented: As disappointed as I was with the first-half performance I was equally happy with the second half. We're obviously very disappointed with the result and to give away the goal that we did, it was a cheap goal to give away. But in the second half it was all us and I felt we were going to win the game. We kept going for the winner and were surprised and disappointed when we conceded the second.'

Ady Boothroyd, understandably was more glowing; 'I thought it was a terrific start and I thought we got gradually worse. We allowed them back into the game and then it was about grinding out a result and we managed to do that. For me, it was important that we did get the win today and I said to the players at the end 'well done on the win, but we all know that's not good enough for us, for what we've come to expect. But it's a very strange game where you can play really well for a run of games and end up drawing and then you don't play particularly well for the whole of the 90 and you end up with a win.'

The team that day was:

Sky Blues: Schmeichel, Duffy (Mifsud 46), Fox, Dann, Ward, Osbourne, Stephen Hughes, Doyle, Gray (Thornton 88), Best, Simpson (Hines 72).

Subs not used: Marshall, Hall.

In 2005/6 in the Hornets short-lived promotion season and promptly lost 4-0. However in 2004/5 city came back with 3 points thanks to 3 goals from Trevor Benjimin, Claus Jorgensen and Micky Doyle in a 3-2 win.

The season before that a respectable 1-1 draw thanks to a Staunton last minute equaliser went some way to push the memory of THAT televised defeat largely thanks to Fester agent Walsh, best not spoken about that…

The last eight meetings in this fixture have finished thus:

Full league Away record against Watford is as follows:

Overall record against Watford Home & Away in all competitions is as follows:

HOW TO GET THERE

Watford Football Club CSE Trustplay at Vicarage Rd, Watford, Hertfordshire WD18 0EP, Tel: 01923 496 231 (To get there print off the map on the link below!).

gmkadmin@hotmail.co.uk. This is how things stood after the Middlesboro game at the weekend. How did you do?

If you were unable to post in this or the Watford game, email me and you’ll get a bonus game in the 3rd round of the FA cup in January to predict from.

Cheers Smiles.

Coventry City Results Prediction League

This is the week we had our first perfect ten, (& plenty of seven eights and nines too), so well done to SkyBlueNemo for getting the prediction 100% spot on.

Its all change in the top ten with new Leader MrTickle (+9) moving up from 5th with 33 points and a point behind Sky_Blue_Up_North (+8) 2nd with 33 points. We have a 4 way tie for 3rd, last weeks leader SteveC189 (+/-0) SkyBlueBertie (+5) up from 7th to 4th Tisza (+/0) & SB Gus (+2) all on 27 points

Oblong (+9) moves into the top 10 in 7th up from 16th on 26 points with LordSummerisle (+/-0) in 8th equal with Torchie (+7) in 9th.

Making up the top 10 is SkyBlueExile (+7) & SkyBlueNemo (+10) in 10th.

As a result of that points fest quite a few others moved around too.

Bagsy (+3), is down from 8th to 12th with 23 & Edgy (+2) down from 10th to 13.th

A gang of 4 all on 20 points covers 14-17th, DimiTheGreat, (+/-0), misses a prediction, (I think), down from 9th to 14th, Turk1965 (+2) drops from 14th to 15th, HK-BlueSkies (+ 4) moves into the top 20 from 22nd to 16th & I (+7) break the top 20 for the 1st time this season up from 33rd to 17th.

Making up the top 20 a point behind are a gang of 5 with Vicar_in_A_Tutu (+4) 18th Perdomo (+/-0) drops down from 11th to 19th still on 19 points, still with Lagger (+/-0) on the same number of points SundayRef (+/2) and Danny (+2).

Everyone else follows….

The gap from 1st to 10th is now 9 points (+2) & 1st to 20th 14 (+3).

Here’s the updated league, I’ll try and get last nights results done by Thursday night site permitting:

The top 25 on the front page will not be updated until I’ve done the Watford results.

If the board is down for any reason or you cannot post email me your predictions! gmkadmin@hotmail.co.uk

For a reminder on how to score points again check the rules on the home page on the blue bar, when I’ve worked out how to do it!

Championship Results Prediction League

In the Championship games predictor there were 16 (+1) points to go for as our spell of 15 is broken at last.

BerksSkyBlue(+5) is still top on 71 points but is joined by arch rival KeanoNo1 (+9), RickyCCFC (+10) makes his move upto 3rd from 5th with 66 points as last weeks 2nd place s SkyBlueNemo (+2) has a bad week in this predictor and drops to 4th on 65 points making up the top 5 is SBGus, (+6) on 62.

In equal 6th we have 2 predictors rising up the table, Me (+8) up from 9th to 6th on 61 equal with Turk1965 (+9) on 61.

Another 2 locking horns are CovAtron (+6) and SkyBlue87 (+6) in 8th & 9th both on 60 points and making up the top 10 all on 59 points are SkyBlueBertie (+8) up from 13th to 10th, equal with my lad OwenSkyBlue (+7) & Sky_Blue_Up_North, (+8).

CCSBA drops out of the top 10 missing a prediction in a challenging week to post anything, the same for Bagsy.

Two new entries in the top 20 this week are up from 22nd to 19th , Blaggy, (+6) and Perdomo (+5) up from 21st to 20th.

Dropping out from 14th to 24th is Lagger (+/-0) & AndrewBrown (+/-0).

So with 35 playing (-5) 1st to 10th is now a gap of 12 points (-2) & 1st to 20th 18 points (+1)

The average points increased from 4.57 to 6.22 (+1.65) and overall total 218 from 183 (+35).

There were 16 points to go for (+/-0) and the top scorer was RickyCCFC with (+10) the only double digit return of the week.

Here's the table after week 7 game 9:

Any issues then please e-mail me at the usual address!

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The GMK Match Report: Watford v Coventry.

By GMKonline

The Sky Blues come from behind to win in a topsy turvy game that included heroics a plenty from Kieran Westwood to give City only their 2nd win in over 20 years at Vicarage Road.

Tuesday 29th September 2009 – 7:45 pm Vicarage Road

Team Changes

To follow

1st Half

To follow

Half Time

Half time: Watford 2-1 Coventry.

2nd Half

To follow

POST MATCH & QUOTES

Chris Coleman: 'I thought we showed tremendous spirit again.”

'Away from home, we didn't lie down at 2-1 and we didn't have a good start to the second half either, they could have gone further in front, but we rode our luck.”

'But I felt that equaliser was coming - it was great when it did eventually come. A point away from home is always good but if you can get the three, thanks very much.'

Malky Mackay: 'I think we had possibly the most number of clear-cut chances that we've had, certainly at Vicarage Road this season.

'I felt we had enough chances to win two games, but if you don't take your chances then that's what happens.

'Credit to them, they fought back, but even with those goals going in I can remember at least six chances in the second half where normally we would have scored.'

HOW THEY LINED UP

Sky Blues: Westwood, Wright, Ward, Van Aanholt, Clarke, (Cranie 69) Clingan, Gunnarsson, (Osbourne 86), Cork, Best, Morrison, McIndoe, (Eastwood 72).

Subs Not Used: Konstantopoulos, Walker, Cain, Jeffers.

Booked: None.

Goals: Clingan 14, Best 67, Best 84..

Watford: Loach, Mariappa, Doyley, Harley, Bennett, Hodson (Oshodi 78), Cowie, (Lansbury 57), Cleverley, Eustace, Graham, Hoskins, (Henderson 70)

Subs Not Used: Lee, Severin, Bryan, Sordell.

Booked: None.

Goals: Cleverley 21 Hoskins 37

Att: 13,034

Ref: Mr Marriner ( ). 8/10

Man of The Match: : Westwood.

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(Saturday v Leicester 03/10/09 (H))

09/10 GMK PL Week 7, Game 10.

By Smiles

With the issues we have on the site at the moment this getting challenging!

Please read the whole feature to find out how you can keep up your predictions if there’s any technical issues, the best way to keep in touch is to email me your predictions if you cannot log on for any reason. For those who have missed games, there will be a freebie FA Cup fixture or two for you to catch up with!

Meanwhile WE WON AT WATFORD!!!!!

Predictable? How did you do?

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________

Links:

(Your predictions Tuesday v Watford 30/09/09 (A))

To follow: (The Rules)

Here’s this weekends fixtures for you to predict.

Game 10: (kick off deadline to post by: 3:00 pm)
Predict the outcome of:

Coventry v Leicester: :
First Goal Coventry Scorer: :
Crowd: :

Championship Games:

Predict the outcome of the following games:

Home (H), Away (A) or Draw (D), (NO SCORES, you HAVE TO POST H / D or A):

Saturday 3rd October 3:00pm unless stated:

Barnsley vs Ipswich : :
C Palace vs Blackpool : :
Coventry vs Leicester -12:30 : :
Derby vs Sheff Wed : :
Newcastle vs Bristol C : :
Peterborough vs Nottm Forest : :
Plymouth vs Scunthorpe : :
Preston vs West Brom - 12:45: :
Reading vs Middlesbro : :
Sheff Utd vs Doncaster : :
Swansea vs QPR : :
Watford vs Cardiff :

If you were unable to post in the Middlesboro or the Watford game, email me and you’ll get a special bonus game in the 3rd & 4th rounds of the FA cup in January to predict from instead to help you catch up..

So far this is who has ‘games in hand’: Andrew Brown, BigBen x2, BlindFaith, CCSBA, GubbaLookAlike, x2, HK-BlueSkies, KeanoNo1, DimiTheGreat, x2, Lagger, LordSummerisle, Pegasus87, Oblong, RossMorley, Sky_Blue_Up_North, SkyBlue87, SkyBlueBertie, SkyBlueExile, SternsLovChild, Vicar_In_A_Tutu, WarwickHunt, Wilsx2,

Cheers Smiles.

Coventry City Results Prediction League

A few technical challenges are making this a tad difficult, so if the site is down email me your predictions to gmkadmin@hotmail.co.uk. This is how things stood after the Watford game at the midweek. How did you do?

Last weekend we had our first perfect ten, (& plenty of seven eights and nines too), so well done to SkyBlueNemo for getting the prediction 100% spot on.

After Tuesday night things changed in the top ten a bit due to a number of people not being able to post, but I hope they can catch up in the FA Cup game in January. New Leader MrTickle (+2) stays top with 35 points and now two points behind Sky_Blue_Up_North (+/-0) stays 2nd with 32 points. We have a 2 way tie for 3rd,
Tisza (+2) & SB Gus (+2) all on 29 points up from 5th & 6th respectively. Making up the top 5 is SteveC189 (+/-0) on 28 points down from 3rd.

Down to 6th from 4th is SkyBlueBertie (+/-0) equal with in 7th with Torchie (+1) on 27 points, in equal 8th we have Oblong (+/-0) down one and SkyBlueNemo (+2) with 26 up from 11th.

Making up the top10 down from 8th after missing the last two predictions is LordSummerisle (+/-0) on 25 points.

SkyBlueExile (+/-0) drops out of the top 10 from 10th to 11th, another missing their prediction on 24 points.

Equal with him in 12th is Edgy (+2) in 13th a points behind is Bagsy (+/-0), down from 12th to 13th with 23 & then ME (+2) & Turk1965 (+2) on 22, both up.

Lagger (+2) & Danny (+2) both move upwards to 16th & 17th from 20th & 22nd respectively on 21 points and then the top 20 is fittingly made up of three players all on 20 points: DimiTheGreat, (+/-0) HK-BlueSkies (+ /-0) & QPRSkyBlue (+2).

Dropping out of the top 20 are Vicar_in_A_Tutu (+/-0) & Perdomo (+/-0) from 18th & 19th to 21st & 22nd.

Everyone else follows….

The gap from 1st to 10th is now 10 points (+1) & 1st to 20th 15 (+1).

Here’s the updated league.

The top 25 on the front page will not be updated soon, honest!

If the board is down for any reason or you cannot post email me your predictions! gmkadmin@hotmail.co.uk

For a reminder on how to score points again check the rules on the home page on the blue bar, when I’ve worked out how to do it!

Championship Results Prediction League

In the Championship games predictor after SkyBlueNemo achieved the 1st 100% in the Cov Predictions last Saturday I forgot to enter his points in this league – which actually put him top! So sorry to him, and this report reflects that now! Soz, and all that.

Anyways, there were 16 (+/-0) points to go this week.

SkyBlueNemo (+5) stays top on 77 now 6 ahead of last weeks 2nd place BerksSkyBlue(+/-0) still on 71 points locked with arch rival KeanoNo1 (+/-0), RickyCCFC (+4) stays 4th with 70 points. SBGus, (+3) is equal 5th with 65 points as my lad OwenSkyBlue (+6) barges into the top 5 with him on the same number of points.

Upto 7th is Turk1965 (+3) on 64 then Me (+2) down two to 8th on 63, another dropping is CovAtron (+2) down from 8th to 9th and Danny reverses the trend moving upto 10th from 13th on 61 points to make up the top10.

Dropping out of the top 10 is SkyBlue87 (+/-0) from 9th to 11th still on 60 equal with Neil10 (+3) & Blaggy, (+6).

We have a 5 way tie on 59 points between 14th & 18th with SkyBlueBertie (+/-0) Sky_Blue_Up_North, (+/-0) Tisza +2), Bagsy (+4) & Edgy (+6).

Making up the top 20 is Perdomo (+5) in 19th on 58 and then 4 predictors all on 55 Blind Faith (+/-0), Lagger (+4), SteveC189 (+2) & CovFanMartin, (+4).

CCSBA drops out of the top 20 missing a prediction again in a challenging week to post anything and those that did scored little.

So with 25 playing (-11) 1st to 10th is now a gap of 16 points (+4) & 1st to 20th 22 points (+2)

The average points dwindles from 6.30 to 3.48 (-2.82) and overall total to 87 from 227 (-140).

There were 16 points to go for (+/-0) and the top scorer was anyone with 6 points.

Here's the table after week 7 game 10:

Any issues then please e-mail me at the usual address!

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Have your say on GMK! GMK Prints open Access Articles from any contributor.

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If you would like to reply to this article, add a report, review or express a view on any topical Sky Blue issue on GMK open access articles, just email it to:
gmkadmin@hotmail.co.uk

GMKon/offline!

By Smiles

We’ve faced some big issues in the last couple of weeks that have threatened both the stability, continuity and reputation of the site. But we’re still here and we’re sticking with it, hopefully, with your patience, so can you!

When Rupert Murdoch’s Sky pulled the plug with no notice, I was fooked, nowhere to go, and few options, Moz’s template came to me via Terry at OwlsOnline and has proved to be an innovative solution.

Some of the features, particularly in the admin are better than anything I’ve had, or seen, in any of the Rivals incarnations and other sites of had a look at.

I’ve been charged nothing, been given some great support and whilst it’s been frustrating – for everyone – that the site has been slow and unavailable sometimes, I think Moz needs credit and support for what he’s achieved thus far and a chance to get us all to where we want to be. Here’s what he has to say from the Forum (abridged):

“Let me just give you a quick breakdown. We had shared hosting with a company called Host Excellence in New York. It was bobbins. We kept overloading their server so they just turned off our database. We've moved the database to a new VPS in the UK so that we have full control over it. However, until we have completed the setup and load-tested it, we can't move the front-end proper. There is plenty of space and bandwidth on the server (we think), but we are playing with the CPUs (just adding a second one at the moment). We have also to fully set-up the mail server and name servers, so until we've done that, it isn't really appropriate the move the site completely over.

I have done some tweaks to try and speed things up in the meantime - basically I've turned off some of the forum features to try and get a better balance of 'performance' versus functionality. I am aware it is still unbearably slow - sorry.

I'm hoping that very shortly there will be an alternative address so you can try accessing the site through the new server. Now, we don't know exactly what the result of that will be, but hopefully it will be better than what we've got right now. If all goes well with that test, we can move things over to the new server permanently.

Now, Smiles - he has the patience of a saint (or should that be a sky blue?) and the rest of you have been very gracious with putting up with the crap service I am currently supplying. I can't stress enough that this isn't Smiles fault - the onus rests with me. I thought that the shared server would be powerful enough to cope and it wasn't but before we had the new server ready, the old server just collapsed.

If you can bear to bear with me a little longer, I'm sure we can get to where we need to be. At the very worst, at least you'll be able to give me a good hard slap on the 17th and then quash any hopes I had of a top six finish by battering my beloved Wednesday.

The page that gives recent post data was causing about 50% of the problems due to the amount of data it had to sift through. I have not deleted the code - just disabled it and I will try to bring it back in an optimised form, but for the moment, your better off without it. Trust me. When we move over you can whack your avatar back on, but I thought it best to loose them too for the moment

In the past it has been because of load (hits and views and posts)- your excitement at winning a game essentially crashes the server. In many ways, you should be proud!

Instead of using the URL GMKonline.com try using this instead:

http://89.238.172.20

If you have any other queries, please let me know.

Thanks for hanging in there with us, hopefully things will improve hereon in & we’ve couple of weeks to get it right in the international break.

Smiles & Moz.

PUSB & whatever the Owls say!

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The GMK Match Preview: Sky Blues v Leicester City.

By Smiles.

The M69 derby, bought forward on police advice, starting early, heavily monitored and savoured, (although they will deny it) by both sets of supporters.

The free scoring Sky Blues will need to tighten up at the back against a decent team with a manager I have, gulp, respect for.

There’s more than pride at stake…

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________

THE SKY BLUES Vs THE FOXES

The Sky Blues take on the Foxes for the first time in a couple of seasons after their sojourn in a lower league last season that saw them re-invigorated under Nigel Pearson.

Southampton’s loss was Manderic’s gain as Pearson swept all before him last term and the Foxes have started brightly this time out too.

Not so hot upfront, but tight at the back, Leicester are a point ahead of the Sky Blues in the Championship as Chris Coleman look for back to back wins for the first time since the opening league games of the season.

GAME ON – THIS WEEKENDS FIXTURES

TEAM NEWS

Chris Coleman has no new injury or suspension concerns ahead of the season’s first derby meet against the Foxes. Ben Turner (knee and ankle) and full-back Marcus Hall (knee) both missed Tuesday's game at Watford and the pair will probably both be absent again for the visit of Leicester too.

With Martin Cranie coming on as a 69th-minute substitute at Vicarage Road hemay get the nod from start from Coleman, as the Sky Blues Manager looks to shore up his rearguard with experience, and stem the leak of soft goals.

Cranie has urged his team-mates to cut out the individual mistakes that have seen City conceed 15 goals in 10 league games and Craniehas called on the team to start keeping more clean sheets: 'Most of the goals have been individual errors rather than great goals from the other teams, so if we can cut out those then we should do really well because obviously the strikers are on fire at the other end and I`m sure we can push higher in this league.”

'You can't practice cutting out errors on the training pitch and you are always going to get mistakes in games. Unfortunately the ones we are making are crucial ones at the minute and have led to the opposition scoring.'

Defender James McPake and midfielder David Bell remain the only other absentees as they continue their lengthy recoveries from respective shoulder and ankle injuries. In midfield it’s a toss up between Aron Gunnarsson, who was preferred ahead of Isaac Osbourne in midweek, with the latter dropping to the bench.

THE OPPOSITION

With Leicester playing outside the top two tiers of English football for the first time in their history last season, Nigel Pearson’s team displayed a belief that they didn't really belong there. After losing just four matches in their whole league campaign, to a larger degree they have taken that momentum into this season. Pearson has shown himself capable of succeeding in difficult circumstances after making the transition from Southampton, a team he ironically passed on the stairs climbing back into the Championship.

That said the Foxes do not have an impressive record in this league, having finished 15th, 16th, 19th and 22nd in their last four seasons in the division.

Their performances in League One last season suggested they could be an altogether different proposition this time around and Pearson has started well despite conceding their unbeaten home record against Preston last weekend that had stood for a year. With a manager who seems to bring out the best in his players and a squad which has considerable quality and depth, The Foxes following have every reason to remain optimistic for this seasons fortunes.

A fine win at Middlesboro in midweek has only gone to underline that.

Indeed, Pearson is pleased how the Foxes have adapted to life back in the Championship - and in a contrast of how he views the clubs chances this season the City boss has set the bar high expecting his side to be in the promotion shake-up come the end of the season.

The Blue City are currently eighth in the table and level on points with Sheffield United, who are the club currently occupying the final play-off spot. Pearson commented: 'We've shown we can compete at this level, but we are probably about three or four points short of where we would like to be, or could have been. We know that we have to be at our best every time we play because it is a step up for us. I think the psychological pressure as well as the physical pressure at this level is different from last season for us, the games are quicker and you really need a squad ethic to see you through.”

'It is a difficult league and, technically, we have played some good sides already. I think Preston were a very good example of a very accomplished Championship side and they have the know-how to win. We know we can compete and over 46 games it will be a big test for us, but I don't see any reason for us not to set high targets and expect ourselves to be in the promotion shake-up.'

Pearson has insisted his squad has the strength in depth to cope with losing key players. He commented: “We have to be able to deal with losing players, as we have done already this season, we lost Steve (Howard) in the game at Sheffield United. On that occasion we dealt with losing one of our starting XI very well. At Watford we didn't really do it. Whether it was a contributing factor I don't know, but it would be very easy to make that assumption. But I know we have enough depth to be able to deal with those situations.'

Richie Wellens could return to Pearson’s squad as the midfielder missed the midweek win at Boro’ with a slight hamstring wrench but has since resumed training. The Foxes have been dealt a blow with the news that the influential defender Aleksandar Tunchev requires another knee operation. The Bulgarian international, who was also absent at Middleboro, only recently returned after eight months out following cruciate ligament surgery. Pearson has stressed it is not a recurrence of that particular problem but the 28-year-old is set to go under the knife again shortly.

Pearson made five changes for the Boro game after the Foxes lost their year-long unbeaten home league record to Preston last weekend, and after a first away win of the season on Teesside Jack Hobbs, Michael Morrison, Andy King, Lloyd Dyer and Yann Kermorgant are all in contention to start once again.

Leicester from: Weale, Brown, Berner, Hobbs, Morrison, Andy King, Dyer, Oakley , Gallagher, Adams, Fryatt, Howard, Kermorgant, Waghorn, Logan, N'Guessan, Neilson, McGivern, Wellens.

INS AND OUTS

In: Dany N'Guessan, (Lincoln), Jack Hobbs, Astrit Ajdarevic, (Liverpool), Wayne Brown, (Hull), Chris Weale (Bristol City), Robbie Neilson, (Hearts), Ritchie Wellens, (Doncaster), Paul Gallagher (Blackburn) Yann Kermorgant, (Stade de Reims).

On Loan Martyn Waghorn (Sunderland), Ryan McGivern (Man City).

Out: Joe Cobb, (Wycombe), Marc Edworthy (Burton), Jonathan Hayes, Lee Cox (Inverness Cally T), Ryan Beswick (Kettering), Barry Hayles, (Cheltenham), Billy McKay, (Northampton), Joe Mattock, (West Brom).

Out On Loan James Wesolowski, (Hamilton), Harry Worley, (Crewe), Ashley Chambers, (Wycombe), Paul Dickov, (Derby), Levi Porter, (Mansfield), Craig King, (Hereford).

Released Patrick Kisnorbo, Paul Henderson, Robbie Burns, Bruno N'Gotty, Alex Cisak, Joe Magunda.

DANGERMEN

Nuneaton born Matty Fryatt has 7 league goals from 10 full appearances, stop him and that’s (nearly) it, the other with 2 on the board is French midfielder Dany N'Guessan from 7 (2).

Fryatt was last years top scorer too with 27 from an ever present 46 games. Steve Howard, chipped in 13 from 41 (1), and former Sky Blue loanee Lloyd Dyer 10 from 43 (1).

FORM

Sky Blues - 10th, The Championship: 15 points from 10 games.

Leicester - 8th, The Championship: 16 points from 10 games.

Leicester has the 13th best attack in the league this season with 12 goals scored, 3 less than The Sky Blues

The Fosse have the 5th best defence in The Championship with 10 goals conceded, 5 better The Sky Blues

Last 8 League Games:

VISIT THE RIVALS

THE REF

The man in the middle on Saturday hasn't had the pleasure for a while....

Mr M Oliver (Northumberland)

Games across all leagues & competitions this season:

Games across all leagues & competitions last season:

Last City game Officiated in: Coventry v Wolves 07/02/2009

Result: 2-1.

Performance: Facing Ebanks-Blake's stoppage time penalty, Kieren Westwood spread his arms and looked skyward, as if to summon the Spirits of Spot-kicks to look down kindly upon him. They did. Westwood saved the penalty and the Sky Blues beat their local rivals 2-1 in a rip-roaring Ricoh encounter to ruin Mad Mick’s 50th Birthday party. Not mentioned until the deed: Deep in stoppage time the ball found Ebanks-Blake in the area with his back to goal. Turner kept close attention but as Ebanks-Blake turned and fell our hearts sank. The referee had given a penalty, for what I'm not really sure. 6/10

PREVIOUS

The Sky Blues last faced Leicester at the Ricoh on Saturday 23rd February 2008 recording a 2-0 win thanks to a 32nd minute Ward Penalty & Leon Best’s 65 minute closer. Chris Coleman’s Sky Blue reign began in the best way possible with 3 points and a clean sheet against those nice folk from down the M69 and their funny fans. Mr Holloways (loser) made a right beeerk of himself after the game criticising our best player (the Ref), knowing next week he’ll probably watching Exeter City, or something, like bog trotting on Exmoor, slipping into a nice cold fish or warm pony, as that nice Mr Mangledick prepared to throw some more mud at the wall & fork out on compo, (again).

A greater shame were the disturbing events in Earlsdon before the game which only give more power to those who wish to ruin the traditional atmosphere and banter at games by putting in huge rows of segregation between supporters. Acts such as those arranged in the City Arms only fuel that kind of ‘risk reduction’.

Personally I have no particular dislike of any supporter from any club – I prefer them being stuck to by my team against theirs on the pitch and have no time for any other kind of battle apart from a battle of wits and banter off it before during and after, talking of which….

Chris Coleman: 'It was the first game and we got three points. It was the first home game and a win in a derby game so I am delighted. It was gutsy performance. They attempted to do what I asked. The work ethic is fantastic, and they are better on the ball than they think they are. What pleased me most was how quickly the players adapted to what I asked in such a short space of time. I believe we have the players here to move away from the bottom end of the table. Stephen Hughes is okay. He has concussion after a whack in the face. It was worrying when he was on the floor and not moving. Hopefully he will be okay. It is also nothing to do with the cheekbone he fractured earlier in the season.'

Ian Holloway: (The ill thought-out, spoken, barely understandable, sour graped comments of this buffoon – if ever a club and manager were well matched this is it – were deemed so horrific that we have taken a decision to protect the sanity of our readers and not repeat them in their entirety again. We understand if you search You-Tube or read the News of the Screws they may be seen there subject to copyright)

So just to paraphrase: (I’m as m m m mad as a hatter sir, yes, absolutely flippin spittin eye am. As well as being a turtle coont, the ref needs a beeeer shampoo. I love our fans, my buoys, there’s aint so good, take a look at yourselves, ooo r, as it distracts from my own in in inade, failure, & the fact relegation / the sack looms & I’ve just seen Iain Dowie

Sky Blues: Marshall, Osbourne, Ward, Hall, Fox, Tabb, Stephen Hughes (Thornton 7), Michael Hughes, Gray (Andrews 86), Mifsud, Best (Simpson 84).

Subs Not Used: Konstantopoulos, Dann.

Booked: Thornton, Best.

Goals: Ward (Pen) 32, Best 65.

HISTORY

When I was sweet young thing growing up in the 70's, the arrival of the Leicester home fixture was a near guaranteed 2, as it was then, points, win. Sadly, recent years we have seen an erosion of that certainty.

Prior to the 07/08 win The Sky Blues & Leicester played out a less than fascinating 0-0 stalemate at a damp & uninspired Ricoh in August 2007.

Before that there were two more draws, finishing honours even at 1-1 in April 2006 with both goals scored within 11 minutes, Richard Stearman scoring in the 9th & Stern john equalising 2 minutes later, in a bad tempered affair Kisnorbo was sent off for a disgraceful challenge on Andy Whing, who he had previously fouled & received a yellow card for earlier in the game.

October 2004 when Leicester scored both goals in the game! Mr Dublin secured even more abuse for himself with a 70th opener & then fatty Pressman was embarrassed when a 78th minute Chris Makin headed own goal evened things up. This game was memorable for the recent departure of Leicester's then Manager Micky Adams & started the gradual decline of Mr Reid who was finding it very hard indeed to fill Mr Black's shoes.

In March 2003 coincided with the nadir of Gary McAllister's clueless reign and, predictably, ended in a 2-1 defeat.

Craig Bellend's goal in a 1-0 victory in December 2000, during our last relegation season, restored the proper order of things. Prior to that, you have to go back to Big Ron's second game in charge - a heady 4-2 win on a sunny February afternoon in 1995 when Sean Flynn missed an absolute sitter which would have clinched his hat-trick.

The last eight meetings in this fixture have finished thus:

Full league Home record against The Foxes is as follows:

Overall record against Leicester City Home & Away in all competitions is as follows:

The full detail of that can be seen here:

AMAZING FACTS

The club were founded in 1884 as Leicester Fosse by a group of old boys of Wyggeston School.

The Club originally played on a field near Fosse Road. They moved to Filbert Street in 1891 and played there for 110 years, before relocating to the nearby Walkers Stadium in 2002.

In 1919, when League football resumed after World War I, Leicester Fosse ceased trading, not for the last time, due to financial difficulties of which little is known. The club was reformed as 'Leicester City Football Club'

Leicester were elected to the Football League in 1894. The club's highest ever finish was second place in the top flight, in Division One in 1928–29. The club holds six Second Division titles (prior to it becoming known as the Football League Championship) and one League One title. They have won the League Cup three times, and have been FA Cup runners-up four times.

Leicester City are second behind Manchester City for having won the most title of the English Second Tier. Only Birmingham City have been promoted and relegated between the top two divisions of English football more times than Leicester, yow, yow, know.

The club are well reputed for their ability to yo-yo between leagues, so much so the support even have a song, to the tune of ‘yellow submarine’ of going up, and then going down again, you get the drift….

Leicester moved into the new 32,500-seat Walkers Stadium at the start of the 2002-03 season. Walkers, the Leicestershire based crisp manufacturers, acquired the naming rights for a ten year period, so ensuring the ground is now colocally called ‘the Crisp Bowel’. In October 2002, the club went into administration with debts of £30 million…. Hmmm.

On 22 November 2007, Ian Holloway was appointed manager. Holloway made history when he became the first Leicester manager in over 50 years to win his first league game in charge, and then promptly got them relegated to a Division they’d never, ever, been in before!

At the end of the 2007–08 season, Leicester were relegated below the top two tiers of English league football for the first time in the club's history, leaving a select group of nine teams which have never played outside these two leagues.

The club's home colours of royal blue and white have been used for the team's kits throughout most of its history.

An image of a fox was first incorporated into the club crest in 1948, as Leicestershire is known for foxes and fox hunting as real food is hard to come by. This is the origin of the nickname 'the Foxes'. The club mascot is a character called 'Filbert Fox'. There are also secondary characters 'Vickie Vixen' and 'Cousin Dennis' Dennis being the mothers bother and father of their ten children, though only Filbert is currently seen at games. The current shirt badge has been unchanged since 1992. In another reference Leicestershire's tradition of hunting, the club adopted the Post Horn Gallop in 1941.

Being based in the East Midlands, but the only fully professional club in Leicestershire, Leicester City consider fellow East Midlands' sides Derby County and Nottingham Forest to be their rivals, due to their regional proximity but to be honest they don’t give a flying fook about ‘em, neitehr do Peterboro to the East who are more concerned with Cambridge. Northampton meanwhile have Rushton and Milton Keynes to contend with whereas being more Southern and an Ex seat of Parliament we’re just to superior to even cast a sniff.

As 'The M69 Derby taking its name from the motorway connecting the two cities., according to a survey by The Football Pools published in 2008, this fixture is the 26th fiercest rivalry in English football, not worth a flying fux then really.

Leicester City are one of only two clubs (the other being Brighton & HA) to have won the Charity Shield despite never winning either the League championship or the FA Cup.

Former Sky Blue David Rennie is Phsyio, Trevor Peake Academy coach & Steve Walsh “head” of recruitment’, how much cock this requires sucking we know not….

The Sky Blues beat Leicester in every game at Highfield Road between 1978 and 1995 - a run of seven consecutive wins, scoring 17 goals and conceding just four, oh happy days.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________

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Match Report – Championship – Coventry City 1-1 Leicester City

By Ian Palmer

The Sky Blues had to share the spoils with M69 rivals Leicester after a Martyn Waghorn volley cancelled out Sammy Clingan’s free kick opener.

Finers and toes, fingers and toes. The additional digited ones pop up home a bit more happeh safe in the knowledge that their pitful following gained a point with some route one football after nobling Sammy Clingan.

The Festered bunch score when we've only 10 men on the pitch, to leave the game 'honours' even.

Saturday 3rd October, 2009 – 12:30 pm – The Ricoh Arena

A season-high crowd of over 22,000 made for fantastic Ricoh atmosphere, but two tense teams and a swirling wind meant for a scrappy, heave-ho football match.

The noise inside the stadium looked to be affecting the teams early on; certainly Elliott Ward who made nervous hash of a clearence. Stephen Wright stepped in to repel any threat.

Newly-crowned Championship player of the month, Leon Best, set up Aron Gunnarsson after 9 minutes, but the Icelander’s stabbed shot from the edge of the area flew narrowly over the bar.

Best’s award was kept underwraps until after the game, but it shouldn’t go unnoticed. The striker looks to be maturing into one of City’s most prized assets, and produced another display of guile and enterprise today.

Gunnarsson came even closer to opening the scoring soon after his earlier effort, but his scuffed shot was smartly turned round the post by Foxes keeper, Chris Weale. It would be one of those days for City’s reigning player of the year.

Leicester served up a warning of their own with Yann Kermorgant firing a long-range shot straight at Keiren Westwood. Then Best had a moment to forget when he raced onto a Westwood clearence only to send his volley embarrassingly high and wide. I just hope he doesn’t watch the replay!

Leicester began to exert more influence on proceedings. Dyer cut in and shot over before Gallagher sent a 20-yard curler straight onto the crossbar

Then Matty Fryatt was penalised for blocking a shot with his hand just outside the penalty area. Clingan curled the resulting free kick up over the wall and into the top corner to give City the lead, and send their supporters silly.

The second half followed the same ebb-and-flow pattern of the first with each team taking turns in commanding spells of pressure. The football was never pretty and often deteriorated into long balls being humped into the swirling wind.

Gunnarsson showed a flash of his form of last season when he drove forward from midfield and delived a shot that brought a terrific save from Weale. It was a run with the kind of endeavour that you feel deserves a goal. A corner was all he got.

Leicester made a triple substitution on the hour-mark which saw the introduction of three strikers: DJ Campbell, Steve Howard, and Martyn Waghorn.

Howard began to win headers against a City backline that had looked steadfast up to that point. One such flick-on found Waghorn who sent a volley crashing past Westwood to level the scores at 1-1.

Chris Coleman won’t have been happy with how much space Waghorn was afforded, but nevertheless it was a cracking finish from the youngster on-loan from Sunderland.

Clingan was off the field receiving treatment at the time of the goal. Unfortunate, but perhaps not crucial. He was replaced by Isaac Osbourne and must now be a doubt for Northern Ireland’s midweek international match.

The final twenty minutes only saw the game become even more tense and scrappy. Clinton Morrison turned neatly on the edge of the area, only to fire a shot over with his left foot.

Eastwood sent in a few dangerous balls into the box, and Jack Cork continued to impress with another industrious midfield performance, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win.

Both teams will have to admit, through gritted teeth, that a draw was a fair result.

POST MATCH & QUOTES

Chris Coleman:

'Sammy was caught late and was off the pitch when we conceded but what can we do?

'We don't know how bad the injury is yet - we need to see it when the swelling goes down, but it's quite badly bruised.

'We're disappointed because we wanted to win the game and the one time we've knocked off defensively from the second phase we've been punished.

'You know what derby games are like - all form goes out the window - but it was a good game.

'We didn't get the three points but we were against a tough team and I was happy with the response from the players.'

Nigel Pearson:

'We have a strong bench and we really did feel that we could win the game.

'It made the game more open because they had chances but it worked.

'Martyn's finish was fantastic. He is a young player who will only gain from his experience of coming to us.

'I thought it was an enjoyable encounter because both sides were trying to win it and had a good go, but I felt that we were the better side.'

HOW THEY LINED UP

Sky Blues: Westwood, Cranie, Wright, Ward, van Aanholt, Gunnarsson, Clingan (Osbourne 72), Cork, Morrison, Best, Eastwood

Subs Not Used: Konstantopoulos, Walker, Cain, Grandison, Clarke, Jeffers

Booked: Clingan, Best

Goals: Clingan 38

Leicester City: Weale, Morrison, Brown, Hobbs, Berner, Gallagher (Campbell 60), Oakley, King, Dyer, Fryatt (Waghorn 61), Kermorgant (Howard 60)

Subs Not Used: Logan, McGivern, Adams, Wellens

Booked: Gallagher, Brown

Goals: Waghorn 71

Att: 22,209

Ref: M Oliver

Man of The Match: Leon Best – another commanding display from one of City’s most consistant performers this season.

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Player Ratings and Soft Goals are Poor Goals

By Knowl

We take the lead with a great strike, we then concede a sloppy equaliser, sound familiar? Well it should do!!!!

Well that was a bit frustrating was it not? I don not think we were good by any stretch of the imagination but we were above average and we were better than Festa!

Saturday 03rd October – 12.30 pm The Ricoh.

However, if we continue to look so hapless at the back then we will perpetuate this feeling that we should start every game one nil up and get the excitement of taking the lead out of the way and then just give an equaliser away in the first minute.

Three Parish Notices.

Firstly, what a free kick, I remember a time when a free kick just outside the oppositions area was a reason to worry about the fans in rows H to Z, however, this calendar year we have seen about 6 wonderfully executed dead balls. Clingans was no different on Saturday, but as pointed out above we need to stop scoring wonderful goals only to throw the game away with stupid decisions.

Secondly, okay this has been going on since Coleman started his reign, and I promise this is my final comment on the point, but his tactics at corners really get on my tits. If we must have everyone back at corners can we do two simple things. 1) Why is the corner taker allowed all the space in the world when we clear the initial corner? We clear the ball and they just chip the ball back to the original taker who has the simple task of putting the ball back into the box. 2) Why are there always players unmarked between the penalty spot and the edge of the box? If we have 11 players in the box why are there always players unmarked? Coleman claims that Man Utd do the same but Man Utd have pace for a counter hardly so they are a threat from their own box we aren’t.

Lastly, last season we had the big four, two of those have left and the two remaining have seen two more players join them in the ranks of if they play at their best we are a good side. Leon Best has taken the step forward some of us could see he had in his game. He loves the lone striker role and the battle, we need to ensure we get the necessary support up to him when we are attacking but the lad has really grown in stature in the last month or two. The fourth? In my eyes Ben Turner is missed when he is not there, without him we are really susceptible to the long ball. We lack a dominant centre half and I really believe we wouldn’t have conceded yesterday if Turner had been there to counter act the influence of Howard.

HOW THEY LINED UP

Coventry: Westwood, Craine, Van Aanholt, Wright (c), Ward, Cork , Clingan, (Osbourne 72), Gunnarsson, Best, Eastwood, Morrison,

Subs Not Used: Konstantopoulos, Cain, Grandison, Clarke, Walker, Jeffers

Booked: Best, Clingan

Sent Off:

Goals: Clingan (38)

Player Ratings

Westie – 7 Not at his best when dealing with the crossed ball and he did not emit the confidence of which we are accustomed. Could do nothing with the goal but it was going to take a decent strike to beat him

Craine – 6 Why is he at right back? He made a decent start to his Cov career at centre back but seems to be dropped from his best position to accommodate Wright. Fingers could be pointed at him for the goal, and yes he should have covered but when your centre back runs 10m in front of the back line to challenge for a ball he was never going to win what are you going to do? His distribution lets him down when he gets over the half way line and does not offer us the same outlet as Clarke, lets hope for the Sheff Wed game he is back alongside Turner in the middle.

Van Aanholt – 6 Kept getting caught under the long ball and looked out of sorts defensively. There was no understanding with Ward and they kept the playing each other in to trouble.

Wright - 5 In the first half he dealt with Festas very simplest game plan of knocking the ball past him for Fyratt to run onto by intercepting the ball. To some extent his job was made very easy because the balls were never played into no mans land behind him and he was always able to get to the ball first. In the second half, with the introduction of Howard, Festa went more direct and I am sorry but if you cannot deal with the long ball in this division you will struggle. At one point, to try and win a header he started to jump like Mickey Quinn, yep, he jumped so early he was on the way down by the time it reached him. So why, when you are not winning any headers, charge out off the back line to try and win a header you have got no chance of winning? Leaving a massive gap in the middle of the defence? A gap you would have been stood in and able to simply clear the flick on? The guy needs to be dropped because he is a disaster at the moment.

Ward - 6 I worry that Ward will never learn, he should be one of the defenders in the Championship, he is tall and can be a great header of the ball, he is not slow and can be very assured and his passing can be top quality. Yesterday he played the inexperienced Aanholt in to trouble on multiple occasions, he sliced the ball badly too many times and when Howard came on he got bullied out of the game. He should have left Coleman in no doubt over who was going to start against Sheff Wed next time out and he has and unfortunately I have my doubts that Ward will be in the side.

Clingan – 6 His reading of the game is a major strength to the side, and he is very competent in the anchor role, but his passing way a major let down all game. He played a lot of loose balls in the middle of the park and it is down to him to get us playing when we are under the cosh. He should be leading the short snappy passing with Gunnar and Cork to get us in the game and out of trouble. A top quality free kick aside we need to see more leadership from the most key part of the new formation.

Gunnar – 7 There is no player in the Championship who can cause as much trouble by bursting into the box from the central midfield role as Gunnar. He has the game to be a real handful and he showed it at times yesterday with two great runs into the box and could have got his name on the score sheet. Needs to get involved more when we are under pressure and with Cork offer Clingan short options to pass our way in to control of the game. Pass and move, one touch football and the simple, are the new watch words for the midfield three and we must continue to work hard if we are to progress, the long ball is not going to win us games in a 4123 formation.

Cork - 7 Not at this best but his work rate and intelligence were prominent again. Didn’t link as well with Eastwood as he does with McIndoe but that might come with games.

Eastwood - 7 Rated by some, including Jez, as MOTM. I think that role suits him because he is two footed, a couple of great left footed crosses are testament to this, and has a quality touch when under pressure. He has got tremendous upper body strength and is down to him now to make the wide strikers position his own. His ability to read the game work shooting opportunities from distance could be a useful asset and in the next run of ten games.

Clinton – 6 A quiet game for the mouthy Londoner. Could have scored with a well worked passage of play, and was always trying to get on the end of things but he will have better games where his hard work will be rewarded.

Best – 7 Fought the hard fight in the first half when the balls to him were of a poor quality and he was isolated but he won his headers and chased the lost causes when they could be chased. During the second half he started to be used in a more controlled way and he linked very well with the midfield and Eastwood. His consistency, not only over matches but during games, has improved dramatically and he is a man full of confidence at the moment. Lets seriously talk to his agent because Best is only going to get better and I honestly believe this tactic only works due to Bests attributes and without him we will be a weaker team.

Subs

Osbourne – 7 Fantastic cameo by Ozzie. He came on and upped our tempo, he showed all the positive aspects of his game and maybe should have been introduced anyway. Its when he pressures the opposition high the pitch and picks up the lose balls that he is so effect and credit to the guy for having that impact after being dropped.

Coleman

Coleman – 6

We could and probably should have won and Colemans change in tactics have seen some players raise their game. Gets marked down for his continued believe that Wright is worthy of a starting place and is worthy of a place in the centre of the defence.

There are still some aspects of our game that annoys me and our lack of ideas at set pieces is frustrating. We are looking shacky at the back and the fact we cannot deal with the long ball is a disgrace at this level.

The midfield need to start getting a grip when we are under pressure and offer better outlets, but at the end of the day we took the lead once again and once again we failed to hold out.

In short. In my opinion we should have won, but if you cannot hold on to a lead and you cannot deal with a limited lump of shit like Howard then a draw is always on the cards.

Play up Sky Blues

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No go for Vokes

By Ian Palmer

It appears that the Sky Blues’ bid to bring Wolves striker Sam Vokes in on loan has fallen through.
A deal had all been reached for the 19-year-old Welsh international, but failure to agree on the finer points of the deal has seen it collapse.

Chris Coleman told the Coventry Telegraph: 'It looks like the Sam Vokes deal is dead in the water.'

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Wolves manager Mick McCarthy told the Express and Star: “The option for him to go to Coventry may well have gone, because it hasn’t been done.

“It was set up to be done but they didn’t do it, so we’ll see because there are a few clubs that want him.”

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Sky Blue PaperTalk: Best Warms Up for Cannavaro

By Mel Dixon

This week’s papertalk looks at Saturday’s 1-1 draw with friendly neighbours Leicester City. A win would have seen the Sky Blues bypass the Foxes and move into the final play-off position, but for now we must make do with eleventh place.

So far, so reasonable.

Her Majesty’s press corps saw the game as either the story of Nigel Pearson’s tactical genius or Leon Best’s preparation for pitting his wits against Italy’s finest.

How dare they suggest this was a mere warm up game for our full-blooded Irish striker!

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THE SKY BLUES Vs THE FOXES

The Daily Mirror that’s who. They displayed a pun which was galling in its originality, and simultaneously rather indecent if read more literally: “BEST YET TO COME ON IRISH CALL-UP.” Indeed. The first paragraph began with: “Leon Best believes he can do better against Italy than Leicester after being denied by Wayne Brown.” I was half expecting a quote from Best saying: “Cannavoro’s a sissy,” or “Buffon’s a buffoon,” but the closest he comes to suggesting he can do better against the Italians is to say: “I feel I can get a goal every time I go out to play and it should be no different at international level.” The arrogance of the man...

The Mirror saw the draw as a fair result after Nigel Pearson gambled by bringing on three strikers. Martyn Waghorn grabbed the goal, and he credited strike partner Steve Howard for setting it up: “I know that if I make a run then nine times out of ten Steve will win the header and that’s what happened.” Make that ten out of ten if he’s up against Stephen Wright.

The Sun was slightly more confused about the nature of the result. Waghorn’s strike was “just reward” whilst Coventry will be feeling “hard-done-by.” The Sun’s main area of focus was on the Leicester striker, as summed up in their intro: “Most players want to avoid the supersub tag - but young Martyn Waghorn is only too happy to make an impact off the bench.” Cue more praise for Pearson’s ‘bold move’ before finishing the piece with Best’s hopes of scoring his first international goal on Saturday. The Sun’s Star Man? Well that obviously had to be Waghorn. The reason given? “Nice finish.”

The Times focused on the Leicester manager’s crucial intervention: “An inspired triple substitution on the hour mark earned Leicester a point, and possibly unearthed a future forward pairing for Nigel Pearson, the manager.” For them, the equaliser was particularly cruel on Sammy Clingan who was off the pitch with an ankle injury when his goal was cancelled out.

The Mail on Sunday summed it up in a similar manner when they described Pearson as the: “architect of Leicester’s second-half comeback.” Asked about his intervention, Pearson humbly responded: “I don’t know about management genius but it was a gamble worth taking.” That’s right Nigel; you were lucky.

Very lucky.

Enjoy the international break...

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Charity Hilarity

By GMK MrAngry

I completed the CCFC survey I got sent last week and thought I'd send the comments to the club direct. I mention below that several of the questions in the survey revolve around the perceived significance of the club within the community. Since I completed the survey, I went to the CCFC website to find details of the community type stuff you do.

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I completed the CCFC survey I got sent last night and thought I'd send the comments to you direct. I mention below that several of the questions in the survey revolve around the perceived significance of the club within the community. Since I completed the survey, I went to the CCFC website to find details of the community type stuff you do. So treat this first bit as a P.S.

Specifically, I was looking for details regarding school parties and also tickets for charities as the Clinton School PTA auction is coming up. The Community Involvement Programme page demonstrated perfectly the outward perception of what the club is doing in community. The page is blank. It has been blank since 25th June 2008. See Here

But that didn't matter, because I found at
that over 200 tickets will be allocated to charities in the course of the season. 200 out of 33,000 would be 0.6% of the tickets going to charities. But that is if you forget to divide by 23, the minimum number of home games, so actually 0.026% of the tickets go to charities. Or if you prefer fractions, 1/3,795. Another way to look at it would be 8.7 tickets given away per match.

There was a slight problem with entering the draw (the mere fact you conducted a draw suggest you are heavily oversubscribed and too tight to fulfil demand) for those charity tickets, the deadline was 30th September. So It's just been missed. Oh no, sorry, it was 30th September 2008, so the deadline has just had its first birthday! So I'm assuming that would make this years proportion 0.00%. As a fraction that would be 0/759,000.

What I suppose I should ask is how doable would it be to allow in a school party of under sevens, as you are not charging for them anyway. Or would you still want the JSB membership for them? Spending money on the new JSB section is all well and good, but you've got to get the kids into the ground in the first place for that to be of any use.

You can have Liz Cooper making statements about the commitment to Fans of the Future and the like, but those two web pages I have highlighted tell a different story. It seems that the new JSB section, besides what will happen on the launch day, is little more than an exercise in targeting the merchandising and refreshments at the kids. Speaking as a parent, that isn't going to encourage me!

I also noticed that there are details of the cheap charity tickets with the revenue split on the website too. That's just the four charities now of course. Oh no, it's not now, yet again the details on the website relate to last season. HERE, updated sometime on 5th October after I sent my email, perhaps I know, and take notice of, the clubs website better than they do!

Survey Comments-

My Dad and I first got a season ticket in 1991. I used to regularly write for the GMK fanzine, sold it home and (sometimes) away, edited it for a while, and ran the protests, which saw the departure of Gordon Strachan and Bryan Richardson.

I gave up on away games a few years ago -that was just due to the cost really. This year gave up on the season ticket. Even taking out the cost of the ticket -which I could still get on a student discount- the whole thing for me and my 76-year-old Dad (Pensioner rate!) is too poor value for money.

The football isn't much cop and the club seems to try as hard as possible to destroy any form of atmosphere. The summer exodus made it clear that the only ambition the club has is to do the minimum amount possible to remain in the 6th richest division in the world and that if there is a prevailing wind and the stars are aligned, we might just scrape the play offs in a Hull City/Crystal Palace fashion, but go more the way of Derby County.

It's too much cash and I have no belief, and if someone with my record has no belief, you are in trouble. You can also factor in that the Kenilworth supporters now goes from my house (well, the pub opposite) and I still can't be bothered so much. Middlesboro was my first match and I will go to Leicester, but that is more down to the fact I don't have anything else to do.

I made the mistake of not knowing how much you jack up the prices on matchday, which was obviously a bonus on Saturday and that is really going to encourage the casual supporter to return isn't it? I didn't realise the cash-flow situation was that bad that you need to do so much to incentivise up-front payments. Hey, good start!

Well actually the bad start was before that, because we were discussing the overly polished performance at the forum from the night before in the pub and coach. Some of us listened to it; some of us were there. Yes, you can anticipate what sort of questions you are going to get -there are only so many- that is more down to the situation you have created, but it came across far more as 'every avenue covered' or 'closed'. Strong at the back shall we say? To add to that, there was the obvious concentration of questions from people who in some way already have the clubs ear, many of whom are in it for things just like being able to get a guaranteed question at the forum, and there is the added bonus that you know what questions they will ask. Not exactly a 'fans' forum.

As for the match, well two goal kicks at the start where Marcus was rightly the furthest to the left, but a stride away from the centre spot gave it away. Then the Middlesboro free-kick when every player was in a ten yard radius showed quite clearly that both sides had decided that they would kick the ball against each other for most the match and try and score one on the break, from a set piece or a cock-up. That's pretty much what happened.

I should have been totally up about the nature of the result on Saturday, but I, like so many people I spoke to were still empty with it. I noticed that more of the TVs have been taken out in the concourses and the big screen was back to being totally useless. My Dad is 76. A lot of the time when the ball is up the other end -well corners definitely- he watches the screen. He can see that. Oh, not anymore! Nice one! The whole use of that screen and things like the historical way it's tried to set up chants, with chants that no-one uses -Coventry on Coventry opposed to Come on City has shown the disconnect between fans and club. You just don't understand us or do the things we want.

The new place is pretty soulless and it took several years to establish any sign of an atmosphere inside. If you didn't know, that's a big thing in terms of the psychology that encourages people to return. It's called adrenalin. That might be useful for the players too, so I'm told. As soon as that natural corner was found where the noise makers like myself would congregate, what did you do? You decided to shut the block!!

Another thing that of course contributes to the lack of atmosphere is the distance from pubs and your beer prices. We're more likely to make some noise if we've had a few. Simple really. This also contributes to the lack of people. You might want to consider what a drop in price might do for the volume figures. Undercut the pubs, and you'll sell twice as much, get people in the ground earlier, and have a better atmosphere. Try looking at the Laffer Curve with the price thing and understand the synergies involved.

I notice several of the questions from the survey were aimed at the perception of the club being an integral part of the community. The answer is that the club is an important part of the community, but instead of acting like that, it seems it expects to 'dine out' on that perception, without living up to it.

A great example would be kids. The legacy programme. Or lack of it. Up until last season, I'd been taking my four-year old in on my shoulders. When I said that in the ticket office, they were surprised I'd been getting away with that, but then again, Bryan Richardson didn't believe it when I said people still pissed against the back of the toilets behind the west terrace!

Anyway, this week, I've talked in two different forums about kids. First off was with someone on the school PTA. He said that when he did the trips to Highfield Road, the club used to split the (cheap) ticket income with the PTA as a charity. When I spoke about it with Nigel from the Kenilworth supporter’s coach, the first words out of his mouth were 'Before the hedge fund took over..' I knew how it was going to go from then. The club gave the KSC free tickets for kids parties, KSC'd done stuff with various schools in town and not only that, they'd secured sponsorship for the coach, meaning it cost absolutely nothing for the kids to go to the Ricoh and picked up from near their school.

I must admit, I did think it would be difficult to have a regime, which understood the fans worse than the last one. The way things have gone is at least testament to the truth that 'Anything's Possible'. Whilst shaving stuff like this may be an idea to maximise short-term profit, it reduces long-term viability and income generation potential. I don't understand how you don't get that, but it is purely because you don't get 'it'. Run something like a business and people see it less as a club and more of a business, you don't develop the link. You cut the links.

The other part of legacy is of course the players. My son goes to Little Kickers in Leamington. It is basic skills, 45 mins per week at £6 a pop. With three blokes, the cost of the church hall and the kit, that makes a profit. They are oversubscribed. He has to stop going when he is five. There is bugger all for him to go to after long-term. You could do those. They make a profit, there is a demand -Christ, the Strachan boys are doing it in Leamington!!- and because the kids have been learning skills in a fun and structured way since the age of three, and they've been wearing sky blue while they've been doing it, you might end up with some kids who are actually some use! That would be a legacy strategy. This is simple stuff. Literally 'schoolboy'.

Anyway, in all, you just don't seem to understand what you have got there or what to do with it, and everything you are doing, you are doing wrong! As I don't want to pay the matchday increment and I wasted over an hour coming for tickets midweek - I should have realised I needed proof of age for my sons JSB membership, after all, it says it's needed so clearly on the membership form - I'll be over later today.

Cheers,

Joe Rukin

''Gimmick' is a word used by jealous people to describe an idea they wish they'd thought of first.' - Jimmy Hill.

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‘The Vocalists’

By Carl Newell.

The result of four years painstaking research, Lionel Bird produces a weighty factual tome uncovering the origins of a team we now call the Sky Blues, Coventry City FC, originally ‘Singers FC’.

'The Vocalists' how Singers F.C. became Coventry City FC, a must read for every Coventry City Supporter.

Written by Lionel Bird, this 360-page hardback book is called The Vocalists after the original CCFC nickname of Singers FC and is an incredibly well researched journey through the archives and features previously undocumented history of how a local team became the football club of our city.

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Containing 250 photographs, this is the definitive history of Singers FC from 1883-1898 and details all the founder members, in-depth match reports which is not only of interest to supporters but also anyone interested in the 19th century social history of the City of Coventry. It also traces the families of the founders up to the present day and their relatives’ presence at the 125th anniversary celebrations in 2008/9.

What’s more, all profits from the book will go to fund the Coventry City academy so the past really can benefit the future.

With the book limited to 1000 copies, each copy is well worth the £19.95 price but if supporters wish to pay £30 before October 23rd they will get:

A signed copy by the author, a CCFC director and a player and also their name listed in the book as an ‘Academy Champion’ sponsor.

This really would make an ideal Christmas present! Books will be on general sale in November.

To order your signed copy with your / your choice of name actually printed on a page at the front of the book.

Send a cheque, made payable to Lionel Bird, for £30 to:

Lionel Bird,

83 Nuffield Road, Courthouse Green, Coventry, CV6 7HU,

Tel. 07972 309114

Please note due to printing deadlines your cheque must be received on or before 23rd October to ensure your name is printed in the book. In the event of threatened postal strikes happening to ensure your legacy of a named sponser of this unique insight our clubs origins CCFC have made it possible to hand deliver your cheque by bringing your envelope to the CCFC store at the Ricoh Stadium on the 24th October 2009 before the game vs West Brom)

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Saving the Best till LAST.

By Smiles.

Saving the best till last would appear to be apt description of the City sainted striker Leon who, in the final year of his contract at the Sky Blues, is in the ruddiest form of his career.

The young City striker, who joined The Sky Blues in July 2007, is still only 23 and has ‘enjoyed’ some varying form and affection in his time with Coventry in perhaps what has been one of the roughest rides he could imagine, after missing that penalty for Southampton in the 2006/7 play off finals.

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Best lives up to that clich� ‘a riddle, covered in mystery, wrapped up in an enigma’ in that many have compared his obvious skill and potential being saddled with that certain, (and unfair) comparison of a‘Jay Bothroydesque’ lack of application, frustrations that saw the City front man a target for those oh so familiar boo-boys as long ago as early last season.

However, Best turned that around last year and became a cult face mask wearing hero in a phantom-of-the-football-pitch kind of way and now finds himself a pivotal player in a red hot striking partnership with City’s other Oirish English born compatriot, Clinton Morrison. It’s obvious that Best has benefited from the coaching of Steve Harrison added to a potential shop windowing experience as his profile looms larger towards the end of his contract and the chance of going to South Africa in the World Cup come next June with the Republic of Ireland.

There’s no doubting that Best has the talent, and once coached consistently, and that potential channelled, there’s less doubt he will become a half decent striker at the top level, which is why Harrison’s contribution to date has started to have a marked affect.

Whilst the success and positive contribution of any player is welcome in the mutually satisfying success of Coventry City FC, Best now finds himself proving Ray and Chris a conundrum in a ‘what happens next’ scenario. As Best becomes a lynch pin in the forward goal scoring line, his profile and saleability increases as his contract diminishes. Additionally, the Sky Blues become more exposed the more they rely on any players mercurial talents, particularly given where the club is in his contract cycle. The wolf pack has already started circling and one hopes that added draw of international glory would be enough to sustain a career on the rise as much as any loyalty to the club and supporters who, now, have so much faith and hopes resting on his young shoulders.

To be pragmatic, the overall Sky Blue experience for Leon has probably been marked by frustrations on both sides of the City coin with the youngster already having been the subject of speculation in his time in Coventry of a move to his home town of Nottingham. Although of late his fortunes have been on the up, its difficult to gauge the balance of Harrison’s’ positive contribution against any emotional scars left on the striker by the crowds past less than endearing opinion of his youthful contribution. This in itself may force Ray Ranson’s hand in cashing in on one of SISU’s first investments when they paid off the balance of his reported £650,000 transfer fee.

After all, in June he could walk for nothing, and whilst a contract offer has been reputed to have been made, no doubt the terms in that could easily be usurped by an offer from a club with bigger resources. Add those forever infuriating agents influences into the mix and you’ve one volatile cocktail waiting to spark off. Whilst, in part, its frustrating that the Ranson fronted takeover hasn’t borne the transparent riches we hoped we’d see, and a more long term ship balancing is taking place, one hopes the net investment – the bottom line that really counts in supporter opinion – is as large as the gross one we’re often quoted.

Leon Best has the ability to be one of the Jewels in the crown, but as has been the case with two of the four identified by Ray and Chris last season, sometimes when the Arabs come calling with their oily riches, the old countries have to consider what’s best for the vault in the longer term club economy.

Either way, Best can make a contribution in all the time he remains at the club, however long that may be and the balance of his affection may not only be evaluated by what sits in the bank, however, footballers are no different to any other careerist in any profession. A livelihood in a sport, particularly football, is as short as your fitness and form, as is fickleness in the world of false fandom - yesterdays hero is tomorrows zero (& vica versa) and sometimes quite quickly. Speculation over what happens next isn’t really going to help anyone, but it is an intriguing opera for the man in the mask to play out as the World Cup qualifier play offs come closer, and then what lies beyond.

In many ways, now, we have to get behind the club and the player, accept the hand we’re dealt and circumstances in the wider football economy and let’s just rest on making the best of it, whilst we can, however long that may be.

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A shorter version of this article appears in today’s Coventry Telegraph Fanzone feature.

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Sky Blues flirt with Hussey

By Ian Palmer

Coventry City are closing in on signing promising AFC Wimbledon left-back Chris Hussey.

According to the Coventry Telegraph, the 20-year-old passed a medical at the Ricoh Arena today, after the Sky Blues had agreed a nominal fee with the Conference side.

Chris Coleman said, “We are very, very close. He has just completed his medical and he’s talking with us and hopefully he will be in the squad for the weekend.”

One thing Coleman will be sure of is that a deal is never done until it’s done. The collapsed Sam Vokes loan deal is a testament to that, as is the collapse of another reported deal for an unnamed striker earlier this week.

Stay logged on to GMK Online for further developments in this story. A further announcement is expected tomorrow (Friday).

Match Preview: Sheffield Wednesday v Sky Blues.

By Smiles.

The Sky Blues travel to Hillsborough after the international break chomping at the bit to progress. Perhaps the fortnight off came at the wrong time for Chris Coleman’s comeback kings, but the progress shown in early season has undermined the pessimistic early season feeling as City sit a point off a play-off place around a quarter of the season gone.

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THE SKY BLUES Vs THE OWLS

The talk going into the game is of the potential singings of a couple of young prospects who fit the ‘well scouted, full potentialled, right priced’ young and fit profile the club appear to be following.

The Sky Blues look set to complete the signing of non-league left-back Chris Hussey today after beating off competition from Championship rivals Reading and Peterborough. The Coventry Telegraph are reporting that the 20-year-old attacking full-back will join on loan from AFC Wimbledon with a view to a permanent move in January for what is expected to be a nominal fee.

City have also been linked with Carlisle prospect Gary Madine who has yet to make a full appearance for the Cumbians, but may be known to Kieran Westwood who joined City from the same club.

GAME ON – THIS WEEKENDS FIXTURES

TEAM NEWS

Midfield seems to be the weak point for the Sky Blues with Sammy Clingan out with a broken toe and Aron Gunnarsson doubtful after playing 90 minutes for Iceland in midweek despite the Sky Blues objections that he wasn’t fit.

Isaac Osbourne is banking on taking advantage of a lack of midfield cover in his preferred position. Another player benefiting from Steve Harrison’s influence “I guess I am the natural replacement for Sammy and I just want to get myself back on the pitch in the starting eleven again. I have been pushing on a bit more in midfield but I would say that the job Sammy is doing is what I want to be doing in the future - that holding role because I am more of a defensive midfielder.”

'I said at the start of the season that if I am not looked upon as a starting player then I will have to look at getting another club, but I have been given a chance and I have got to take it. My dad has always watched me and he kept saying to me, ‘You are not a right-back,’ so I am just happy to be back playing in a position I want to play and I feel confident that I can do a job.” This is my chance to improve and prosper and I need to take my game up a level now while Sammy is out. We have got two hard away games before a massive home game against West Brom. I want to do well for myself and the team. I believe if you look after yourself then everything else takes care of itself.”

Coleman has passed his first comments on the Leon Best contract negotiation obviously expressing a wish that the talented youngster will stay, whilst being pragmatic: 'The chairman has talked with Leon's agent, and, as always, they want one thing and we want to give another. We have been talking for some while because we are very aware that his contract runs out in the summer, but we can't give what we haven't got. We think we can offer him a good contract but ultimately it will be up to Leon to see what he wants to do. We want to keep him and we have said that all along.'

One player who may not feature in Coleman’s immediate team plans is Injury-plagued Coventry midfielder David Bell who, along with James McPake, has admitted he is hoping to go out on loan to regain his fitness may get him back to a position to feature in the first team.

The 25-year-old has had a nightmare seven months following a recurring ankle injury. Having undergone ankle surgery during pre-season to cure the problem which has blighted his Sky Blues career since joining the club from Norwich in January, Bell, who is nearing a return to full fitness, commented: 'I'm over the moon that I'm back on the grass to be honest. Myself and James McPake has been like room mates in the physio room recently but it's good to we're both looking to get back sooner rather than later and hopefully if the manager sends us out on loan it would be nice if we could go to the same club. Hopefully I'm looking to try and get four or five games under my belt in a month to get back to full fitness because it's been a long time since I've played 90 minutes.'

Meanwhile Elliott Ward admits he fears for his place in the side after the international break. Having returned to the starting XI prior to the two-week interval after missing a month with a knee injury, his place in the team could be in jeopardy as Coleman is expected to recall fit-again defender Ben Turner, leaving Ward back on the substitutes bench. Speaking in the weekly press conference Ward commented: 'It has come at a bad time for me because I want to keep playing games but it is good for the other lads to have a rest. When you get in the team and there are people waiting in the wings you want to keep them out but you never know what could happen after the break. Ben could be back from his injury and the gaffer will have a bit of a headache, which is good for the manager to have that because the squad is not massive.'

Marcus Hall will be missing on compassionate grounds, due to the recent death of his father, GMK sends sincere condolences to Marcus and his family.

Sky Blues from: Westwood, van Aaholt, Wright, Ward, Cranie, Clarke, Wynter, Turner, Grandison, Cork, Cain, Osbourne, Walker, Gunnarson, McIndoe, McKenzie, Eastwood, Morrison, Best, Jeffers, Konstantopoulos.

THE OPPOSITION

Wednesday have a recent history not too dissimilar to us. Financial strife, takeover speculation and a Chairman suing fans making comments on the internet!

That all said, Wednesday are a ‘proper’ football club and Brian Laws is a well respected figure in the game and he has been shrewd in the transfer market this summer, snapping up Tommy Miller and Darren Purse on free transfers.

In addition to that, possibly the best signing of the close season has given Wednesday fans every reason to be full of optimism going for the new term after Marcus Tudgay penned a new deal with club.

Wednesday, like many League clubs have been dogged by financial constraints, rumours and failed takeover talks and chief executive Nick Parker has revealed in the last fortnight the club is making steady progress in its bid to attract major new investment from the USA. With the support of the Sky Blues former bankers.

The Owls have been forced to clear up 'a technical matter' relating to Geoff Sheard's ill-fated takeover bid last year with a statement to the Stock Exchange and Parker has assured fans the business plan implemented by himself and chairman Lee Strafford in January is the best way forward: 'Since Lee and I joined the board we've been working on an investment strategy that focuses on bringing the maximum amount of cash directly into the club. We believe the best way to do this is through the placing of new shares and not by buying the existing ones.”

'The Co-Operative Bank has been extremely supportive in discussions about how the club's debt could be restructured following investment to ensure the success of the business plan and maintain financial stability going forward. We continue to work with Inner Circle Sports in America and progress continues with a number of possible investors. All interested parties, including the bank are keen to ensure that funds raised are invested in the club so as to accelerate the published business plan that we have developed.'

Wednesday have had a mixed start to the season with an equal spread of results, however the one big spark has been the form of striker Marcus Tudgay who won the PFA Fans` Player of the Month award for August/September. The forward has scored five goals in 10 games to help put the Owls on the fringe of the play-off picture in the Championship. Tudgay commented: 'This is great news again. I would like to say thanks to the fans who voted for me. Every one of these means as much as the other, they show I`m doing the right things on the pitch.' The clubs top scorer last season seems to struggle with support upfront and a key for the Sky Blues defenders tomorrow must be if you stop Tudgay, you stop Wednesday.

On the subject of stopping Wednesday, although Wednesday have looked very good in patches recently form has taken a dip and it may be the threatened changes in the mind of Laws may find a victim in the shape of new Captain Darren Purse. Purse fell out with his manager at Cardiff last season, Darren Purse, and it would appear after replacing Sky Blues target Richard Wood in the pivotal position of club Captain speculation is rife that Purse may be dropped by his new club in a similar way after a less than convincing display at Pride park last time out.

Laws has urged his players to erase the pain of their dismal defeat to Derby by beating Coventry this weekend and Laws is demanding a positive response against the Sky Blues: “It's been a long two weeks and it's been very frustrating because in football terms it's a long time to get back playing again. However, we know what we have to do now and it's important that we bounce back. We were very disappointed with our performance at Derby but we have to get back on track.'

Not that Laws is being complacent having warned his defence any more lapses will be punished by two of the Championship's top marksmen in the Sky Blues forward line. The Owls have been dogged by individual errors in recent weeks and have been working hard to minimise them on the training field during the international break: 'They're a good side. They're like ourselves, they're scoring goals. Both strikers (Clinton) Morrison and (Leon) Best have got six goals and that tells us they're in fine form. If we make the same mistakes we've been making in recent matches then quite clearly they're likely to get a goal against us, so we've got to be at our best. After the international break we've got another three games in six days. It's another test of our character, fitness and ability. But it's another golden opportunity. There's nine points available and that would put us right back in the mix.'

Indeed midfielder Michael Gray believes the Owls players have done all they can in response to their worst display of the season at Derby. Having crashed 3-0 in their last match before the international break, leaving manager Brian Laws furious, the Owls players have appeared to have worked hard to cut out the individual errors that have cost them in recent weeks: 'It's been a tough fortnight without a game and it's time to take off the running shoes and get the boots on again. The game against Derby was put to bed early. After a long chat - and what I would call a video nasty - it was out on to the training ground to work our socks off.”

'As you can imagine, the gaffer wasn't in the greatest of moods and neither were the lads. I'm not one for moping around and thinking the world is going to end. The best thing to do is get on to the training ground and work to put things right and in fairness the lads have looked really sharp. Whatever the gaffer has asked of us we have gone out and done, which I'm sure he appreciates.'

Luke Varney is back in contention for a starting place on loan from Derby, was ineligible for Wednesday in their 3-0 defeat against his parent club in the game before the international break, but could return to partner leader scorer Marcus Tudgay up front.

Brian Laws has no new injury or suspension problems, but may be tempted to make changes in defence after his side have leaked goals in recent games. Mark Beevers gives Laws another option in central defence and he will be vying with skipper Darren Purse and Richard Wood for a place in the starting line-up. In addition defender Frank Simek and strikers Akpo Sodje and Francis Jeffers all posted their claims for a recall with impressive displays for the reserves in midweek.

Sheff Weds from: Grant, Purse, Buxton, Wood, Spurr, Potter, Gray, O'Connor Miller, Esajas, Johnson, Tudgay, Clarke, Sodje, Simek, McAllister, O'Donnell, Beevers, Simek, Jeffers.

INS AND OUTS

In: Darren Purse, (Cardiff), Darren Potter, (Wolves) Tommy Miller, (Ipswich).

On Loan Luke Varney, (Derby).

Out: Kenny Lunt, (Hereford), Peter Gilbert, (Oldham), Wade Small, (Chesterfield).

Out On Loan Luke Boden, (Northampton) Arron Jameson (Harrogate).

Released Liam McMenamin, Steve Watson, Nathan Modest, Sam Liversidge, Max Wragg.

DANGERMEN

Marcus Tudgay is the Owls leading scorer this season with 5 league goals from 10 games and one sub appearance.

He is supported by four players with 2 goals a piece with Richard Wood, 10 (0), Luke Varney 7, (0), Jermaine Johnson, 8 (3), Dutchman Etienne Esajas 3 (5) all chipping in.

Tudgay was last terms top scorer too with 14 from 4 full appearances. Wolverham born Leon Clarke was the 2nd highest scorer with 8 from 20 (9).

FORM

Sky Blues - 11th, The Championship: 16 points from 11 games.

Sheff Weds - 16th, The Championship: 13 points from 11 games.

The Owls has the 7th best attack in the league this season with 17 goals scored, 1 more than The Sky Blues

Wednesday have the 16th best defence in The Championship with 16 goals conceded, the same as The Sky Blues

Last 8 League Games:

(This Saturday vs Sheff Wednesday (A)

THE REF

The man in the middle has not been seen in a City game for over a season:

Mr C H Webster (Tyne & Wear)

Games across all leagues & competitions this season:

Games across all leagues & competitions last season:

Last City game Officiated in: Sky Blues vs Norwich 09/08/2008

Result: 4-0.

Performance: The only change of the day was in the choice of the man in the middle as it was announced on Friday that Mr D’Urso would be replaced by Mr Webster. This was at the behest, we believe, of Norwich who had a run in with that official in March with both the Norwich Manager and his assistant being fined and cautioned during the close season. As it turned out that switch didn’t do Norwich, or the Sky Blues for that matter, any particular favours and Roeder was, again, commenting negatively towards the official for a second season in succession for what he deemed as poor decisions against his side… On 11 minutes Morrison won a 2 on 1 tangle on the right delivering a cross that was calmly collected by Marshall, (no not that one) in the Norwich goal. 5 minutes later Morrison collected a miscued ball and laid it off to Gray whose shot was palmed over the bar well by Marshall. As Fox delivered the ball in from the resulting corner Mr Webster blew for an infringement returning the ball to Norwich…. A minute later came one of the most controversial moments in the game as Tabb was set free down the middle just outside the D on the area and was cynically checked by last man Stefanovic.

As play was stopped and the SBA demanded a, (not totally unjustified) red Mr Webster decided otherwise and yellow carded the Serbian former Fulham and Portsmouth back, as Tabb received treatment and rather groggily hobbled off the pitch to much concern and boos from the City support who clearly felt the challenge deserved a dismissal. As Tourretts Gary eloquently put it ‘That’s a sending off you fairy ref orifice….. Another long throw from Gunnarsson was well defended by Norwich before Mr Webster added 3 minutes of extra time to the first period in a game that was more fired up as the Stewards then went and had a word with the Pinko in the Jewson who needed calming down somewhat too….. A lofted Ward free kick was delivered into the penalty area to Beuzelin who went down to an apparent shove from Clingan on the starboard bow…

Elliott Wards’ confidently dispatched 48th minute penalty, after debutant Beuzelin went down, not totally convincingly, in the box was enough to set the Sky Blue City on their way as he strode up and placed the ball in the back of the net as confidently as any German you’ll ever meet!

Norwich attempted a response almost immediately as Fotheringham sent a long range shot over Westwood’s bar and 30 seconds later a Ward intervention against Croft failed to stop Norwich advance in a 3 on 1 against the City defender but the chance went by for the Budgies as the fans went twitters in the away end singing ‘1-0 to the referee’…. Norwich tried to respond with Fotheringham up ended in the box for a close call from Mr Webster, who gave Norwich little all day…. With the SBA happy that the Sky Blues had soaked up the Norwich pressure, departing Canaries were sung cheerio as Sooty was asked for a wave responding with a clap as Mr Webster dug out 6 minutes of extra time. Not that it mattered at that point as the Sky Blues had tidied up a good result despite Norwich maybe deserving something from the game…..7/10

PREVIOUS

The Sky Blues last faced Wednesday at Hillsborough on Saturday 23rd November 2008 recording a 1-0 win thanks to a Clinton Morrison sixtieth minute goal. That single goal warmed the faithful aginst a Wednesday side that deserved something from the 20 corners they created, and then wasted!

Chris Coleman: 'We came here with a gameplan. We did to Sheffield Wednesday what's happened to us so many times this season. We never really attempted to play pretty football. We've not won here apparently for a long, long time and we said let's go there and do to them what's been done to us week in, week out.In terms of character and the players not going missing I thought we were fantastic. I thought it was a great performance here today at a notoriously difficult place to come. Through our determination we deserved the three points.”

“We had a real good shape about us today, last week we played Plymouth and we were the best team but lost to a sucker punch, after Palace I was very critical but today we were fantastic. Our work rate was dogged, lets be hard to beat and see where that takes us. Two excellent saves from Kieran, Ward and Dann were excellent a good first game back from Stephen and a clean sheet to boot. Wrighty coming back into the youngest defence in the league, we could have come here today and it all go wrong.”

“Jay was up at four this morning with flu, not good, we tried him out at 11 o’clock this morning he wasn’t right. Tuesday will not be pretty, Swansea play good football, we need to stop them. Well here we go, back to back wins would be good, it will not be pretty - today we didn’t create that many chances but we scored a great goal and won, I’ll settle for that on against Swansea.”

Brian Laws: 'Talk about getting your pockets pinched. It was certainly that today. I'm disappointed for the players because they responded well from last week's defeat. At times we played it well and had umpteen chances to put the ball in the net, but failed miserably. You've got to take your chances and certainly in that second half they took their chance.'

Sky Blues: Westwood, Wright, Ward, Dann, Fox, Beuzelin, Doyle, Simpson (Hall 90), Eastwood (Best 79), Mifsud (Osbourne 71), Morrison.

Subs Not Used: Marshall, Turner.

Booked: Ward, Eastwood, Wright.

Goals: Morrison 60.

HISTORY

FA Cup quarter- and semi-finals apart, Hillsborough has not proved a happy hunting ground for the Sky Blues. Infact it took 15 visits for the Sky Blues to win a game in Owlerton a record that last from 1920/21 to 69/70.

Coventry have won just 6 times in 36 league visits to Wednesday, and just two in the last twelve. Other than last season the last was in a 2-1 win in April 1999 with goals from Noel Whelan and a Gary McAllister penalty. The Owls were unbeaten at home against Coventry for 48 years between 1920 and 1968 - a run that extended to 14 matches when you include Cup Games.

A selection of players who have appeared for both SWFC and CCFC are: Wilf Smith, Gary Bannister, Andy Blair, Steve Whitton, Carlton Palmer, THE LEGEND Roland Nilsson, Andy Pearce, Peter Atherton, Trond Egil Soltvedt, Kevin Gallagher, Paul Heald and David Burrows.

In 07/08 the game was abandoned on first request after 27 minutes due to a heavily waterlogged pitch, in a game, that really, should never have kicked off. was always going to be a casualty on a day that saw persistent heavy ran saturate a pitch that had been under feet of water in the summer with the well documented deluge that left large parts of the County underwater. Referee Laws explained he had no choice but to abandon the match after 27 minutes with the pitch already saturated and persistent rain showing no sign of relenting. He took the decision after receiving complaints from both sets of players on footballing and safety grounds, which supported his own take on proceedings. He said: 'As well as the ball not moving freely, which is of immediate concern to the referee, the surface was starting actually moving under your feet!

As for the game itself, it was a farce, from the match report: As a Wednesday player went down requiring treatment the SBA began the refrain ‘let him die, let him die’ which was quickly amended to ‘Let him drown’ & when Best attempted a shot and was tackled by a puddle, referee Laws blew his whistle ran across to the sideline to consult each manager with the obvious result being that was it!

The game was eventually played on Tuesday 1st April 2008 after being postponed a second time, this time not even kicking off and finished a draw.

Three of the last ten games between the sides at Hillsborough have been goalless draws.

Unsurprisingly the 5-1 defeat at Hillsborough in 2003 was Fabien Debec's last ever starting appearance for the Sky Blues!

The last eight meetings in this fixture have finished thus:

Full league Away record against Sheffield Wednesday is as follows:

Overall record against The Owls Home & Away in all competitions is as follows:

The full detail of that can be seen here:

HOW TO GET THERE

Sheffield Wednesday Football Club play at Hillsborough Football Stadium, Leppings Lane, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S6 1SW. Tel: 0870 9991867, (To get there print off the map on the link below!).

Junction 33 M1 northbound, Top of slip road, left to A630, (Follow signs to Town Centre). After Catcliff and the Serco building on the left at a major junction the road turns in the A57 as it bends right, (its all dual carriageway). The road bend in an S shape right to left and as you come down the hill with the tramway cutting across an elevated bridge above you get in the outside lane as you approach a traffic lighted junction to turn right into Sheffield Parkway A61. Follow the A61 around the north eastern side of the City Centre until you reach the major junction as the tramway comes down the hill to you left. Bear right, still on the A61 and follow signs to Owlerton / Hillsboro’ (this is still dual carriageway) and the river emerges on your right. Follow this road, which becomes Penistone Road, and the ground is a good 4 to 5 miles along on the left. There is car parking in a park before the stadium on the left but this does get very busy. If possible park up on a side street close to Maccy D’s, but avoid parking there or Morrisons, and definately the Car Dealership (Peugeot?), some supporters have been locked in here in the past!

WERE TO DRINK

The New Barrack Tavern, 601, Penistone Rd, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S6 2GA Tel: 0114 234 9148

Quite simply one of the best away pubs we visit. A proper pub, real ale, guest beers and decent food, can be a bit cramped, main room, snug and back room with a terrace garden. About a mile and half from the ground on the left. As you come down the A61 as you see signs for Penistone Road industrial Estate on your right look out for the large hilled Bamford Street turn immediately on your left, park up here, or past the pub in Burton or Chapel Street and walk to, or back to, the pub as there no direct parking outside.

You can find a map of how to get there here: (click the logo)

AMAZING FACTS

The Club was formed in 1867.

Sheffield Wednesday is one of the oldest professional clubs in the world and the fifth oldest in the English league.

They were known as 'The Wednesday' from its inception up until 1929 The club was a cricket club when it formed in 182 as The Wednesday Cricket Club.

In 1882 the cricket and football clubs parted company; the cricket club later went out of existence in 1925. The football club turned professional in 1887 after pressure from players threatening to defect to other clubs. Sheffield Wednesday won their first game as a professional club against The Mechanics 3–0.

The Wednesday were founding members of The Football Alliance in 1889, and its first champions that inaugural season.

The Wednesday joined The Football League three years later when the leagues merged. Their first season in the Football League wasn't a good one as they finished 12th out of 16 clubs in Division One.

Why Wednesday? Well according to research, the early players of the club could only play on Wednesday as the original Wednesday players were made up of working class people who could only be released from their work places on a Wednesday to play their games.

The move to professionalism took the club from Bramall Lane, which had taken a share of the ticket revenue, to the new Olive Grove.

Hillsborough is Wednesdays’ 5th ground, although they have been there since the late 1800’s! Wednesday played at Highfield between 1867-68, Myrtle Road until 1877, Sheaf House between 1877-87, and Olive Grove until 1898 when they moved into Hillsborough when the lease on that ground expired.

Due to an expansion of the local railway lines, the club was told that they would have to find a new ground for the 1899–1900 season. After a difficult search the club finally bought some land in the village of Owlerton, (Hence The Owls), which at the time was several miles outside the Sheffield city boundaries. Construction of a new stadium (now known as Hillsborough Stadium) was completed within months and the club was secured for the next century.

Hillsborough is the second biggest stadium in the Championship (After St James' Park - Newcastle United) and 12th biggest in the whole of England and contains the largest undercover ‘end’ in Europe, ‘The Kop’.

Not too sure about this one, as well as initially sharing Bramall Lane Wednesday’s original nickname was 'The Blades', At the start of the 20th century, when a player presented them with an owl mascot to honour their stadium at Owlerton, adjacent to Hillsborough, the club became known as 'The Owls'.

The Owls have spent the majority of their history in the top flight of English football. They have won four League titles, three FA Cups and one League Cup, howevert their League Cup triumph of 1991 is their only major trophy since 1935.

A run to the FA Cup Final in 1966 was notable in that Wednesday played all their ties away from home.

The club was embroiled in the British betting scandal of 1964 in which three of their players, Peter Swan, David Layne and Tony Kay, were accused of match fixing and betting against their own team in an away game at Ipswich Town The three were subsequently convicted and, on release from prison, banned from football for life.

Wednesday were relegated at the end of the 1969–70 season, starting the darkest period in the club's history. After going into free-fall they dropped to the Third Division for the first time in their history and were marooned there for five seasons. The club was almost relegated to the Fourth Division in 1976, but a revival under the management of Jack Charlton, and the aid of coach Tony Toms, and after Charlton resigned in 1983, Howard Wilkinson, saw them return to the First Division in 1984.

Wednesday did reach both domestic cup finals in 1993, but incredibly lost 2-1 to Arsenal at Wembley on both occasions.

Like the Sky Blues, Sheffield Wednesday were also one of the founding members of The Premier League in 1992.

A renowned Wednesday institution was the Wednesday Band, a brass band that played during matches. Although unpopular amongst many rival fans (and some home fans),they have released several records and have been invited to regularly attend England matches. They were often banned from away grounds and suffered the same fate at home until March 22 2009, when the band returned to Hillsborough. Their future is unknown, their return was a success and now decisions have to made at boardroom level to see if their position back on the Kop is long-term.

Supporters' groups include Wednesdayite, an independent football supporters' organisation which owns over 10% of Sheffield Wednesday Football Club

The fastest sending off in British League football is held by Sheffield Wednesday keeper Kevin Pressman - who was sent off after just 13 seconds for handling a shot from Wolverhampton's Temuri Ketsbaia outside the area during the opening weekend of 2000 season.

The fastest shot ever recorded in the Premiershipwas hit by David Hirst against Arsenal at Highbury in September 1996 - Hirst hit the bar with a shot clocked at 114 mph.

On 18 August 2009, Sheffield Wednesday announced that they would improve Hillsborough Stadium by increasing the capacity to 44,825 by 2012 and 50,000 by 2016.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ ____________________________

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09/10 GMK PL Week 8, Game 11.

By Smiles

Well we’re back and running again with a local derby against Leicester. As is often the way this one ended in a draw and, although, it was nearly a fortnight ago because of the international break, I’ve actually got around to updating the league tables! Predictable?!! How did you do?

Links:

(Tuesday night vs Cardiff (A)

(Saturday 17th October v Sheff W 17/10/09 (A))

To follow: (The Rules)

Here’s this weekends fixtures for you to predict.

Game 11: (kick off deadline to post by: 3:00 pm)
Predict the outcome of:

Sheff Wednesday v Coventry: :
First Goal Coventry Scorer: :
Crowd: :

Championship Games:

Predict the outcome of the following games:

Home (H), Away (A) or Draw (D), (NO SCORES, you HAVE TO POST H / D or A):

Saturday 17th October 3:00pm unless stated:

Blackpool vs Plymouth :
Bristol C vs Peterborough :
Cardiff vs C Palace :
Doncaster vs Barnsley :
Ipswich vs Swansea :
Leicester vs Derby :
Middlesbro vs Watford :
Nottm Forest vs Newcastle 17:20 :
QPR vs Preston :
Scunthorpe vs Sheff Utd - 12:00:
Sheff Wed vs Coventry :
West Brom vs Reading :

Cheers Smiles.

Coventry City Results Prediction League

With 1 perect ten in the bag, we could have had a 2nd this if Wils had put a score in his prediction rather than D! with no goals predicted (0-0) everthing else was right for 5 points but that D cost him, possibly the rest!

Last weeks leader MrTickle (+2) stays top with 37 points as Sky_Blue_Up_North (+2) stays 2nd with 34 points. SteveC189 (+2) climbs from 5th to 3rd on 30 points to make up the top 3.

We now have a 6 way tie for 4th all on 29 points SkyBlueBertie (+/2) climbs from 6th taking Torchie (+2) with him from 7th, Tisza (+/-0) stands still & SB Gus (+/-0) emailed prediction does him little good, SkyBlueNemo (+3) posted one does lifting him from 9th, Turk1965 (+7) nearly becomes the top soccer rising from 15th. Making up the top 10 are Oblong (+2) down two places & HK-BlueSkies (+8) was our top scorer rising to 11th from 19th.

Edgy (+3) stays 12th in equal 13th are Vicar_in_A_Tutu (+7) up from 21st & SkyBlueExile (+2) both on 26 points.

LordSummerisle (+/-0) drops out of the top 10 from 10th to 15th still on 25 points after going for a Leicester win and is joined by Bagsy (+2), down from 13th to 16th & then ME (+2) dropping from 14th to 17th on 24 points.

Danny (+2) drops a place to 18th on 23 points and then there’ s a 4 way tie for 19th with DimiTheGreat, (+2), Perdomo (+3), Sunday Ref (+3) & QPRSkyBlue (+2) all squeezing into the top 20.

Dropping out is Lagger (+2) down to 24th from 16th.

Everyone else follows….

The gap from 1st to 10th is now 9 points (-1) & 1st to 20th 15 (+/-0).

Here’s the updated league.

The top 25 on the front page has also been updated.

If the board is down for any reason or you cannot post email me your predictions! gmkadmin@hotmail.co.uk

For a reminder on how to score points again check the rules on the home page on the blue bar, when I’ve worked out how to do it!

Championship Results Prediction League

Anyways, there were 16 (+/-0) points to go this week.

SkyBlueNemo (+8) stays top on 85 now 5 (-1) ahead of last weeks 2nd place BerksSkyBlue(+9) still on 80 points a point ahead arch rival KeanoNo1 (+8), RickyCCFC (+6) stays 4th with 76 points. Danny (+8) moves into the top 5 from 10 on 69 points equal with SBGus, (+4) down from 5th and Turk1965 (+5) still in 7th.

In 8th are still me (+2), Tisza (+7) & Edgy (+7) upto 10th from 18th.

The next 10 are separated by just 3 points, dropping out of the top 10 in 11th after missing his prediction is my lad OwenSkyBlue (+/-0) with 65 points.

In equal 12th are Sky_Blue_Up_North, (+5), Perdomo (+6) up from 19th Neil10 (+4) down 2 all on 64 points, in equal 15th are SkyBlueBertie (+4), Bagsy (+4) & Blaggy, (+3) all on 63 and finally all on 62 are CovAtron (+/-0) down 9th to 18th SteveC189 (7) & QPRSkyBlue top scorer with (+9) in 20th.

Dropping out of the top 20 is SkyBlue87 (+/-0) 11th to 21st & Blind Faith (+5), Lagger (+/-0) & CovFanMartin, (+5).

So with 40 playing (+15) 1st to 10th is now a gap of 19 points (+5) & 1st to 20th 23 points (+1)

The average points moved up from 3.48 to 5.45 (+1.97) and overall total to 218 from 87 (+131).

There were 17 points to go for (+1) and the top scorer was anyone with 9 points.

Here's the table after week 8 game 11:

After todays games I’ll do a quicker update, as well as our first look at the final championship table based on every team having completed 11 games.

Any issues then please e-mail me at the usual address!

Have an article to publish?

Have your say on GMK! GMK Prints open Access Articles from any contributor.

Mail us at:

Saturday 17th October – 15.00 pm Hillsborough.
Yesterday I doubt we got the first touch to 20% of all the set pieces we delivered in, even the goal/non goal hit the Sheff Wed player to go goal wards!!, the worst was a long throw that 4 Sheff Wed defenders challenged for and no Cov player was in 5 yards of where the ball was cleared from. Set pieces are vital in these modern days, they are easy chances to score, you have a great attacking position, so why oh why are we not more of a threat from them? Coleman has to prioritise this as a key part of the game because we are a third class citizen when it comes to this part of the game.

Player Ratings and Well that was shite!!!

By Knowl

“Set pieces are part of the game - World Cup finals have been settled on set pieces” quote from Martin O’Neil, after Vile beat Chelsea yesterday.

So why am I quoting Martin O’Neil, I’m pretending you ask or care,? Because we have three ways of getting the ball into the box from set pieces, throw ins, corners and free kicks.

We are crap at all three of them, yes ok we have scored direct from free kicks this season but from crosses?

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ ________________

Three Parish Notices.

Firstly, ok the preamble of this part is too long, but still, we conceded a soft goal from a simple set piece.

Secondly, what has Craine done so wrong? Started his Cov career so well alongside Turner, since he has been moved out to right back, and subsequently dropped, we have conceded 12 goals in six games. Yesterday Wright was a major weak spot and was targeted from the kick off, Ward alongside him was just as ropey, his needless lunge in the first half resulted in the pen which put us 2 down. Our best centre back partnership this season has been Craine and Turner, ok they conceded 5 in 5 but that included our only two clean sheets of the season. We have been chronic at the back recently and everyone seems to be asking why Craine has been dropped, put simply, Coleman the best managers do not have favourites, they drop players when they are a liability at the back, even if they have cost millions, Wright and Ward are affecting the whole team and neither are being picked on merit so why are they being picked?

Lastly, the goal that was not but was and the pen that was but then was not. The goal was a goal, the keeper Camp gave that away by just staying where he was, he did not argue or protest he just stayed quiet and waited to see what happened. When the goal was not given he still stayed down for a while and when he finally got rid of the ball he had a smile and chat with the centre half that seemed to indicate he knew he had got away with one. The pen, seemed like a pen at the time, Best was taken out and the ref who was in the best position gave it, however, the lines man overcalled, which in a way is good refing, but without being able to see it again I will never know if it was the right decision or not.

However, lets not be overly critical of the officials, we lost because we were poor and the ref did not make the never ended poor passes, he did not stop us from moving off the ball, he did not cause us to show such lack of composure in the box and he did not cause us to defend like we had never met each other before, yes the ref and his assistance were poor but we were worse.

HOW THEY LINED UP
Coventry: Westwood, Wright (c), Van Aanholt, Ward, Turner, Cork, Osbourne, Gunnarsson, (Eastwood 58), Best, McIndoe, (Cain 71), Morrison.

Subs Not Used: Konstantopoulos, Craine, Grandison, Clarke, Walker.

Booked: Ward.

Sent Off: None.

Goals: None.

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Westie – 6 Could do nothing with the free header from the corner or the pen. Did not have to make a save after that, caught all the crosses near him but he will play in more demanding matches and end up on the winning side.

Wright – 4 Targeted from the first minute and was skinned numerous times even before we went one down. The guy is not leading his troops and the amount of times where we needed someone to take charge and calm the players down that went begging were obvious to all, Wright might well be mouthy but that does not mean he is a leader. Sheff Wed realised that the he could be double teamed when we play 4123 and the centre back on his side had to offer more protection but Ward was just as poor.

Van Aanholt – 7 If he showed the same composure in front of goal as he did while taking players on in the centre of midfield he would have walked away with his first goal for us. One pass to get McIndoe behind his full back was the sort of pass we saw Wise make, it was a “you run where I want you to because I know best” type of pass and maybe he could play in a more central position in this division.

Ward - 4 Ward prefers to play on the left of the two centre backs but that does not quite explain why he offered no assistance to Wright, or why he continues to shank the ball when ever it is on his left foot. One of my major problems with Ward has always been his decision making especially when he goes to ground, now he got booked for a badly mistimed sliding tackle when Sheff Wed got behind Wright once again and he was lucky not to get booked for his needless sliding tackle for the penalty. Now everyone knows that if you go to the floor in the box you need to win the ball otherwise you will be penalised and Ward did not and we were. Ward has not impressed since he got back in and like Wright his continued presence in the side is a needless worry for us all.

Turner - 6 Not brilliant by any stretch of the imagination but he was a lot better than the two more senior players to his right. In the second half he produced two goal saving tackles and his side of the defence was more secure than the right hand side. My problem with Turner is his distribution, the lad needs to stop looking so far way, some times the most effective pass is the one ten yards to the central midfielder, we have two good ball playing midfielders on the pitch so why spend some much time bypassing them?

Cork - 6 When we played at our best, when we put our best moves together and pulled Sheff Wed apart, Cork was the catalyst. A simple pass round the corner here, a quick change of feet there or when a bit of vision and confidence was needed it was often supplied by the Chelsea loanee. Not his best game and he missed Sammy Clingan as much as anyone, and fuck did we miss the Irishman, but he stuck to it and Cork will become a massive figure in the next week or so. Interestingly, when we started the match in a 4123 formation he was the one and to be honest it did not work in the short time we tried it. He is our best box to box midfielder so why pigeon hole him so deep?

Gunnar – 6 Lets hope his injury is not too bad. The positives, he was the best midfielder on the pitch for a spell in the second half. He really took the game by the scruff of the next and was trying to get us going. Negatives, lack of movement for long periods, no cohesion with Cork in the middle of the park for long periods and he was not involved for long periods. Gunnar typified our attitude yesterday, had a decent spell but too much of the time he was aimless and lacking any threat.

Osborne - 5 Really really hard to rate, Ozzie started on the right of the middle three and did not really get involved. He then moved wide right and was involved even less. Moved back to the middle and was hardly involved, in fact the only memorable thing he did was dissect the two players on the right hand side of the pitch when he had half an hour to pick his pass and half the pitch to aim at. Then we played 4213, and he was playing very close to Wright, it would have been comical to watch if it had not been so pitiful for us in the away end. Ozzie was so peripheral to the action it is hard to give him any rating to be honest, a four would have been too harsh but a five does not tell the story of how little impact he had on the game.

McIndoe - 6 Busy as always, when we attack with the ball on the deck he will always be a decent outlet and he is intelligent with the ball without being a typical winger. It would be easy to tarnish him with the same brush as some of the others but within his own little game he played well. The team lacked an aim and ideas but McIndoe when used played well and was always available, another above par performance by a player who will never be the player some want on the wing but is a valuable asset in the way we play.

Clinton – 6 Erm, whined a lot. Had very little service of note, linked up well with the midfield when he was given the opportunity and as we all know, Clinton comes alive in the box and on the limited number of times he was given the ball in the box he looked ok. Not going to bash a striker when the rest of the team were as aimless as we were yesterday.

Best – 7 Is he getting better? He is looking more confident that he ever has and is now looking like a tricky striker when the balls at his feet. Could have got a shot away quicker in the second half but his hold up play and link up play deserved better than he received from his colleagues.

Subs

Eastwood - On half an hour and played wide right and behind the strikers but never really got involved.

Cain - Came on and played wide right, looked ok in the mess that was our late tactical rearrangements.

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Coleman 5

Drop Wright and Ward you prat. We are shipping goals like no ones business. The lack of leadership on the pitch needs sorting quickly, because we are not a team with leaders throughout the side, so we need the senior players to take charge during difficult periods of the game and this is not happening. There are times when players have time to bring the ball down but we are just panicking and smacking the ball away as quickly as possible, because no one is giving them a shout and putting them at ease to play their own game.

The set pieces are a shambles as mentioned above and as we come up to two years of Colemans management I would expect us to see a pattern at least of what we are trying to achieve but it looks as disorganised as the day he took over and that is not good enough.

If we are too play 4123 we have to pressure the opposition high up the field as often they cannot cope with limited space, so why do we play so fucking deep? Our defence is on the 18 yard, our midfield is ten years further forward and then there is massive gap to Best on the half way line, this gives the opposition so much space its untrue, and an easy let out ball as there is always one centre back in acres of space. We need to push up, we need to minimise the space and restrict the time and freedom we are currently giving teams at times.

Finally, we were aimless at times yesterday, I mean seriously aimless, no pattern or structure about our play. That will happen when you have a midfield as young and inexperienced as ours but that is not an acceptable excuse. The change of formation so early was a great thing to see but if the original formation was played correctly we would not have needed to alter the way we were playing.

In short.

Too many players played badly, too many players hid and failed to show the maturity needed after conceding an early goal. I have seen some disjointed and aimless performances in my time following the mighty Sky Blues but yesterday was as a frustrating 90 mins even I have had in my life. My personal mantra this season has been to not get carried away with every victory and to not get to down beat with every defeat. So in that spirit, lets put this behind us and watch how we cope with the injuries at Cardiff.

Play up Sky Blues

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The GMK Match Report: Sheffield Wednesday v Sky Blues.

By Smiles

A trip & game, in the civilised side of Sheffield is ruined by a prick and two clits. Oh god! I’ve come over all Team America! A disappointing display all round; as City beat themselves with a little help from a crap ref and his two cuckolded ‘assistants’. If you’re not prepared to have the balls to make big decisions boys, eunuch what lads, you’ll always play second fiddle with your flags keeping you company, safe as comfort blankets, tucked up with mummy…

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Saturday 17th October 2009 – 3.00 pm Hillsborough.

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TEAM CHANGES
With Marcus Hall missing again, this time, sadly, due to a family bereavement, it was Martin Cranie, again, who made way for another returning defender in the shape of Ben Turner.

Osbourne effectively replaced the injured Sammy Clingan and McIndoe Eastwood as City made 3 changes from the team that drew with Leicester before the international break.

Eastwood and Cranie dropped to the bench with Jeffers dropping out of the squad.

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1st Half.

I like Sheffield, a bit. This bit of Sheffield I like a lot and by a different quirk of fate I could have lived here at the end of the eighties, but that’s another story.

This wasn’t a game I was going to do this season, been there, done that etc, but for the intervention of Mr Murdock, Terry of Owlsonline and Moz, this became a ‘must do’. A quick spurt up the M1 and a convivial few jars with the above, minus, (Well 100% minus) Rupert with a few Northern based GMKers it was a jog up Penistone Road, (no tittering at the back) and paying our respects at the Hillsborough memorial, (which looked like it could do with a wash), it was a hop up the steps of the now renamed Carling West Stand, (very dry of, any, Carling) ready in time for kick off.

The stadium was a few thousand lighter than I expected it to be as the game kicked off City playing towards us as the rather annoying band sparked up in the other end in a, largely, quiet atmosphere.

The Owls started much the brighter as Johnson broke free down and sent in a low cross that just evaded the onrushing Clarke.

If that warning wasn’t enough that Wednesday meant business a minute later Purse climbed high from Darren Potter's corner to nod past the committed Kieren Westwood, as Ward looked a passenger against the recently under fire former Cardiff man - now the Owls Captain.

The Sky Blues struggled to get a toe in the game with Owls keeper Lee Grant untroubled and it was the Owls that struck next on 19 minutes to double their advantage. O'Connor was felled in the box as Elliott Ward left a trailing leg out after a jinking run through defence that started with Cork giving up the ghost. As a result up stepped Clarke to blast emphatically into the back of the Kop net past Westwood who had dived to his left as the ball went right.

And to be honest that was it game over, Wednesday stepped off the gas as we eased, and boy was it ease, back into the game as The Sky Blues had to wait until the half-hour mark before truly threatening and PVA should have done better when the ball fell at his feet just 12 yards scooping the ball high over the crossbar.

With Wednesday largely in control City changed from the early 4123 to a more conventional 4-4-2 which started to reap rewards and should have bought the half to end with more hope for the second period, as City were denied a goal in controversial circumstances.

A deep Coventry corner found its way to Leon Best, whose header crossed the line before Grant scooped it out lying, (very much lying as it happens), still awaiting the contentious decision from the unsighted officials. With Mr Webster asking his left sided, as we looked at it, assistant for guidance the one official (with the yellow flag), who should have given it, bottled it to the fury of the City frontline and the travelling support.

You make your own mind up, (still from the BBC coverage reproduced with grateful thanks of their excellent TV coverage on the I-player).

Half Time

Half time: Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 Coventry.

The pies at Hillsborough are crap.

2nd Half

The sense of injustice spurred the Sky Blues to a better 2nd half performance, as they came out for the closing period but to compound the challenge, influential midfielder Aaron Gunnarsson was stretchered off after 55 minutes from a crude challenge that deserved a different card to Clarke, and Gray as much for the antics of trying to force the clearly in pain Icelander to his feet in, what is a suspected fractured leg. Both were was lucky it was yellow and Gray to escape with nothing.

Then Grant was forced into action, with the keeper saving comfortably from Ward's speculative overhead kick on the hour as City pressed for a reply.

If the earlier two decisions were enough to rile the passion in the City support, the Sky Blues thought they had earned a penalty when Best was hacked down under challenge from Tommy Spurr. The referee blew and pointed for a spot-kick but, after consulting with his assistant, Mr Webster gave the ball to the Owls. How the officials earnt their bonus from this game. Notes in a brown envelope to be picked up from Woolley Edge..

With Wednesday not quite believing their fortune, they embarked make into the City box and nearly made it three as, the lucky to be on the pitch, Clarke found space in the penalty area to curl a shot that beat both Westwood and the far post.

Osbourne drilled a shot that was beaten out, legitimately this time, by Grant as the Sky Blues enjoyed more of the possession in the closing stages, as the game fizzled out with the Owls cruising to victory.

So, being magnanimous in defeat, its true that Wednesday deserved the game for the first half hour performance alone - when they didn’t have to get out of third gear to accumulate a, largely unchallenged, two goal lead, before we decided that there was a game to be played in, and at least drawn. Even at that point you felt they had enough in the tank to drive home a third, should we have had the goal that was rightly ours.

Grant and Laws can go on all they like about the officials not being able to see whether the ball was over the line or not, as the pictures clearly show it was, and at 2-1 before the break the 2nd period was a different prospect. We were cheated out of that goal because the officials just weren’t doing what they were paid to do. But they were not alone.

For large parts of the game we just weren’t in it. The stats may tell you we had more shots etc, but we just weren’t good enough, and would have been lucky to get a point from this. I’m not going to say that this was the worst Sky Blue performance I’ve seen for a while, as it wasn’t, I’ve seen plenty worse that this, believe me, and still I keep coming back for more. However, there’s an increasing number who won’t.

So we’re off to Cardiff and then entertain league leaders The Baggies on Saturday, two games on this showing I’d be very surprised to get anything more than 2 or 3 points from, and that’s no criticism of our slim squad, because I don’t think we’ve got the depth to compete. What’s missing at ‘our club’ , to get the backing of those that have drifted away, is a sign of commitment and backing for Chris Coleman. Why should supporters part with their money, if our suitors seem unprepared to do so with theirs?

I’m not suggesting there’s crisis at the club, far from it, but for many a treading water exercise this season, is not enough. I’ll be at both Cardiff and the Baggies home game at the weekend, in fact all 5 games in October along with the diehards who do this week in week out, but that band of merry men is thinning. I’m also not going to cry over split milk, but I’d just like to seem some cr�me. A la flamb�, please Ray. Over to you.

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AFTER GAME QUOTES

Chris Coleman:

'If I made decisions like that - as bad as that - I'd be called into question, and rightly so. So why should they be any different?'

'First, we score a goal - everyone in the ground knew it - but the officials haven't given it. Then the referee has given us a penalty and he's been overruled by his assistant. He's supposed to be the boss, so I don't understand that'.

'Sheffield Wednesday were better than us. They wanted it more, they played with more aggression and they deserved three points. But it's not for the officials to decide - they've got to make the right decisions - and they've got two major calls wrong'.

'In the second half we were better, but it couldn't get much worst than our first 30 minutes. But we had already lost goals and lost battles all over the pitch. They wanted it more than us - they were ready from the first minute, and that's why we lost the game.'

Brian Laws:

'I thought it was a great first half performance, we deserved the two-goal lead and could have had scored more so in terms of a response they ticked all of the boxes. The second half was a workman-like performance to make sure we secured the result.'

'Coventry were always going to try to get a goal and open us up more after the break but I thought we defended well as a team without having to play well in the second half. I was really delighted for the players, particularly the captain, Darren Purse, who has come in for a lot of criticism. He's had a lot to bear on his shoulders over the past two weeks and you can't ask for much from him than to get the first goal - he was outstanding and didn't put a foot wrong. Darren has answered a few critics in that respect and he will want to put in a few more performances like that. The main thing though, was that he responded and justified being in the team.”

'We have a camera that is on this side of the field and it shows there is no way the linesman should give the ball as being over the line, Granty smothered it and wedged it against the post so there is no way the official could have adjudged it over the line because it certainly didn't appear to from the angle I have seen.'

'I think the biggest decision was regarding an outstanding tackle from Tommy Spurr. The referee was the wrong side and initially gave a penalty but again the assistant referee said it was a fair challenge and a good challenge and you have to applaud the officials for that because it is a brave decision. Coventry might have felt hard done by with that decision and when you make a challenge like that you take a risk so it is vital to take the ball cleanly so I have to say well done to the player too.'

“On the whole I was very pleased because we showed we could play good football in the first half and we showed we could grind out a result in the second half.'

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______________________________

HOW THEY LINED UP

Sky Blues: Westwood, Ward, Turner, Van Aanholt, Wright, Osbourne, McIndoe (Cain, 71), Cork, Gunnarsson, (Eastwood, 58), Morrison, Best.

Subs Not Used: Konstantopoulos, Cranie, Walker, Clarke, Grandison

Booked: Ward.

Goals: None.

Owls: Grant, Purse, Buxton, Spurr, Beevers, Johnson, (Miller, 89), Potter, Gray, (McAllister, 77) , O'Connor, Varney, Clarke, (Sodje,74)

Subs Not Used: Hinds, Jeffers, Simek, O'Donnell.

Booked: Beevers, Clarke.

Goals: Purse (4) Clarke (20 – Pen)

Att: 20,026

Ref: C Webster (Tyne & Wear). 4/10

Man of The Match: : Best.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______________________________

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The man in the middle hasn’t been seen around these parts for a while:

Sky Blues seal Hussey loan signing

By Ian Palmer

Coventry City has secured the signature of Chris Hussey on loan from AFC Wimbledon, with a view to a permanent move in the January transfer window.

The 20-year-old left back will be in the squad for the Sky Blues’ trip to Cardiff City on Tuesday night.

Chris Coleman told the official Coventry City website that he was pleased with the capture.

“There has been no secret about the fact that several clubs were trying to sign Chris, so we are delighted he has opted to come to Coventry City.

“He is a very promising young left-back and we believe he has a bright future with us.”

Sky Blues land Madine on loan

By Ian Palmer

Chris Coleman has made his second loan signing in 24 hours by securing the signature of striker Gary Madine from Carlisle United.

The 6 foot 4 inch striker has made just 10 appearances Carlisle, but Coleman has seen enough to be impressed, and snapped up the 19-year-old until January, when it is believed the Sky Blues will endeavour to make the move a permanent one.

According to the Times and Star, Madine will not be allowed to play for Coventry in the FA Cup, and Carlisle will have the option to recall the striker in the second and third months of the deal.

Madine comes with a whisper of a fiery reputation. He was arrested and fined for being drunk and disorderly in Carlisle last month. GMK Online can confirm, however, that he is not Kevin Kyle in disguise…

Match Preview: Cardiff City v Sky Blues.

By Smiles.

The meeting off the CCFC’s. The Sky Blue City travel to South Wales for an ominous mid week meeting at the new Cardiff Stadium. A threadbare, well stretched Sky Blues squad seek a minor miracle against high scoring, well-placed Cardiff who seem to be enjoying the fresh green-green grass of their new home…

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THE SKY BLUES Vs THE BLUEBIRDS

When you operate on a skeleton staff its hard not to laugh at bare bones. Very hard. But dem bones, dem bones dry bones, and we’re past smiling - as City slip into the lower half of the table for the first time this season.

With a trip to third placed, high scoring Cardiff and then the visit of (currently) top of the league West Brom on Saturday, you can’t help feeling a little up against it at present at City move into the 2nd quarter of the season.

With such a slim squad, stretched by injuries to key midfielders, its time for those left to step upto the plate, and put some muscle to the sinew, and dig deep for goals whilst keeping it tight at the back…

GAME ON – THIS WEEKS FIXTURES

TEAM NEWS

Aron Gunnarsson will be missing from the Sky Blues ranks for the trip down the M50 to Cardiff having suffered a suspected broken leg in the weekend’s trip to Hillsborough.

The influential Icelandic international had to be stretchered from the field during Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday and, although the club are still awaiting official scan results, early indications suggest a break or fracturea fter Chris Colemans warning that the player should not have been played in his Country’ s international last week.

His absence will be a big blow to Chris Coleman who is already without fellow midfielder Sammy Clingan and David Bell until next month as both recover from injury. Bell (ankle) is not expected to be ready for first-team action for a week or so yet unlikely to make the trip to the Welsh capital and his proposed loan put on ice.

Defender James McPake (shoulder) also misses out once again, as does left-back Marcus Hall for family reasons. New loan signings Chris Hussey and Gary Madine should make Coleman's squad, if not the bench as many Sky Blues supporters ask if our youth are not good enough…

Come on down Mr Grandison.

Sky Blues from: Westwood, van Aaholt, Wright, Ward, Cranie, Clarke, Wynter, Turner, Grandison, Cork, Cain, Hall, Osbourne, Walker, McIndoe, McKenzie, Eastwood, Morrison, Best, Jeffers, Konstantopoulos, Hussey, Madine.

THE OPPOSITION

David Jones has earnt the tag of ‘nearly man’ at Cardiff with the Welsh capitals close scraps with promotion via the close closing of play off places in recent seasons. Despite Jones producing miracles on a very limited budget, that illusive Premiership place has eluded him and his hard working team come seasons end over the last few seasons, unable to sustain a strong enough challenge to the end.

However, with a move to their new stadium, a mini Ricoh, built by the same constructor minus the exhibition hall and other add-ons, fortunes may finally be changing in South Wales,

As well as a decent run on the (new) pitch Chairman Peter Ridsdale is coy when speaking about his recent investment talks with Malaysian businessman Dato Chan Tien Ghee but admitted 'they went well'. Ghee has now returned to Asia having been in Britain for the past week or so, where he saw the Bluebirds romp to 6-1 and 4-0 victories over Derby and Watford respectively.

Ridsdale spent three days discussing business with Dato Chan in London and the Cardiff chairman simply said: 'The talks we had went well. That's all there is to be said at the moment.' Ridsdale has himself twice previously flown to the Far East for talks as the club looks to move on from financial woes inflicted under former Directors.

Manager David Jones hasn’t let any of the off the field shenanigans distract him from on the field potential success. 'The last couple of weeks we have been talking about consistency,' Jones admitted. 'We are still a bit hit and miss sometimes with certain things that we do. When you're on a run you’ve got to try become consistent and try and keep it going. It ‘s always important to come away with something.'

Former Sky Blue Jones has admitted that will continue barking orders at Jay Bothroyd until the striker finds that consistency to match his ability. The powerful ex-City forward, is an integral part of Cardiff's current game-plan, despite last seasons topscorer, Ross McCormack close to returning from injury. Jones, who admitted to having a sore throat from shouting at the former Arsenal striker, & like many managers before him is demanding more: 'Jay still does things that annoy me, but his quality is there for all to see. He has everything you look for, but you just want a full game out of him. If he was closer when he goes down and stays down, I would be booting him.”

'In this division if you have a big fellow who can hold the ball and win the majority of headers it puts opposing defenders under pressure. When Jay did not perform we didn't play as well as we are capable of. Jay is the one who needs to be put under pressure. He has to be under pressure verbally and I'll stick one on him if he doesn't do it!'

McCormack admits he has a tough task to force his way back into the Cardiff team but insists he will seize any chance that comes along. After being out for six weeks with a hamstring injury the prolific forward has made two subs appearances in the last two games. But with Dave Jones' side flying high competition for places in attack is intense he admits: 'I'll grab my opportunity and score goals, no matter what position I play in. My challenge is to be ready to play wherever selected. But I'll have to bide my time right now because Whitts (Peter Whittingham) and Burkey (Chris Burke) are both doing really well wide in midfield. Then if I look in attack both Chops (Michael Chopra) and Jay (Bothroyd) are in form. There's no doubt about it. I'll have to wait for my chance, But, believe me, I'll be ready when that comes. I'll be patient, but I'll grab any opportunity.'

With strength in depth in a well-resourced team The Sky Blues will be up against it in South Wales. Jones the manager will have a full-strength squad at his disposal as his side look to cut the gap on leaders Newcastle and West Brom.

Jones should welcome back influential midfielder Stephen McPhail for the game as he missed Saturday's 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace having seen an operation to remove a small lump on his neck, take longer than expected to heal over and so rule him out an extra couple of days. His return presents a huge boost to the team but a conundrum to Jones who has to decide whether to include the Irishman in his starting XI or keep faith with central pairing Joe Ledley and Gavin Rae.

Strikers Ross McCormack and Warren Feeney and defender Kevin McNaughton were all on the subs bench at the weekend having been sidelined for lengthy periods due to injury themselves and all three will be in contention for a start again. Jay Bothroyd will come up against his former club looking to build on last seasons double strike against us and he will likely be joined in attack by leading scorer Michael Chopra, who has decided not to take any further action following the alleged racial slur he received from a Palace player in the game at the weekend.

Cardiff from: Marshall, Gerrard, Hudson, Kennedy, Burke, Feeney, Whittingham, Ledley, Rae, Matthews, Chopra, Bothroyd, McCormack, Quinn, Enckelman, Gyepes, McNaughton, Taiwo, McPhail.

INS AND OUTS

In: David Marshall, (Norwich), Anthony Gerrard, (Walsall), Mark Hudson, (Charlton), Paul Quinn (Motherwell), Michael Chopra (Sunderland), Soloman Taiwo (Dagenham & Redbridge).

On Loan Kelvin Etuhu, (Man City)

Out: Darren Purse, (Cardiff), Roger Johnson (Birmingham), Paul Parry, (Preston).

Out On Loan Darren Dennehy (Hereford).

Released Jonathan Brown, Josh Magennis.

DANGERMEN

The returning Michael Chopra is the leagues’ top scorer with 11 goals from 12 games, he is ably supported by former City kid, Nuneaton born Peter Whittingham, with 6 and Jay Bothroyd has two from the same number of games.

Last seasons top scorer Ross McCormick was rumoured to be moving away as the familiar Cardiff cash in loomed, he notched 21 league goals in 32 (6) appearances.

Bothroyd was 2nd highest scorer with 12 from 35 (4) including the inevitable one against us at Ninian as well as another at the Ricoh as Cardiff did the double over us last season.

FORM

Sky Blues - 15th, The Championship: 16 points from 12 games.

Cardiff - 3rd, The Championship: 20 points from 12 games.

Cardiff has the equal best attack in the league this season with 24 goals scored, 8 more than The Sky Blues

The Bluebirds have the 6th best defence in The Championship with 12 goals conceded, 6 better The Sky Blues

Last 8 League Games:

VISIT THE RIVALS

THE REF

Mr M P Russell (Hertfordshire)

Games across all leagues & competitions this season:

Games across all leagues & competitions last season:

Last City game Officiated in: Coventry v Barnsley 02/02/2008

Result: 4-0.

Performance: Not mentioned in the match report once…. 8/10

PREVIOUS

The Sky Blues last faced Cardiff at the old Ninian Park recording a 2-1 in another tale of incompetent refereeing. It aint what you do it’s the way that you do it! A plainly out of his league ref and inconsistent assistant were bullied into submission to deny the Sky Blues a point from a game they bossed, again, for at least a half. David Jones Cardiff bounced back from a weekend’s defeat as the Sky Blues left the Welsh capital feeling somewhat aggreived.

Steve Kean:: 'We think that if the assistant believed it was a deliberate handball by our player then he shouldn't have lowered his flag. We spoke to the referee after the game and he told us why he had disallowed our goal. Apparently, he thought the assistant was flagging for offside and it was only when he spoke to him as the players were going back to the centre circle, that he realised it was for handball.'

David Jones: 'We didn't want it to be open. In the first-half we made too many mistakes and looked edgy, but we got a great goal from a good run by Jay Bothroyd from a fantastic ball off Peter Whittingham. In the second-half the turning point was probably when the referee came back and disallowed the Coventry goal, which was the right decision and we all agree with that. I think Chris (Coleman)'s beef was that the linesman didn't keep his flag up and thought he was going to wave for offside, but it was handball. We probably played twice as good last Saturday (at Birmingham) and came away with nothing.'

Sky Blues: Westwood, Fox, Ward (Hall 46), Dann, Osbourne, Doyle, Tabb (Mifsud 70), Gunnarsson, Morrison (Best 73), Eastwood, McKenzie.

Subs Not Used: Marshall, Beuzelin.

Booked: Gunnarsson, McKenzie.

Goal: Dann 89.

HISTORY

This is not one of the most regular fixtures for the Sky Blues over the years, but is now cemented in the Championship calendar for City.

The last but one trip to The Bluebirds was memorable, (or preferred to be forgotten) by the SBA for the delay that saw many arrive, just, by half time, if they were lucky. A single goal by Jay Tabb in the 34th minute was enough for City to take all 3 points.

Prior to that City travelled West on 12th August 2006 under Micky Adams and it was the Sky Blues who were made to pay for missing chances as they went down to a late defeat as Adams named the same starting line-up for the third successive game The team that day was:

Marshall, McNamee (Virgo 5 ),Tabb , Ward, Heath, Hall, Doyle, Hughes, Birchall, John, Adebola (Hutchison 85)

Subs not used: Cameron, Thornton

The Sky Blues have enjoyed some success in the Welsh capital in their most recent visits, only losing three in the last eight, previous to Micky Adams defeat in our first away fixture of the 2004/5 season a Graham Barrett goal was consolation in a 2-1 defeat, this also saw Adrian Heath in charge as Peter Reid was 'taken ill'. This was the start of the 4-5-1 formation that stood us in such good sted for the rest of Reid's short lived reign as City boss.

09/10 GMK PL Week 9, Game 12.

By Smiles

A quick update before the Cardiff game tonight, tables only, after the defeat at Sheff Wednesday at the weekend. City went down 2 goals to 0, no scorer and a lower than predicted crowd, How did you do??

Apologies to Lagger for missing his texted predictions last week, they are now included on the tables below. Tonight’s games and the matches at the weekend are now ready for you to post on the forum.

Cheers Smiles.

Coventry City Results Prediction League

Here’s the updated league, I’ll try and get last tonights results done by Thursday night:

The top 25 on the front page will not be updated until I’ve done tonights results.

If the board is down for any reason or you cannot post email me your predictions! gmkadmin@hotmail.co.uk

For a reminder on how to score points again check the rules on the home page on the blue bar, when I’ve worked out how to do it!

Championship Results Prediction League

Here's the table after week 9 game 12:

Any issues then please e-mail me at the usual address! Full league predictor after 11 games will be published Thursday as I’m only half way thro doing it!

Have an article to publish?

Have your say on GMK! GMK Prints open Access Articles from any contributor.

Mail us at:

The GMK Match Report: Cardiff City v Sky Blues.

By Smiles

Cardiff 2-0 SkyBlues. The Sky Blues complete another painful away day, another 2 goals shipped, another early goal conceded and other penalty given away. If Chris Coleman's mantra before the game to his players was: 'we must stop giving away early / careless goals' then they didn’t listen, for despite having the majority of the possession, Cardiff didn’t get out of 3rd gear, just did all they had to do, to edge closer top the top of the league.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

Tuesday 20th October 2009 – 7.45 pm Cardiff City Stadium.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

TEAM CHANGES.

Ward dropped to the bench as Cranie made his return, there was still no Marcus, however Coleman persists with Wright both as a defender and captain. Eastwood replaced the injured Gunnarsson in the starting line-up

On the bench the, forced, return of Bell for his first appearance since the league opener against Ipswich saw the City man make a 2nd half substitution and City’s youngsters made way for two new loan recruits of a similar age in the form of Hussey & Madine.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

1st Half.

The drive down to South Wales is one of my favourite football routes, and despite the rain gives you some stunning scenery to take your mind of what is to come.

It’s a trip I made many times in my working life in the ‘90’s and one that never fails to put me in a good mood. The people of Cardiff have always been warm hosts to me, generous and interested in Coventry and this was no exception as we have a couple of decent pints in The Cornwall and a pie second only to that in Doncaster last year. Yum Yum.

From there things kinda went downhill really.

A sprightly walk to the new stadium takes you to within yards of the old Ninian, and this was one ground switch that hasn’t altered supporters pre-match rituals. A dedicated entrance for away supporters takes away some of that threatening needle you used to get at the old place, which has started to be pulled down, but is by no means ‘dead’. The new ground is 500 yards from the old, built by the same people as ours and right next door to a supermarket ‘Asda’ on the edge of town-ish.

But there the similarities end.

Don’t get me wrong, its nice, but will be better when its finished. Its about as ready as it can be to, just, get a safety certificate and already has that ‘worn in’ look. The only real similarity in design is the roof, but when the rows end at JJ you can see that, despite being a ‘bowl’, why the capacity is some +9,000 less than ours.

Above the back row, all the way around 3/5’s of the ground, is room left to develop corporate boxes which obviously cannot be sold in its present state. The away support is housed in the equivalent under the scoreboard area, with the scoreboard already installed. Beneath us, and infact in each corner, was a huge entrance hole which in our case was covered by two huge, filmsy looking, metal doors. The area under the stand is tarmac and didn’t look finished. Bare, unpainted breezeblock walls gave a less homely appearance than the Ricoh, although the toilet areas looked well presented and the bar area compact, selling beer at £3.00 a pint and soft drink at £2.00.

The main stand had some of the cladding we know from the Ricoh, but rather than being ‘barefaced’ and extra tier has been added above the main area, that was well populated compared to ours, few ‘bare gaps’ for the Tv crews to see. Although its unlikely that there are comparable corporate or conferencing facities, the existing boxes were not well populated and the media is housed to the left of the stand as you face it with TV & Radio facilities built into the face of where the gym is at The Ricoh.

The main singing support sits, (a very lose term), to our right in what is our Tesco and the family area is where the Jewson is. The CET stand is better populated and house some of the less vocal elements of the support.

I’d say we took around 350 –400, (two coaches) and apart from 30 or so lads at the back were understandably quiet, the ground looked less full than the 19,000 announced and its hard to see how a Capital City team 3rd in the league, in touching distance of an automatic play off place shouldn’t be attracting more…

The Sky Blues kicked of playing left to right and started quite brightly before the 4th minute hammer blow that shattered any illusions of a clean sheet or potential upset.

The Bluebirds got off to the perfect start when City’s rocky looking defence failed to clear former youth team player Whittingham’s corner and Chris Burke sent over a superb cross which was powered home by the unopposed head of Gerrard for his first ever Cardiff goal.

The Sky Blue CCFC responded well with a period of intense possession and went close with a well-struck shot from Clinton Morrison that former Norwich keeper David Marshall did well to tip around the post.

But despite seeming to get back into the game a lot quicker than Saturday, for all the keep-ball City lacked penetration and seemed to go sideways unless Cork was involved with McIndoe doing little to enhance his reputation.

The Sky Blues let Cardiff back into the game and what became the pattern for the 2nd period allowed them to squander any number of chances to double their lead.

McPhail blazed well over before the league’s top scorer Chopra, who had a quiet night, spurned a decent chance, firing straight at Keiren Westwood from 12 yards which the City keeper did well to gather.

Burke had another two quick-fire chances that failed to trouble the goalkeeper, whilst Bothroyd – whose name was applauded by the City support before the game, fired a free-kick high and wide from 25 yards out.

As we edged towards half time it was all Cardiff as the half drew to a close with Westwood earning his spurs by keeping out a fierce drive from Whittingham as City were fortunate to go into the break still in the game a goal down.

Half Time

Half time: Cardiff 1-0 Coventry.

A half time conversation under the stand showed relief in the City support that we’d kept it to a single goal and a coke was made a pound lighter with a money off voucher someone gave me, thanks!

2nd Half

The Sky Blues had one clear cut chance at the opening of the second period, before Mr Russell started throwing cards around like confetti, when Jack Cork tried his luck from 30 yards at the start of the second half but Marshall was equal to his effort.

From there it was pretty much all Cardiff and they extended their lead on the hour from the penalty spot. Chopra latched onto a poor backpass and looked to round Westwood who spread himself well but played the ball square for Bothroyd who was brought down by Wright.

Whittingham took the resulting kick and sent Marshall the wrong way putting the ball to his right as the City keeper went left

With City now, literally, chasing the game Coleman made two substitutions in a bid to get back into the match, David Bell coming on for Leon Best – who looked to go down with cramp or strain after running his bollocks off in vain all night, and new signing Chris Hussey replaced Patrick Van Aanholt who saw yellow.

Not content with a two goal unopposed scoreline, the Bluebirds went looking for a third when Cardiff who almost made it three when Chopra was sent clear one-on-one with Westwood. The prolific striker dinked the ball over the stranded keeper but watched in agony as the ball came back off a post back into play as City cleared.

New recruit Hussey stood out like a lonely outpost in the South Pole observatory on the left wing waiting for the moment when our midfield worked out he'd been sent on to add some width.

He made some runs, which no one spotted, or chose to ignore. Perhaps he needs to buy a Lynx bullet as he obviously stinks as none of our players came anywhere near or would give him the ball!

He only had the Cardiff fans for company who loved him, doing that strange hands by the side of the head, jumping up and down thing. In the next game Coleman needs to tell the team what he's there to do, announce his arrival on the pitch and get us to pass the fookin ball to him.. .

It was all Cardiff again at the close of the half as Bothroyd should have done better with a close-range effort with 10 minutes remaining, while Burke`s 25-yard attempt was comfortably gathered by Westwood as the home side easily held on for three points on a night when the top two both unexpectedly lost.

It gives me little cheer to point out the obvious, that things look a little bleak after two consecutive losses, however I’m not slashing my wrists yet.

I know things aint great after two back-to-back defeats but the points difference between top and 9th place is just 3 & we're 3 points off 11th! We're 8 points off a relegation spot in 17th.

However, having spent the best part of £250 over the last week to go see City it’s unlikely I’ll do many more away games this season other than ‘the new grounds’ just to tick them off the list.

Like the club, my support is treading water that is becoming increasing cold and there’s times when you wonder why you bother, and this was one of them.

And it was very dark on the drive back up that road, there’s lovely.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

AFTER GAME QUOTES
Chris Coleman:

'We are making defensive errors and it has cost us tonight.”

'It seems like we have to score two or three goals to win a game but we are not doing that and we have only kept two clean sheets.”

'We have a lot of players injured and it is all going against us but we are adding to our problems by making mistakes.'

David Jones:

'We limited them [in the second half] to basically no shots, Dave [Cardiff goalkeeper Marshall] has not had a great deal to do.

'We've just got to maintain our form and at the moment everybody's working really hard to try and keep that.

'It was a solid, no-nonsense, keep the percentages right performance from us.'

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

HOW THEY LINED UP
Sky Blues: Westwood, Cranie, Turner, Van Aanholt (Hussey,68), Wright, Osbourne, McIndoe, Cork, Eastwood, Morrison, Best, (Bell,65)

Subs Not Used: Konstantopoulos, Ward, Madine, Clarke, Grandison.

Booked: Cork, Turner, Van Aanholt, Wright.

Goals: None.

Cardiff: Marshall, Gerrard, Hudson, Kennedy, Burke, Whittingham, Ledley, Matthews, McPhail, Chopra , Bothroyd.

Subs Not Used: Enckelman, Quinn, McCormack, Gyepes, Rae, Taiwo, Feeney.

Booked: Bothroyd

Goals: Gerrard, (4) Whittingham (60 –pen).

Att: 19038

Ref: M Russell (Herfordshire). 5/10

Man of The Match: : Best.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

Something to Contribute or going to the game?
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Want to write a match report or preview to this or any other game?

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Have your say on GMK!

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=http://www.gmkonline.com/index.php?page= forum&forum_id=8&thread_id=1528&selpage=0 #25(This Saturday vs WBA (H)

09/10 GMK PL Week 10, Game 13.

By Smiles

There’s a disconcerting pattern forming if you want to rise up the GMKonline Coventry City prediction league. Predict a loss against our team. No goals scored, no goal scorer = 5 points minimum for you, easy. Sad tho’ really, can you bring yourself to do it? Ray, this is just a game for us isn’t it. But a yardstick all the same. Predictable?!! This week?!!! How did you do?

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ ___________________

Links:

(Tuesday night vs Cardiff (A)

To follow: (The Rules)

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________

Here’s this weekends fixtures for you to predict.

Game 14: (kick off deadline to post by: 3:00 pm)
Predict the outcome of:

Coventry v WBA: :
First Goal Coventry Scorer: :
Crowd: :

Championship Games:

Predict the outcome of the following games:

Home (H), Away (A) or Draw (D), (NO SCORES, you HAVE TO POST H / D or A):

Friday 23rd October 7:45pm:

Watford vs Sheff Wed - 7:45pm
Saturday 24th October 3:00pm unless stated:

Barnsley vs Bristol C :
C Palace vs Nottm Forest :
Coventry vs West Brom :
Derby vs QPR - 5:30pm :
Newcastle vs Doncaster :
Peterborough vs Scunthorpe :
Plymouth vs Ipswich :
Preston vs Middlesbro:
Sheff Utd vs Cardiff :
Swansea vs Blackpool :

Monday 26th October:

Reading vs Leicester - 8:00pm :

Cheers Smiles.

Coventry City Results Prediction League

With 1 prefect ten in the bag for the season so far, you then get two coming along together in the same week. Strange. There was a sea change this week against Cardiff, people expected it. Shifting sands.

Last weeks 2nd placer was one of those 100%ers. 10 points for 2-0, no scorer & the correct crowd. Step up Sky_Blue_Up_North (+10) to go top on 45 points after 13 games. The previous weeks leader MrTickle (+3) drops to 2nd on 41 points. Someone who came close, very close, to 10 points was Turk1965 (+9) see a pattern forming here, people who predict, nay expect, a loss and do well.

Outside the top 3 in 4th the archetypal realist, (no make that neghead? ) LordSummerisle (+5) down from 3rd last week but expecting a loss… to close the top 5 HK_BlueSkies (+5) down from 4th but expecting a loss! .

Outside the top 5, in 6th is Perdomo (+9) predicting a loss, everything right bar the crowd, in 7th drops SteveC189 (+3) from 5th in 8th Tisza (+2) 9th SkyBlueBertie (+/2) & closing the top 10 a trio on 32 Oblong (+3), SundayRef (+10) Mr 100% mk2 & SkyBlueNemo (+2).

Outside that top10 (12) are SBGus (+2) in 13th on 31 then Danny (+6) in 14th as our league gets better defined, to make up our top 15 is Torchie (+/-0) who predicted a 1-1 draw.

The next 5 are all within a point of each other. On 29 with Torchie are SkyBlueExile (+/-0), Me (+1) & on 28 Edgy (+/-0) Bagsy (+2) & QPRSkyBlue (+4)/

Dropping out of the top 20 is Vicar_In _A _Tutu, (+2) from 16th to 21st.

Everyone else follows….

The gap from 1st to 10th is now 13 points (+4) & 1st to 20th 17 (+2).

Here’s the updated league.

The top 25 on the front page has also been updated.

If the board is down for any reason or you cannot post email me your predictions! gmkadmin@hotmail.co.uk

For a reminder on how to score points again check the rules on the home page on the blue bar, when I’ve worked out how to do it, I will get around to this honest!

Championship Results Prediction League

There were 14 (+/-0) points to go for this week.

SkyBlueNemo (+9) stays top on 99 and surely first over 100 now 8 (+1) ahead of last weeks 2nd place BerksSkyBlue(+8) now on 91points, in 3rd, (but not represented by the table as I forgot he emailed me!), is still KeanoNo1 (+8) with 89 points and the 4th player is still RickyCCFC (+7) on 87. Then there’s a big gap to 5th with Danny (+7) equal with Turk1965 (+6) on 79 points.

Stuck in 7th is Tisza (+6) then Me (+7) both on 76 equal with Edgy (+6) & top scorer QPRSkyBlue (+11) in 10th.

The next 10 are separated by just 2 points now, in equal 11th is Sky_Blue_Up_North, (+8) up from 17th SBGus (+ 4), drops from 8th to 12th on the same number of points. From 13th to 16th we have 4 players all on 73, starting with Lagger, (+5) then Perdomo (+6), Bagsy, (+6) stuck in 15th and then finally, Blaggy (+6) the same.

To close the top 20 all on 72 points starting in 17th is OwenSkyBlue (+7) then BlindFaith (+7), SteveC189 (+5) & Neil10 (+5)

Dropping out of the top 20 is SkyBlueBertie (+3).

So with 40 playing (+1) 1st to 10th is now a gap of 23 points (+2) & 1st to 20th 27 points (+2)

The average points moved up from 3.48 to 6.125 (+2.63) and overall total to 245 from 136 (+109).

There were 14 points to go for (/-0) and the top scorer was QPRSkyBlue (+11) the only player in double digits.

Here's the table after week 10, Game 13:

Still tight at the top!

Full Season End of Championship Season Table Predictor

So after each team had played 11 games, not easy to do or judge, we have our first look at the final table prediction as the teams stood around ¼ of the way through then season.

Turk1965 is a clear leader at the top of the table with 68 points with 4 key places correct and 4 teams in the right segments. CharlesMore is 12 points behind in 2nd with the same number of position and teams in the right places SBGus 2 behind him 4 & 6, then ME on 51 3&5, the top 5 is made up by AndrewBrown & GubbaLookALike both on 50.

Here’s the table as it stands.

To see how the leader made his points see here.

It’s early days in this league and its only the final table that counts come may. As we know from last season everything can change in 11 games, the next time we’ll look at this will be after City play Peterboro United on the 12th of Decemeber.

Any issues then please e-mail me at the usual address!

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ __________________________

Have an article to publish?

Have your say on GMK! GMK Prints open Access Articles from any contributor.

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Match Preview: Sky Blues v WBA.

By Smiles.

Rarely has such a game been met, with such wide spread pessimism as this. The super slim Sky Blue squad prepares for the visit of the, off-form, league leaders in a game that bides better for the visitors, given their recent record against us, than the home side – who are struggling for both form and fit players in a two match, back to back defeat, slump.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______________________________

THE SKY BLUES Vs THE BAGGIES

Supposedly in this division anyone can beat anyone, but such is the downbeat mood in the SBA at present many are expecting we’re just turning up for a thrashing today at the Ricoh.

There is, Afterall, good reason to expect that The Throstles will throttle us today given the last two visits in the Cup & League have seen a 5-0 & 4-0 reverse, however the 4-1 win at The Hawthorns in the last away game in West Bromwich finely illustrates, that anything can happen in this league.

One hopes that our spirits are considerably less damp than the weather by 5pm tonight and a rousing home performance puts a less than positive vibe, after two 2-0 away defeats, to bed and stimulates supporters who have little winning games to cheers since February.

GAME ON – THIS WEEKENDS FIXTURES

TEAM NEWS

Leon Best is doubtful for City as we look to reverse back-to-back defeats. The Republic of Ireland striker sustained a knee injury during Tuesday`s 2-0 defeat at Cardiff and Chris Coleman is currently waiting to discover whether the problem is just bruising or something more serious that would keep him out of this keenly contested Midlands derby

Aron Gunnarsson will definitely be missing for the Sky Blues as they wait for similar news on his suspected broken leg, with Coleman hoping it is not as bad as first feared.

The Sky Blues threadbare squad is already without Sammy Clingan (broken toe), and although Coleman was desperately looking to bolster his ranks before the weekend, once again it looks as if that was just a pipe dream as the City cash flow becomes tighter than Ray Ranson’s grimace.

Both Ben Turner & David Bell both made returns at the Cardiff City Stadium after knee and ankle problems and should again be ready to play some part in the game, the question being whether Bells return will be a full start of amore accommodating appearance from the bench. New loan signings Chris Hussey and Gary Madine are expected to be in line for their home debuts.

THE OPPOSITION

It was a case of ‘some change’ at the Hawthorns in the close season after their latest relegation from the top flight. Although the Baggies have very impressive record in the Championship, (having not finishing below fourth in their last four seasons in the division.), they have become something of a yo-yo club.

Following the departure of Tony Mowbray for Celtic, they have kept the bulk of their squad together, apart from skipper Jonathan Greening who eventually joined Fulham on loan pending a permanent move in January. Despite last season's relegation from the Premier League few were happy to see Mowbray go, and his replacement Roberto Di Matteo was an intriguing capture, despite his brilliant playing career, as a boss he was untested at this level. Losing experienced defender Paul Robinson was also perceived as a big loss, although many Baggies supporters acknowledged that his replacement, Cech, is more than capable.

Whilst Albion have gained automatic promotion at three of the last four times of asking, the Di Matteo era began with some worrying pre-season performances, which seemed to be wiped out in time for the season start for real and The Baggies resumed their usual table topping performances.

Although it would appear that Roberto Di Matteo may not have been the overwhelming first choice that he purports to be after Preston’s Alan Irvine again insisted he was offered the chance to succeed Tony Mowbray at West Brom. The North End boss Irvine was shortlisted along with current Baggies head coach Roberto Di Matteo to replace Mowbray at The Hawthorns when he departed for Celtic back in June.

West Brom were granted permission to speak to the pair and after talks, chairman Jeremy Peace revealed the Italian 'was the unanimous choice of the board', this was before North End released their own statement insisting Irvine had opted to remain at the Lancashire club. Following North End’s recent clash between the two sides, the Scot was again adamant the post was made available to him first, something Albion deny. Irvine insisted: 'I was offered the job - simple as that. I am telling you I was offered the job and I didn't take it. I can only tell you what happened. West Brom have got their own reasons for denying that.'

The Baggies recent form has not been so encouraging in a tight division, with just one win in the last five games, after their decent start the team has begun to falter with new injuries to key personnel to add to long standing absentees.

Baggies striker Roman Bednar is touch-and-go to face the Sky Blues as he battles to fully recover from a back problem. The Czech Republic international was stretchered off with a trapped nerve early on in the 3-1 win against Reading last weekend, an injury which forced him out of the midweek home defeat to Swansea.

Although apparently nearing full fitness due to the nature of the problem, Albion will not risk him unless he is 100%. Leading scorer Chris Brunt, who has been out of late with a calf injury, is also on the road to recovery and could make an appearance against the Sky Blues although it remains to be seen whether the game will come too soon for him.

Otherwise Matteo has no new injury or suspension problems from Tuesday`s 1-0 defeat at The Hawthorns. Keeper and captain Scott Carson is still struggling with the ankle injury that prevented him from linking up with England recently but he should be okay to continue. Long-term absentees James Morrison (heel), Ishmael Miller and Neil Clement (both knee) remain out.

West Brom from: Carson, Cech, Teixeira, Jara, Zuiverloon, Olsson, Mattock Cox, Thomas, Dorrans, Mulumbu, Moore, Koren, Wood, Kiely, Martis, Reid, Meite, Bednar, Brunt.

INS AND OUTS

In: Simon Cox, (Swindon), Youssuf Mulumbu, (West Brom), Reuben Reid, (Rotherham), Joe Mattock, (Leicester), Gonzalo Jara, (Colo Colo).

On Loan Shaun Cummings (Chelsea).

Out: Lee Baker, (Kidderminster), Paul Robinson, (Bolton), Sherjil MacDonald, (Germinil), Do-Heon Kim, (Suwon Blue Wings), Craig Beattie, (Swansea).

Out On Loan Luke Daniels, (Tranmere), Joss Labadie, (Shrewsbury), Jonathan Greening, (Fulham), Borja Valero, (Malorca).

Released Carl Hoefkens, Ryan Allsopp, Jared Hodgkiss, Pele (no, not that one).

DANGERMEN

Chris Brunt’s 4 league goals makes him the top scorer from 9 starts in a team that spreads the goals around the squad. Brunt has an unenviable record of consistently scoring against us.

Thomas, Mulumbu & Bednar all have 3.

Brunt was last season’s top scorer too, in lean season at the Hawthorns, bagging 9 league goals.

FORM

Sky Blues - 17th, The Championship: 16 points from 13 games.

West Brom - 1st, The Championship: 24 points from 13 games.

West Brom has the 2nd best attack in the league this season with 24 goals scored, 8 more than The Sky Blues

The Baggies have the 7th best defence in The Championship with 13 goals conceded, 7 better The Sky Blues

Last 8 League Games:

THE REF

The man in the middle today last reffed a City game that Steven Wright had every reason to remember…

Mr K Stroud (Hampshire):

Games across all leagues & competitions this season:

Games across all leagues & competitions last season:

Last City game Officiated in: QPR v Sky Blues 10/01/2009

Result: 1-1.

Performance: A valiant ten man Sky Blues display, after Stphen Wright recived a straight red on top of his earlier yellow, sees a battling point gained at Loftus Road. The draw, against the match day odds, see the Sky Blues unbeaten run at The Hoops stretch to 4 games, 8 all told, as City go unbeaten in the league in 4.…. New signing from Villa, Wayne Routledge looked dangerous for the Hoops but was well contained and marshalled by a City defence held together by the experienced Wright. However his close quarters marking came at a cost with a debateable first yellow card on 23 minutes… City were showing some nice touches and Jay Tabb went close with a shot from a nice Leon Best knock down but the game was becoming a little niggly with Blackstock seemingly invisible to referee Stroud committing a number of off the ball offences…. Stroud was didn’t cover himself with any glory as Wright went for a 50/50 ball with Helguson in the 37th minute, with the ‘R’s attacker coming in on the defenders blind side the Hampshire official adjudged his high challenge to be dangerous and deserving of a straight red and so it was to be backs to the wall stuff for City for the rest of the game…. The Rangers forward showed his aggravation by becoming increasingly hostile and was pulled up by for any number of fouls, tugs and pushed that Mr. Stroud deemed worthy of punishing with free kicks, but seemed oblivious to the one man fouling machines mounting offence count….. Blackstock found himself out in the open after City were denied a blatant offside decision as he dragged a shot wide when clean through, tough justice. Fox was harshly booked for protesting the decision which with a decent bunch of officials would have been given the Sky Blues way.

The referee and his assistants were the bain of both sets of support and Mr. Stroud was regaled with ironic cheers when he finally started to give City some decisions, more against Blackstock, (he must be the refs bastard offspring to avoid censure for so many offences)….. Michael Mifsud was bought down 30-yards out whilst racing towards goal and Danny Fox stepped up to curl one of his trademark free kicks past the stranded Cerny…. If hopes were raised at an improbable win against all odds they were dashed as the card proof Blackstock broke City hearts with three minutes to go as the City defence misjudged a cross that fell nicely to the Hoops leading scorer who gratefully headed the ball past Westwood to level the scores in a frantic finish…3/10

PREVIOUS

The Sky Blues last faced WBA at the Ricoh on 12th November 2008 recording a 4-0 loss after a sending off in dubious circumstances. The 10 man Sky Blues were comprehensively beaten by West Brom in a 2nd half blitzkrieg after Mifsud sees red in City’s trail by television. After a valiant first half display by Iain Dowie’s 10-man Sky Blues were undone by an impressive 2nd half display by a dominant, over powering West Brom who score four past a down at heal City, unable to respond to the step up in pace & skill of the resplendent Baggies.

The Sky Blues, and their supporters, can have little complaint of the manner of the Baggies victory or the sending off decision that, effectively, both dominated and turned the game. In real-time, at any distance, the Malteasers lofted elbow against Hoefkens looked innocuous, at best, but on analysis in a trial by television, it was very apparent that there was no-way he could stay on the pitch, despite the Belgians rather over reactive play acting. The manner of the decision though, if you wanted to be pedantic, (although correct), was questionable - given that both the referee and linesman had to defer to the fourth official where, in an age of technology, it wasn’t entirely clear whether he, or some other unseen, media assisted, 5th party, confirmed the actual offence. As it was, it was, finally on reflection, the correct decision.

Iain Dowie: 'It was the right decision. It was a silly challenge from Michael - end of story. I think it was the right decision. When you jump and lead with your arm as Michael did then there can only be one outcome. It was a factor in our defeat. We did terrifically well in the first half and were probably the better side. It is totally out of character for him and he is very remorseful and disappointed about it because he thinks he has cost us the game. But it hasn't. Bad defending has cost us”

'The biggest thing is that we now lose him for three matches. I am not going to chastise him too much for it out hang him out to dry as he has been magnificent for us this season and he has given us some wonderful moments. We all make mistakes, the important thing is that he learns from it. But we gave away a sloppy first goal and then you're up against it against a side who move the ball very well.'

Tony Mowbray: 'I don't think he, (Mifsud), did it in a malicious manner, I do not think for one minute that he is the type of player who goes around trying to harm his fellow professionals. It looked like a bad challenge but a player of Mifsud's character, I would suggest, would not do that kind of thing deliberately. The first half was everything I don't like about football. We were loose and scrappy and we are better than that. We weren't very happy at half-time.”

'The players were having a go at one another, but I don't mind that. We got it sorted out and once the first goal went in we started to flow. We were playing against 10 men so we should have been dominant. In the end, we were and there was some real quality about us when we finally got going. The players dug themselves out of a hole against 10 men. It was a bit harsh on Coventry though as they had expended a lot of effort.'

Sky Blues: Konstantopoulos, Osbourne, De Zeeuw, Turner, Hall, Stephen Hughes, Tabb, Doyle, Mifsud, Adebola (McKenzie 80), Best (Kyle 46).

Subs not used: Marshall, Ward, Cairo.
Sent Off: Mifsud (11).

Goals: None.

HISTORY

The Sky Blues recent laments against The Baggies are well documented, so I'm not going to go into them here, suffice to say there’s been enough pain already! Surprisingly we've not played each other that much over the years. Early on we were quite good and picked up most of our victories in this fixture before the 70's since then the record is not been so pleasant

Interestingly there's not been a draw in this fixture home or away in ten games, five season stretching back to the old Division 1 days in 85/86.

The last eight meetings in this fixture have finished thus:

Full league Home record against The Baggies is as follows:

Overall record against WBA Home & Away in all competitions is as follows:

The full detail of that can be seen here:

AMAZING FACTS

West Brom is a town within the City of Birmingham. It has a Birmingham post code, so it is in Brum. Fact. If it wasn’t part of Birmingham, it would have its own post code. Like Walsall, for example. People from West Brum, are Brummies.

West Bromwich was first mentioned in the Domesday Book, the name meaning 'the little village on the heath of broom' (Brum you know how they speak).

West Bromwich Albion Football Club, also known as West Brom, The Baggies, Albion, The Albion, The Throstles or WBA was formed in 1878 by workers from Salter's Spring Works in West Bromwich, and were known as The West Bromich Strollers, and have played their home games at The Hawthorns since 1900.

Albion were one of the founding members of The Football League in 1888 and have spent the majority of their existence in the top tier of English football but when the FA Premier League was founded in 1992 the club found themselves in the third tier, which had been renamed Division Two.

They were renamed West Bromwich Albion in 1880, becoming the first team to adopt the Albion suffix. Albion was a district of West Bromwich where some of the players lived or worked, close to what is today Greets Green.

Albion's main club crest dates back to the late 1880s, when the club's secretary Tom Smith suggested that a throstle sitting on a crossbar be adopted for the crest. Since then, the club crest has always featured a throstle, usually on a blue and white striped shield, although the crossbar was replaced with a hawthorn branch at some point after the club's move to The Hawthorns.

The speed with which the club became established following its foundation is illustrated by the fact that it outgrew four successive grounds in its first seven years. The first was Cooper's Hill, where they played from 1878 to 1879. From 1879 to 1881 they appear to have alternated between Cooper's Hill and Dartmouth Park. During the 1881–82 season they played at Bunn's Field, also known as The Birches. Albion rented the Four Acres ground from West Bromwich Dartmouth Cricket Club. From 1885 to 1900 Albion played at Stoney Lane.

At an altitude of 551 feet (168m) above sea level, The Hawthorns is the highest of all the 92 Premier League and Football League grounds.

The throstle was chosen because the public house in which the team used to change kept a pet thrush in a cage. It also gave rise to Albion's early nickname, The Throstles.

Albion won the Football League title in 1919–20 for the only time in their history following the end of the First World War, their totals of 104 goals and 60 points both breaking the previous league records

Albion's 'club anthem' is The Lord's my Shepherd a setting of Psalm 23. Supporters of the team celebrate goals by bouncing up and down and chanting 'Boing Boing'.

Although known in their early days as 'The Throstles', the club's more popular nickname among supporters came to be The Baggies, a term which the club itself looked down upon for many years but later embraced. The phrase was first heard at The Hawthorns in the 1900s, but its exact origins are uncertain, these days its likely because their shirt resembles a Tescos carrier bag…

West Bromwich Albion's record victory was their 12–0 league win against Darwen on 4 April 1892. This is still the widest margin of victory for a game in the top-flight of English football.

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The GMK Match Report: Sky Blues v West Brom

By Ian Palmer

Steady as she goes must have been Chris Coleman’s message to his team after back to back defeats. They bucked that trend with a hard-fought goalless draw against the Baggies. It may not have been pretty to watch, but this Sky Blues performance was all about proving that they can defend.

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Saturday 24th October, 2009 – 3.00pm – The Ricoh Arena

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TEAM CHANGES
With Leon Best injured, Chris Coleman switched to 4-4-2 and brought in Jordan Clarke to play left-back with Patrick van Aanholt moving up into left midfield.

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1st Half

Coventry went into this game without three of their best players: Aron Gunnarsson, Leon Best, and Sammy Clingan all out injured. And it got worse after just ten minutes when Keiren Westwood had to be substituted because of a back problem.

Dimi Konstantopoulos replaced him and was immediately called into action when he bravely cut out a dangerous cross from Graham Dorrens. The Greek stopper showed no signs of rustiness from his lack of games, and put in a faultless performance between the sticks.

A nice combination between Morrison and McIndoe saw the former swing in a cross for Eastwood, which the stuttering striker headed wide. It was a difficult chance, and it would be his only one of the game,

They were almost undone from a 28th minute corner though. Big Jonas Olsson drifted into space into the penalty area, but only glanced his header wide. The next corner, Dimi came for but missed, but recovered well to smother Graham Dorren’s volley.

Konstantopoulos had to be sharp again to keep out Jerome Thomas. The winger’s shot bounced up in front of the keeper, but he managed to get his right arm to the ball and deflect it out for a corner.

City seemed reluctant to commit men forward, and were a little reticent on the counter. The priority was clearly not to concede, and some tireless work all across midfield was ensuring that was the case. McIndoe’s sprint back into his own penalty area to make a vital interception was typical.

But on the stroke of half time City could have conceded a penalty when Thomas appeared to be tripped by Martin Cranie. There seemed to be contact, albeit minimal, and referee Stroud’s decision was to book the West Brom man for diving.

Half Time

Coventry 0-0 West Brom

2nd Half

The second started as the first had gone: a close encounter that just became more niggly and tense as the game wore on. Koren played Moore in on goal, but Dimi was alert and rushed out to smother.

A look of quiet determination was worn on the face of every City player. But West Brom were starting to find some passing rhythm, and the tricky Thomas was becoming more of a threat. At the other end Osbourne sent a 30-yard rasper not all that wide.

It was a testament to Clarke that Koren was replaced on 68 minutes by Teixeira. Clarke himself was replaced a minute later after tiredness began to creep into his game. David Bell was the man to replace the impressive youngster.

Teixeira brought an added pace and impetus to the Baggies’ attack. His defelcted shot nearly fell into the path of Moore, but Dimi was there to gather. The City midfield didn’t seem to tire and Jack Cork especially just got better. The Chelsea man was outstanding all over the pitch.

City tried to muster some attacks of there own. Cork scuffed a shot wide before McIndoe volleyed over from Dimi’s long clearence. Then a dangerous cross from the right from Bell was well cut out by the diving Carson with Morrison waiting to pounce.

Albion brought on Chris Wood for Moore, and within minutes Dorrens had played him through one-on-one with Konstantopoulos. But Dimi wasn’t going to be beaten and made a terrific save with his legs to deny the substitute.

City brought on new striker Gary Madine for four minutes of stoppage time, but although he won a couple of headers, there was no time for him to make an impact, and the referee brought the game to a close.

This wasn’t one to remember, but it was a tense and fascinating encounter that saw the reemergence of a disciplined toughness that City had perhaps been lacking at times this season. Certainly a point gained.

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AFTER GAME QUOTES
Chris Coleman:

'We had to play a certain type of game if we were going to get anything which is what we did and I have to give full credit to the players.

'Their attitude, appetite, hunger for it - I thought they were brilliant.

'Although it wasn't pretty, that is a positive point for us.'

Roberto Di Matteo:

'It was a clear penalty. I've seen a replay and he touched Thomas.

'We just missed that cutting edge in front of goal today, with a bit of luck sometimes you get a deflection or something going for you.

'We want to win games and at the moment we're not winning as many games as we'd like.'

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HOW THEY LINED UP
Sky Blues: Westwood (Konstantopoulos 10), Cranie, Wright, Turner, Clarke (Bell 69), McIndoe, Osbourne, Cork, van Aanholt, Morrison, Eastwood (Madine 90)

Subs Not Used: Ward, Hussey, Cain, Grandison

Booked: van Aanholt, Osbourne, Cork

West Brom: Carson, Zuiverloon, Meite, Olsson, Mattock, Koren (Teixeira 68), Mulumbu, Jara, Thomas (Cech 84), Dorrens, Moore (Wood 84)

Subs Not Used: Kiely, Reid, Martis, Cox

Booked: Thomas, Moore, Mulumbu

Att: 20,871

Ref: Keith Stroud (Hampshire) 7/10

Man of The Match: : Jack Cork – an excellent and tireless box-to-box performance.

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Player Ratings and a hard, but deserved, won point.

By Knowl

After a first half where, IMO, we dropped too deep and allowed the Baggies too much time and space I thought we grew into the task and well deserving of a point and just as importantly a clean sheet.

Some times you just need to accept that the result is more important the performance and style of play.

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Saturday 24th October 2009 – 3.00 pm The Ricoh.

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A clean sheet was the most important thing to achieve before the game and a draw is a good result as we look to get the season back on track.

Three Parish Notices.

Firstly, We sat too deep in the first half and while we worked hard we didn‘t play as well as we can do and we allowed the Baggies to play at their own pace and in their own time. Half time couldn’t have come at a better time as they were clearly on top and were starting to get corner after corner. In the second half we compacted the space in midfield, Cork and Ozzie started to get under the Baggies feet and we really took the game too them without ever really looking like scoring. The clean sheet was richly deserved and all the players played their part in a strong defensive performance.

Secondly, it would be nice if we could play like the Baggies, their movement and link up play was nice too see in a division where sometimes only the teams at the bottom of the table try and play possession football, but due to lack of quality never look as impressive. The Baggies need a striker and they need to be less patient in their build up at times because they were too sideways. However, who cares I hear you ask, well we have the key ingredient they are so badly missing, we have strikers with that directness they lack, we have wide players who can cross a decent ball and we do have midfielders who can play decent composed football. WBA aren’t that far ahead of us they just have a deeper squad and that is covered below. A draw was a fair result and if we can get our better players back and actually play the same side five games on the bounce I am convinced we will win more than we lose or draw.

Lastly, the size of squad seems to be the discussion point of the day. We have a small squad because we have small gates and very little income. We can’t afford to have 5 top quality central midfielders that are all owned by CCFC, we can’t afford to have a top quality replacement for David Bell, and we can’t afford to just have players in the squad who may only make 3 or 4 appearances like Wayne Andrews and the like. It is not feasible at this moment in time to have a reserve side because we will either be using kids who aren’t ready or players who would offer nothing to the first team but demand a wage. There are only about 7 players who would benefit from having a reserve side and could you imagine the uproar if one of the players got injured playing for the stiffs? We need to look at things in dispassionate terms, SISU wont just throw money at something that isn’t deemed important, the reserves is not a viable way to spend cash at this moment in time and we can’t afford to have a massive squad of decent players because the club isn’t wealthy. Maybe if were getting 25,000 every week we could get more players in but we are not.

HOW THEY LINED UP
Coventry: Westwood, (Konstantopoulos 10), Craine, Clarke, (69 Bell), Wright (c), Turner, McIndoe, Cork, Osbourne, Van Aanholt, Eastwood, (Madine 90), Morrison,

Subs Not Used: Grandison, Ward, Hussey, Cain.

Booked: Van Aanholt, Osbourne, Cork.

Sent Off: None.

Goals: None

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Westie - 6 Went off after 10 mins with a stiff back. Coleman indicated it was the players decision but sometimes you need to be stronger and say “look we need our keeper to be able to move and if you’re not 100% fit then it would be best to drop out”.

Dimi - 7 Made a good stop after a punching out a corner and pushed one around the post in the first half. The one that he pushed round the post looked very dodgy as he looked like he had flapped a bit at it but the ball curled wickedly on the wet surface and it was a good save. In the second half he dominated his box well and made a vital save at the end with his feet. However, it was a testament to way we defended that he really didn’t have much to do and I feel that he is getting so lauded because everyone was expecting a horror show, it didn’t happen and I’m pleased for the guy.

Craine - 7 WBA can moved the very quickly and as stated above I though they were the better side in the first half and during their most dominant period just before the break they came down our right hand side time after time and I thought Craine stood firm. Yes he was beaten once or twice but mainly due to quick passing and movement rather than him being taken on and beaten. In the second half Craine got even better, and was offering an out let on the right, will be interesting to see if he can develop any sort of relationship with the returning Bell.

Clarke - 7 Coleman is a funny bugger isn’t he. Clarke has now made two starts and both against teams in the top 4, nothing like a baptism of fire heh? The lad oozes confidence and he is a strong compact player with a bit of pace who didn’t look out of place playing alongside Van Aanholt which is as big a compliment as I can pay at the moment. In the second half he was being pressured more on the ball and its not easy when you have to face inside because you’re on the wrong side of the pitch but that did phase him and he deserves all the praise that he will surely receive.

Wright - 7 Now I know for a fact that I wasn’t the only one who had a heat in the mouth feeling every time the ball went near him, especially from long punts, but he dealt with everything with ease. WBA’s main weakness is their lack of a thrusting striker, they lack that player who is direct and aggressive but you can only play what is in front of you and Wright handled the baggies attacks with comfort. His distribution is sometimes very frustrating, when we are under the cosh and have spent the last 2 minutes chasing shadows and fighting to win the ball back, the last thing we need is for our centre back to just hack the ball aimlessly to know one.

Turner - 7 Held his position well and once again the left hand side of the defence looked more solid that the right hand side. Made some important interventions and typified our hunger to keep and clean sheet.

McIndoe - 6 Played on the right hand side and to quote a former manager at the Sky Blues, “the lad put in a shift”. He tracked back and linked well with Clinton when the forward moved right in the first half. Not the sort of game Michael is going to excel in as we didn’t really get on the ball for long periods and he is a probing wide player more than a flying wide player. If any questions are going to be asked about the signing of McIndoe it will be when he and Bell are in the same side, can we really expect to progress with too slow winger?

Cork - 8 In the first half he spent a lot of time chasing shadows and our midfield was over run. In the second half he was superb, his close control and movement was vital in getting a foothold in the game and his work rate and desire to close WBA down was unsurpassed by any of his team mates. If we had been blessed with more players of Cork ease on the ball then we could have fashioned more chances when we did and I think he will enjoy having Bell on the right to give him options but all in all a fine display by a player who is growing in stature during every performance.

Osbourne - 7 Credit to Ozzie for spotting that once Wright had made his interesting decision to charge up field with the ball, sometimes under control sometimes not, that we were effectively a player short in the back four. Ozzie instantly dropped into the back line and when the Baggies performed their resulting counter he was in the correct position to aid the defence. This is the sort if game I expect Ozzie to shine, it was all about work rate, interceptions and pressuring the opposition into mistakes. His job was made harder in the first half because we were so deep but in the second half we pushed higher up the pitch and he was more affective because of it.

Van Annholt - 7 One of the only players in the first half who looked like he had the ability to compete on footballing terms with the Baggies. I’m glad he was played higher up the pitch and it is something we could look at doing for the next couple of games because he can carry the ball at pace and is prepared to take game to the opposition. Conversely to his colleagues his influence on the match faded in the second half even before he was moved to left back.

Clinton – 6 He ran around and it looks very impressive when you see him tearing around after the ball but the tactics were at fault in the first half as too why he had to run so far. In the second his work rate continued at the same high levels, but he is now 5 games without a goal and he didn‘t look like breaking that yesterday. His link up play with Eastwood is non existent, however, Andy Cole and Teddy Sheringham didn’t like each other either but they put that on the back burner when they were on the pitch, when Morrison and Eastwood are on the pitch together old whiny arse ’s chip on the shoulder gets so big it weighs the whole team down. His passing to Eastwood at times was chronic but because Morrison waves his arms around and shouts it lulls you in to thinking the pass was top quality and the run was poor, when in the majority of times the opposite was true.

Eastwood - 6 No he doesn’t run around like a headless chicken, and no he isn’t scoring either but when the ball was played too him he did try and keep it and he was the main outlet for Cork when Cork was getting in the ball in the second half. Not a vintage performance from Freddie but that was his first start upfront for a while in a game where we never really gave him any service, and yes that comment also applies to Clinton. There have been many great strike partnerships at Cov during the years but t here was surely never been one so disjointed. How do we solve a problem like Eastwood? I don’t know but something has to be done sharpish because the 0whole situation isn’t helping anyone.

Subs

Bell - Put in one great cross that Carson had to pluck out of the air and will always offer something due to his ability on the ball a welcome return from our sick note.

Modine - Looks a big lump and won a soft free kick or two which is always nice.

Coleman – 7

We started to the game too deep, and that made it impossible for our midfield to get tight to their opposite numbers. The baggies spend most if not all the first half on top and half time came just at the right time as they were turning the screw.

The second half we played with a lot more purpose, we hassled higher up the pitch and limited the time they had to pick their passes and make their runs. We need to do this more often against opposition who are less comfortable on the ball, we need to play a more pressing game, and with Ozzie and Cork in midfield that would suit them both more than when we play with Clingan.

He needs to do something with Eastwood and Morrison, he needs to get them to either sort out their differences, which is probably impossible, or tell them that unless they both leave it in the dressing room they are both going to be dropped. It is a ridiculous situation when one of your players is constantly berating and belittling one of his team mates even when he was the one who had done wrong. Eastwood has not turned into the player we had all hoped and maybe we should cut our losses but I find it slightly distasteful that Clinton has so little respect when he is on the pitch.

In short. Not a classic in any sense of the word and neither keeper will talk about the number of saves they had to produce. WBA are a better team than us when it comes to possession and individual ability on the ball but they, like every other side in the Championship, are a player or two short of really being effective. There is a small gap between the teams as long as you play to your strengths and you reduce the space teams have to play in.

Play up Sky Blues

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Sky Blue Papertalk: Konstant-thorn-in-the-side-opoulos!

By Mel Dixon

And with a headline like that, I can hardly be derisive of any tabloid punnery this week!

The game may have been dull, but a point and a clean sheet against the now-deposed league leaders can only be a good thing for a side depleted by injuries. Here’s how our favourite sports hacks saw it...

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Adam Dent got straight to the point in his article for the Sunday Mirror: “West Brom slipped out of the automatic promotion places with a limp display against local rivals Coventry.” The draw was deemed “as good as a victory” for Chris Coleman’s side and could be attributed to his team’s efforts to get back to basics. Dent seemed to underplay the contribution of Konstantopoulos, by saying: “The Greek keeper will have had busier afternoons...” Which is a bit odd, as the headline read: “BAGGIES UNDONE AS DIMI SHINES: DI MATTEO’S TROOPS ARE KEPT AT BAY BY SUBSTITUTE KEEPER.” Maybe the sub-editor saw the game differently.

The Independent on Sunday refused to play the ‘Enticing Headline’ game, and simply went with: “COLEMAN FORCED TO GET UGLY.” The writer, David Instone, generally agreed with the former account. He began: “There are exciting goalless draws, then there are stalemates like this that will work wonders for the Saturday afternoon trade in DIY stores.” West Brom’s attempts to stay at the top of the league were thwarted by a Coventry side who “smothered them with respect.” Instone suggests that City were perhaps mindful of the two previous visits the Baggies had made to the Ricoh Arena (four and five-nil defeats respectively). In a startlingly well-informed and cliche-free piece, he continued: “Like Albion, the home side have won only once in seven matches since autumns onset and are less able to withstand the bites that have been taken out of their team. Another chunk was removed after only ten minutes...” Konstantopoulos was arguably the best player in a “turgid” game.

The Mail on Sunday led with the angry exchange at the final whistle between West Brom’s Jonas Olsson and his own fans. Apparently the Swedish defender challenged them to “come and have a go down on the pitch.” The Daily Mirror went with the same angle whereby Olsson was “forced to keep his Scandinavian cool.” Well, we all know Scandinavians have ice running through their veins... Once again Dimi was heaped with praise – especially for his late one-on-one block. He also revealed that he hasn’t given up hope on gaining a regular starting place.

The Sun babbled incoherently about Olsson’s confrontation with his own fans, and gave credit to our very own Greek god who they awarded with the much coveted Sun Star Man Award. Why? “Grabbed his chance with both hands.” Of course.

Kev Monks had his say in the Observer, describing a Coventry side “playing with more conviction” after a couple of poor performances. He singled out the much-maligned Stephen Wright for an improved performance. And, of course, Dimi.

So, the great British press saw this game as dull. And understood that Coventry did what they had to do in regards to their bare-bones squad. Coleman seems justified in his grim satisfaction...

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

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Westwood at West Orchards.

By Smiles.

Sky Blues goalkeepering star Kieron Westwood will be visiting the Holland & Barrett store to meet fans and sign autographs at 2.30pm on Thursday 29th October during half term week.

The first 50 fans will receive discounted football ticket vouchers and there will be a range of healthy freebies and samples in store from the UK's leading retailer of vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements.

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Holland & Barrett are official sports nutrition and wellbeing supplier to Coventry City who receive a range of fitness, health and nutritional products throughout the season to aid performance.

The Nuneaton-based company have become the Sky Blues’ official nutrition partner and will support the Club’s ‘Get Active’ programme, which encourages youngsters to eat the right foods and exercise through dedicated school visits.

The popular Sky Blues shot stopper will sign autographs at the company’s store at Unit 30, West Orchards, Coventry, West Midlands CV1 1QX starting at approx at 2.30pm on Thursday 29th October, (this week).

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09/10 GMK PL Week 11, Game 14.

By Smiles

Well, what can you say? For all intends and purposes this was a game where goals were at a premium, all against us, and we were supposed to lose, heavily. As it stood neither was true and the first 0-0 in 11 games, the first at home since Reading at home last April, (also 11 games), was the outcome, was it predictable?!! How did you do?

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Links:

(This Saturday vs Reading (H)

(Last Saturday vs WBA (H)

To follow: (The Rules)

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Here’s this weekends fixtures for you to predict.

Game 15: (kick off deadline to post by: 3:00 pm)
Predict the outcome of:

Coventry v Reading: :
First Goal Coventry Scorer: :
Crowd: :

Championship Games:

Predict the outcome of the following games:

Home (H), Away (A) or Draw (D), (NO SCORES, you HAVE TO POST H / D or A):

Friday 30th October 7:45pm:

QPR vs Leicester - 7:45pm

Saturday 31st October 3:00pm unless stated:

Bristol C vs Sheff Wed :
Coventry vs Reading :
Doncaster vs Blackpool :
Ipswich vs Derby :
Middlesbro vs Plymouth :
Peterborough vs Barnsley :
Preston vs C Palace :
Scunthorpe vs Swansea :
West Brom vs Watford :

Sunday 1st November:

Cardiff vs Nottm Forest :

Monday 2nd November:

Sheff Utd vs Newcastle :

Tuesday 3rd November:

QPR vs C Palace :

Cheers Smiles.

Coventry City Results Prediction League

Last weeks 100% Sky_Blue_Up_North (+/-0) draws a blank this week but stays top MrTickle (+4) moves up equal with him in 2nd also on 45 points. The top 4 stays the same with Turk1965 (+4) stuck in 3rd a point behind on 44 to make up the top 3

Outside of them in 4th is LordSummerisle (+/-0) and closing the top 5 up from 6th is Perdomo (+4) in 5th on 39 points too.

Down from 5th is HK_BlueSkies (+/-0) with 38 points, travelling in the other direction is SkyBlueBertie (+4) up to 7th from 9th. In 8th, down one place is SteveC189 (+/-0) with 35 points and following him is Tisza (+2) who actually closes the gap to be on the same points.

Then there’s a 3 way tie in 10th all on 34 Oblong (+2), SkyBlueNemo (+2) & Danny (+4), up 2, all stuck together.

Last weeks 2nd 100%er SundayRef (+1) does a little better than his partner last week, but only just, and drops from 11th to 13th equal with last weeks 13th dropping a place, SBGus (+2).

Behind them a trio all on 31 points, Torchie (+2), SkyBlueExile (+/-0) & QPRSkyBlue (+3).

Down one place in 18th is Me (+1) on 30 points, one behind up from 22nd in 19th is BerksSkyBlue, (+4) and then another trio all on 28 points Vicar_In _A _Tutu, (+2), Bagsy (+/-0) and Edgy (+/-0) the latter two dropping out of top 20 places.

Everyone else follows….

The gap from 1st to 10th is now 11 points (-2) & 1st to 20th 17 (+/-0).

Here’s the updated league.

The top 25 on the front page has also been updated.

If the board is down for any reason or you cannot post email me your predictions! gmkadmin@hotmail.co.uk

For a reminder on how to score points again check the rules on the home page on the blue bar, when I’ve worked out how to do it, I will get around to this honest!

Championship Results Prediction League

There were 16 (+2) points to go here for this week.

SkyBlueNemo (+8) stays top the 1st over 100 on 107 but no-one else follows him ton up as last weeks 2nd place BerksSkyBlue(+8) is not too far away on 99 points, in 3rd, is still KeanoNo1 (+8) with 97 points.

There’s some clear Sky Blue between them and the following players as the 4th player is still RickyCCFC (+6) on 93 with none of his following predictors scoring big it was left to QPRSkyBlue (+9) to spring from 10th to 5th whilst Danny (+5) drops one taking Turk1965 (+5) on 84 points with him on level terms.

A point behind is the weeks top scorer in BlindFaith (+11), up from 18th to 8th on 83 followed by OwenSkyBlue (+10), another double digiter moving from 17th to 9th a point behind equal with Tisza (+5) to make up the top 10.

Stuck in 11th is Sky_Blue_Up_North, (+7), I’m (+5) down from 8th to 12th, with Edgy (+5) and finally Blaggy (+8) in 14th.

Below us is a trio of Lagger, (+7), Perdomo (+7) and SBGus (+ 6) all on 80 points.

To close the top 20 is Neil10 (+7) on 79 points, 2 behind is SteveC189 (+5) & then up 2 is SkyBlueBertie (+8) to 20th.

Dropping out of the top 20 is Bagsy (+/-0)

So with 40 playing (+/-0) 1st to 10th is now a gap of 25 points (+2) & 1st to 20th 31 points (+4)

The average points dropped from 6.125 to 5.975 (-0.15) and overall total to 239 from 245 (+(-6).

There were 16 points to go for (+2) and the top scorer was Blindfaith (+11) three players were in double digits

Here's the table after week 11, Game 14:

Still tight at the top!

Any issues then please e-mail me at the usual address!

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Match Preview: Sky Blues v Reading.

By Smiles.

The Sky Blues face a down at heel Reading at The Ricoh as the, surprisingly, relegation spotted Berkshire club seem to be a side in turmoil - both on and off the pitch. Brendan Rodgers is finding it difficult to live up to the standards of his predecessor as cracks appear in the relationships with his support, dressing room and off field team. Perhaps its time for City to take advantage of a club in not such fine fettle, fill yer boots?

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THE SKY BLUES Vs THE ROYALS

Despite having less resource at his disposal The Sky Blues are making a better fist of it, thus far, than the Royals, whose alarming run of defeats have seen them slip to near the foot of the table.

Rodgers looks like a man under pressure, it could be claimed that the club that appointed him has already started to cut the vast cloth that was tailored for Coppell who had one of the biggest squads in the league.

The shadow that Coppells departure cast over the club at the end of last season, after a poor season by their recent standards has yet to lift, and the doom and gloom appears to be getting to the former Watford manager who moved across the home counties and ‘on to better things’.

Kick ‘em whilst their down City, and kick start our own season whilst you’re at it!

GAME ON – THIS WEEKENDS FIXTURES

TEAM NEWS
Leon Best may give Chris Coleman’s threadbare squad a boost by playing some part in the squad against Reading but doubts remain over Keiren Westwood's fitness. Best missed last weekend's goalless draw against West Brom having ruptured a fat pad and tore ligaments around his knee, but the damage would appear less serious than first thought and he trained on Thursday and is now, apparently available for selection against the Royals.

Westwood went into the clash against the Baggies nursing a back problem and was forced off after just 10 minutes, with Dimi Konstantopoulos coming off the bench to put in a display that surprised many earning him plaudits for a man of the match performance. Westwood also trained on Thursday, although not fully, and manager Chris Coleman will assess his fitness before coming to a decision. But the Sky Blues boss insists Westwood will only be involved if he is 100%.

Aron Gunnarsson will definitely not start against Brendan Rodgers' struggling side but Coleman will also keep a close eye the midfielder as to whether he could play a role from the bench. Captain Stephen Wright (flu) and Elliott Ward (back) should be okay, David Bell (ankle) is again likely to be on the bench having managed 83 minutes for the reserves, but the game will come too soon for James McPake despite the defender's return to training. Sammy Clingan (broken toe) remains out.

Sky Blues from: Konstantopoulos, Westwood, van Aaholt, Wright, Ward, Cranie, Clarke, Wynter, Turner, Grandison, Cork, Cain, Hall, Osbourne, McIndoe, Eastwood, Morrison, Best, Jeffers, Konstantopoulos, Hussey, Madine, Ireland

THE OPPOSITION

All is not well down in Berkshire. Despite having not finished lower than ninth in the Championship in their last five attempts the Madejski seems a stadium under siege and new Manager Brendan Rodgers a man under pressure. In the post-Coppell era, it is likely to take some time before Reading can achieve anything like the success they experienced under their former boss as a new brush sweeps clean under the auspices of a Chairman who, at the very least, is looking to cut his cloth, if not his ties.

The Royals have raised around £12million this summer through the sales of Kevin Doyle, Stephen Hunt and Andre Bikey but have spent much less than that a chorus of disapproval from Reading fans have questioned 'Where's the money gone?' Rodgers has commented: 'I understand the fans' frustrations. They want to see their team winning and have just come to an end of a five-year cycle which brought much success. They know we need some players in and we will do that. This is early stages of an exciting project and you saw young players control a game here against a side who will be there or thereabouts this year. The situation within the club is that all that money is not available to me but I can't argue against the principles of this club because it has been run very well for 20 years. We are going through pain with the young players but it will pay off later on.'

Rodgers insisted he does not fear the sack and has vowed to fight on after Reading's fans turned on him during the recent 4-1 defeat at QPR. The disgruntled travelling support at QPR treated Rodgers to a chorus of 'you're getting sacked in the morning' and chanted former boss Steve Coppell's name as the goals rained in against the woeful Royals. 'It was a tough night,' Rodgers said. 'I can understand the reaction. I've never experienced that but I've always been taught to fight. I'm not worried. Better managers than me have had that. It's not nice but can you blame them? We were poor. But it just makes me more determined.'

'We've had a horrendous start. But what people maybe don't understand is it's a massive task here. My ambition at the beginning of the season was to be up there, but the reality is it's a very difficult job - all the best players have left. I want to give people a chance but I can't watch too much of that.' The chant came after former club Watford’s fans sang the same to him in a recent trip back to Vicarage Road.

Reading recently went 8 months without a win at home and Rodgers was not short in facing up to the massive task of superseding former manager Coppell. 'You are always looking for that winning formula. In this league you can't make too many changes, but I will never be frightened to do that if it makes us better. Despite a great outward flux of players from the club in the summer Rodgers commented: 'It's important to have a solid group that will play week in, week out, but from time to time you will have to make changes. The feeling after the win at Barnsley was great. We would obviously like to continue that, because once you get the momentum, you get into a rhythm. I want the feeling to stay around and the introduction of the new players has been great.' Unfortunately that was not to be as The Royals have now lost 6 of their last 8 and are in the bottom 3 in the league.

Departures have not been limited to cutting down Coppell bloated squad as Reading have confirmed physio Jon Fearn will leave in the new year to join Chelsea. Fearn will depart the Madejski Stadium after eight years at the end of January to become Chelsea`s first team physio. Director of football Nick Hammond commented: 'Jon has brought an outstanding level of expertise and professionalism to the medical department and we thank him for his tremendous input and hard work over the past eight years. He has been an integral part of the management team that has contributed to the clubs recent successes. We will miss Jon but we wish him every success in the future.'

One person who, on the face of it, appears not to be going is Royals benefactor, and Chairman, Sir John Madejski who has denied reports he is close to selling the Championship club. Reports had linked the Royals with a £80 million takeover from a Middle Eastern consortium but Madejski - who bought the club in 1990 - has denied any deal is close: 'To suggest the club is close to being sold is simply inaccurate. I have never made any secret of the fact I would sell if somebody with deep pockets was to come along and if it was right for the club. But let me say for the record the stories suggesting we are close to selling are simply not true.' It remains to be seen whether, and how soon that gap will be closed…

Goals have been a real problem this season for The Royals after Kevin Doyle made his move to Wolves permanent. Rodgers is set to move for a loan striker after seeing his side miss a host of chances against Leicester, whether this will be in time for todays game remains to be seen. Rodgers saw his side carve open the Fester on numerous occasions but Simon Church and Grzegorz Rasiak were unable to provide a finishing touch in a 1-0 defeat., he commented: 'You don't need to be a rocket scientist to see that we are lacking something at the top of the pitch. We lost a lot of players in the summer and I have given everyone here a chance but we are where we are. The only thing missing is the end product. Loan signings remain an option and that is something I will have to look at.'

Rodgers welcomes back his captain Ivar Ingimarsson after Ingimarsson missed the 1-0 defeat at home to Leicester on Monday night, thanks to a one-match suspension. Forward Noel Hunt had surgery on his knee injury this week and is expected to be out for some time, while left-back Chris Armstrong is still recovering from knee surgery of his own.

On-loan Celtic defender Darren O`Dea is hoping to be involved after missing the Leicester match with a groin problem as the Royals seek to end a run of four straight defeats which has left them in the relegation zone.

Reading from: Federici, Mills, Bertrand, Pearce, McAnuff, Tabb, Howard, Matejovsky, Sigurdsson, Long, Rasiak, Church, Kebe, Hamer, Cisse, Karacan, Cummings, Gunnarsson, Ingimarsson, O`Dea.

INS AND OUTS

In: Matthew Mills, (Doncaster), Jobi McAnuff, (Watford), Grzegorz Rasiak, (Southampton), Shaun Cummings, (Chelsea).

On Loan Ryan Betrand (Chelsea) Darren O'Dea, (Celtic) Brian Howard, (Sheffield United).

Out: Kevin Doyle, (Wolves), Marcus Hahnemann (Wolves), Scott Golbourne, (Exeter), Michael Duberry, (Wycombe), Daniel Spence, (Salisbury), Alan Bennett, (Brentford), Leroy Lita, (Middlesboro) Stephen Hunt, (Hull), Andre Bikey, (Burnley).

Out On Loan Alex McCarthy, (Yeovil), Oliver Bozanic, (Cheltenham), Nicholas Bignall, (Stockport), James Harper, (Sheff Utd), Mikkel Andersen, (Bristol Rovers), James Henry, (Millwall), Liam Rosenior, (Ipswich), Michail Antonio, (Southampton), David Mooney, (Charlton), Scott Davies, (Wycombe).

Released Graeme Murty, Kelvin Bossman, Sam Sodje, Viktor Illugason.

DANGERMEN

Goals are a bit light this season with 3 players on two goals each, Church, Noel Hunt and former City loanee Matty Mills.

Last seasons top scorer, Kevin Doyle, is now at Wolves.

FORM

Sky Blues - 15th, The Championship: 17 points from 14 games.

Reading - 22nd, The Championship: 10 points from 14 games.

Reading has the 2nd worst attack in the league this season with 11 goals scored, 5 less than The Sky Blues

The Royals have the 17th best defence in The Championship with 23 goals conceded, 3 more The Sky Blues

Last 8 League Games:

VISIT THE RIVALS

THE REF

The man in the middle took a season out last term, however in his last match here he was very busy as he issued his last ever red card, hasn’t issued one since, and is blank in the box this season too….

Mr Eddie Ilderton (Tyne & Wear)

Games across all leagues & competitions this season:

Games across all leagues & competitions last season:

Last City game Officiated in: Coventry vs Burnley 09/01/08

Result: 1-2.

Performance: The Sky Blues fell to their third league defeat in a row and were winless in the league in 2008. With just 5 points between the Sky Blues and the team in the third relegation spot, and with teams immediately below us picking up points, barring the glory achieved at Blackburn it had been anything but a happy New Year so far, as the unwelcome rumblings of discontent in the SBA started to surface….. Now two VERY good performances in the Cup that season had been rare examples of what we could do when we put our mind to it & everything clicks, but why isn’t that happening week in / week out? You can flash all the Prozone stats around as much as you like, but Supporters want to see goals, home wins, entertaining football and when you lose a game, saying we had the best possession, more crosses, shots, corners, yards covered doesn’t mean a fucking thing, because we want to see a win! Not Kevin Kyle, or Stephen Hughes for that matter, in a Sky Blue shirt. Ever, again…..

In the 8th minute Coventry born Alexander was booked for cynically leaving a ‘hip out’ which Gray went over whilst trying to cut around as Mr Ilderton showed the first, but not last, card of the game…..2 minutes later and a good Tabb ball was picked up by Gray who was clearly offside and rightly given so by Mr Mr Ilderton on the instruction of the lino by the Telent stand. … With Osbourne taking the dead ball kick on the City left the near ball corner was defended well by Gudjonsson who got the ball away and as Hughes put the ball back in a handball shout from the SBA was waved away by Mr Ilderton…… Mr Ilderton had more to do before half time as Blake was booked for kicking the ball away from his own free-kick in frustration …. Five minutes later and it was cheerio, again, for Kyle as the lumbering daft twat was finally sent for an early bath. A man who attracts more than his fair share of attention from officials flew into Alexander with an ugly tackle that left the Clarets right back in a heap on the and gave Eddie Ilderton little option but to flash another yellow card, which could have been red, and he was off again in what many hope will be the last time we see him in a Sky Blue shirt again. Quite simply playing like this he’s a liability and despite what Dowie said about it inspiring us to step up a gear it meant we had to play the remaining 36 minutes a man short. If we played better without him, what kind of indication is that of what we’re like with him? Get rid, and get rid now…. Gray's ball over the top sent the Malteaser racing past Unsworth, but as the experienced Clarets defender made a last ditch tackle to keep the scores level the tricky forward went over and despite convincing cries for a spot kick Mr Ilderton waved away the protests…. This prompted Dowie into his second, and rather baffling change, taking off Davis and Bringing on Stephen Hughes to a midfield that was still functioning well, which was followed by a City corner on the left that Ward and Doyle concocted another effort that was ruled out by the ref….. A late Mifsud effort was all City could muster as Mr Ilderton waved away another meek City shout for a spot kick later on and despite all the industry the Sky Blues were outdone by a team that never really had to step out of third gear, 7/10

PREVIOUS

The Sky Blues last faced Reading at the Ricoh on 4th April 2009 recording a 0-0 draw as Jay Tabb made his first return to the Ricoh as he and his Reading team mates failed to find a way past the stubborn Sky Blues. You really had to feel for any grandparent who decided that this was the day to take their little nipper up to their Ricoh for their first taste of live football. Chances are there would have been little to inspire even the keenest young mind because this was a really dull game.

Reading will look back less fondly upon the game than the Sky Blues, as it is they who have lost ground on the top two. City meanwhile, remained comfortably mid-table.

Jay Tabb returned and received a warm welcome from the City faithful who acknowledged what a credit the player had been during his time with the club, even after his somewhat perfunctary exit. Perhaps the handful who booed had that in mind. Neither goalkeeper was forced into a noteworthy save the entire match.

City had to defend a couple of stoppage time corners, but their well earned point never really looked in doubt. Frustration for Steve Coppell, but Chris Coleman will be encouraged that his team held their own against another of the Championship's top sides. I doubt it'll be one he shows his grandchildren, however.

Chris Coleman:

'I thought for long periods we did very well. Of course we wanted to win the game today if possible, but it was a hard game. I think both teams worked hard but it was good for us not to lose to one of the top three and get another clean sheet.'

Steve Coppell:

'I think over the course of the last two years there have probably been 10 or 11 international breaks and on nine or 10 of those we have then been away from home. It doesn't sound as though that should make a difference but when you have players travelling all over the world it does. For us to get something out of this game psychologically was very important. Wolves and Birmingham have come here and have been beaten.'

Sky Blues: Westwood, Wright, Dann, Turner, Fox, Henderson (Osbourne 60), Beuzelin, Gunnarsson, Eastwood (Hall 86), Best (Simpson 46), Morrison

Subs Not Used: Marshall, Ward

Booked: Turner, Wright, Fox, Morrison

HISTORY
The Sky Blues and the Royals resumed battle only eight seasons ago after a gap of almost forty years separated the two sides in different Divisions.

But as the Royals gained promotion to the Championship in 2001/2, it was to be the Berkshire that ascended first to the Premiership after a fine season in 2005/6.

The four seasons in between saw a mixed bag of results for the Sky Blues. The credible, and entertaining previous drawn game between the two was preceded by another September game in 2004 when the Sky Blues ran out 3-2 winners thanks to a winner from loanee Eddie Johnson in the 66th minute that was preceded by goals from Morrell (51) and a Stern John penalty (14) that equalised Owusu’s 11 minute opener. Dave Kitson made it an edgy end to the game scoring Readings 2nd on 71 minutes as City hung on to win.

The last time we faced the Royals before their promotion to the Premiership under Steve Coppell was on 10th September 2005 recording a credible 1-1 draw thanks to an 87th minute Robert Page equaliser to Kevin Doyle’s 68th minute opener.

City had piled the pressure on the visitors after they went a goal down to Kevin Doyle's effort midway through the second half and they could even have stolen all three points at the death but for the heroics of Hahnemann in the Reading goal.

At the other end Stephen Bywater was in fine form. He saved Leroy Lita's penalty in the opening half. The spot-kick was somewhat harshly awarded by referee Hall for an alleged foul by Richard Duffy on Glen Little. And the keeper was unlucky to concede having parried Doyle's initial strike only to see the Reading player poke home the rebound.

Page headed home a Gary McSheffrey corner to claim a share of the spoils.

In March 2003 /4 it was Readings turn for the spoils recording a 2-1 win with former Sky Blue players Shaun Goater and John Salako scoring against us at Highfield Road with Gary McSheffrey getting a consolation goal before the end of a close game.

In Readings first visit back in the 2nd flight City ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Hignet and Partridge on Boxing Day 2002. Reading have only ever won in Coventry 3 times. Other than in 2004, those wins came in 1956 (a 0-1 win), and again in 1935 (1-2) both games in the old 3rd Division South.

The last eight meetings in this fixture have finished thus:

Full league Home record against The Biscuit Men is as follows:

Overall record against Reading Home & Away in all competitions is as follows:

The full detail of that can be seen here:

AMAZING FACTS

Reading F.C were formed in 1871 and had no permanent ground. Home fixtures between 1871 and 1896 were played at Reading recreation ground, Reading cricket ground, Coley Park and Caversham cricket ground. In 1896 Reading F.C began playing all their home games at Elm Park.

Reading first entered the Football League in the 1920-21 season, where they went on to finish 20th out of 22 teams in the Third Division.

Reading played at Elm Park for 102 years, between 1896 and 1998, before moving to the newly built Madejski Stadium with a capacity of 25,000.

In the 1951-52 League Division Three (South) season, Reading notched an impressive 112 goals. However, they finished the season in second place five points behind champions, Plymouth Argyle. Plymouth also scored over 100 goals that season, when they hit 107 in the League.

Thomas Sefton was Reading's manager between 1897-1901, followed by Sharp (1901-02), Matthews (1902-22), and Marshall was manager until l923. Other Reading managers over the years include Jimmy Quinn, Alan Pardew, Ian Porterfield, and Mark McGhee.

Then Division 2 side Reading beat Division 1 side Luton Town in the Final of the Simod cup at Wembley. The much missed Simod Cup was a trophy that all English league teams were able to compete in and a much sought after trophy for those that could be bothered. The attendance for this game was 61,470, which was the highest attendance for a Reading game in the 20th century ATAF.

After Mark McGhee left the managerial post, former Sky Blues player and youth tem coach Ray Gooding and Jimmy Quinn, who both played for the club for a while, whilst managing, were offered the chance to take the reigns. The two headed the club between December 1994, and May 1997. Gooding played over 300 League games for Reading between 1989-97, while Quinn, a Northern Irish international with 46 caps to his credit, played in 182 League games.

Reading share a huge local rivalry with Oxford United which is not solely down to the two clubs close proximity. Reading were relegated to division 4 in 1983 and with huge financial problems were almost forced to sell Elm Park and merge with the ten Maxwell headed Oxford. The suggestion of a merger was hugely unpopular with supporters of both sides and the club managed to raise enough money to keep Reading competing in the league without the ignominy of a merger with the fat, dead, Jew Boy.

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The GMK Match Report: Sky Blues 1-3 Reading

By Ian Palmer

It was hardly a Halloween horror show, but the Sky Blues’ run of five games without a win might start giving Chris Coleman nightmares.

Two goals from City’s nemesis Grzegorz Rasiak helped Reading to a comfortable 3-1 victory to end their own winless streak as murmurings of discontent begin to surface in the Sky Blue faithful who have not had a great deal to cheer since March of this year.

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Saturday 31st October, 2009 – 15:00 – The Ricoh Arena

TEAM CHANGES

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Aron Gunnarsson made a surprise return to the City midfield after injury, while Leon Best’s return had to be restricted to a place on the bench.

Kieren Westwood had not recovered from his back injury so Dimi Konstantopoulos continued in goal.

With Elliott Ward also benched as he recovers from a back injury, and Stephen Wright out with flu, 18 year-old Jermaine Grandison was given his first ever league start.

Clinton Morrison took on the captain’s armband.

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1st Half

A goal inside 30 seconds made life even more difficult for the injury-laden Sky Blues. Jobi McAnuff crossed for Rasiak to rise between Martin Cranie and Jermaine Grandison and plant his header firmly past Konstantopoulos.

With an average age of less than 20, City’s inexperienced back four endured a hellish start as Reading unloaded wave after wave of early attacks.

Left-back Ryan Bertrand cut in to the penalty area only to see his tame shot saved, before a Matejovsky cross found Church unmarked in the area. His side-foot shot was clipped wide.

McAnuff clearly had the beating of Jordan Clarke, and Grandison looked nervous as he gave away possession. Church was sent through, but a last-ditch Ben Turner tackle robbed him.

Coventry then had the ball in the net at the other end when Freddy Eastwood headed in Michael McIndoe’s free kick. But the linesman’s flag brought a premature end to City’s celebrations.

That was the cue for the home team to start edging their way back into the game after their early toils. Eastwood had a shot saved and Gunnarsson lashed over from a corner. Only half chances, mind.

The tables had turned in the Clarke versus McAnuff battle (for now), and Grandison too had settled down and looking more at ease at the heart of the defence. Just before half time McAnuff fired a warning shot which Konstantopoulos saved comfortably.

Half Time

Coventry 0-1 Reading

2nd Half

Coleman tinkered at half time. McIndoe went central; Clarke went to right midfield with van Aanholt switching to left back. But only ten minutes into the second half City founds themselves two down.

A misplaced clearing header from Cranie fell straight to McAnuff who volleyed home from inside the area. The goal sparked a double change from Coleman. On came Best and Osbourne for the ineffective McIndoe and the not-yet-fully-fit Gunnarsson.

Reading continued to press. A McAnuff cross hit the post before Dimi saved well from Rasiak inside the area. But Leon Best’s presence upfront gave City an extra dimension and they began get men forward.

Jordan Clarke darted down the right and crossed into unmarked Jack Cork. Cork controlled and lashed a shot that hit the top of the bar and went over. Then a Best flick sent Morrison in on goal, but his shot was saved well by the legs of Federici.

Even Grandison was becoming something of an attacking force – lumbering forward with purpose and using the ball well.

Then Eastwood collected the ball centrally, and for once found a bit of space in front of him. The Welshman ghosted into the space and smacked a 25-yarder past Federici and into the corner of the net for his first of the season, and a way back into the match for his team.

The momentum was with the Sky Blues, and salvaging at least a point seemed like a real possibility. That was until some more questionable defending cost City a third goal.

McAnuff’s shot struck a post and Rasiak followed up to volley home for his second and Reading’s third. City just seemed to stand and watch; their offside appeals were roundly rejected.

That goal effectively ended the game as a contest. Chris Hussey came on for van Aanholt, and the newly signed left-back looked strong, clever, and useful going forward.

The combatitive Grandison burst down the right in stoppage time to cross for an unmarked Clarke on the penalty spot. Not that it mattered, but the youngster sent his first-time shot hopelessly over the bar.

There were enough signs of future talent to keep fans hopeful, but the sombre drone of the trumpets from the stands resembled the distress signals of a dying whale; a reminder that this team is a long way off from being the finished article.

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AFTER GAME QUOTES
Chris Coleman:

'Defensively we have conceded silly goals again.

'There are a lot of disappointed young players in our dressing room but they will be better for this experience.

'We had a very, very young team and when you concede a goal like that, your bubble has burst before you have started.

'We made one or two decent chances and we didn't capitalise on that. We have to pick ourselves up it is as simple as that.'

Brendan Rodgers:

'There is always pressure in football and I thought we were excellent.

'There was a lot of tempo and I talked to the players about controlled passion.

'We had a great start and I have kept enforcing to the players the importance of a strong start.

'The players had good motivation going into the game and we put quality balls into the box.'

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HOW THEY LINED UP
Sky Blues: Konstantopoulos, Cranie, Grandison, Turner, Clarke, McIndoe (Best 57), Cork, Gunnarsson (Osbourne 57), van Aanholt (Hussey 73), Eastwood Morrison

Subs Not Used: Ireland, Ward, Bell, Madine

Booked: Hussey

Goals: Eastwood 64

Reading: Federici, Tabb, Ingimarsson, Pearce, Bertrand, McAnuff, Matejovsky, Howard (Karacan 68), Sigurdsson, Church (Long 56), Rasiak

Subs Not Used: Hamer, Cisse, Gunnarsson, Cummings, O’Dea

Booked: None

Goals: Rasiak 1, McAnuff 54, Rasiak 71

Att: 15,165

Ref: E. Ilderton 7/10

Man of The Match: : McAnuff – a constant thorn in City’s side, and ran the show at times.

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Player Ratings and Realistic Expectations

By Knowl

Oh no the kids aren’t experienced yet, why support when we can grumble and boo and show distain for their efforts!!

Okay, I’ll admit I’m pretty pissed off with it all but I’m proud of our players after yesterday and barring three players I think they can be proud of themselves, but even those three will come again and learn from the experience.

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Saturday 03rd October – 12.00 pm The Ricoh.

Three Parish Notices.

Firstly, when you have a back line and midfield so inexperienced you need the captain and senior player to take the pressure off the lads and give them time to settle. The first of Morrisons two major mistake came in the first 30s, we cleared the ball to the centre circle and all Clinton had to do was flick the ball first time to Van Aanholt and we had relieved the pressure, or he could have held off his player and rolled the ball to Cork, however, Clinton lost the ball easily and we were punished. Now its important how we all react the players and the fans. Well even know we still had nearly 90mins to recover the fans, well the majority around me anyway, gave up the ghost and decided that the only way to get anything of the game was to abuse the kids and point out their every mistake. The players obviously got nervous and even though they tried to play the ball around the crowds anxiety added to their own worries and we panicked. Yet we still put a couple of very good moves together and Van Aanholt was unlucky when he got round the back on the left handside and unfortunately ran the ball out of play. We were also unlucky to have a goal disallowed and we saw a great chance for Gunnar fired over. It took us 20mins to settle down but settle down we did.

Secondly the change at half time was the sort of change I dread seeing, 352 is not a good formation at the best of times and even less so when the back five are so raw. The centre backs get confused over where to go and without a natural leader at the back this move was the most shocking of all Colemans decisions leading up to and during the game. However, once we went two down the players continued to go for it and Clarke showed that he is a competent footballer even in the oppositions half and with the introduction of Best I thought we took the upper hand and after Clinton missed his sitter it was only a matter of time before we dragged one back. Best once again beat two men, remember the patience and love we showed this lad a year ago?, and now people want him to show us loyalty? I would tell the Cov fans to fuck off!!, and fed Eastwood who fired into the corner, some of the supporters had no right to celebrate that goal because they didn’t deserve it, the players did!!

Lastly, with the mountain of getting back into the game having been climbed it was too much for the lads to keep it up and to be fair Reading used all their experience and they killed the game for 5mins, the game didn’t flow and they took the sting out of the fight back and nailed the final nail in the coffin with their third. But I was proud of our lads they had given everything and will have learnt an awful lot from the experience and in the long run believe it or not we are a stronger team for it. Grandison and Clarke will come good, the clamour for their inclusion was mounting and it was nice to see a back 4 with 3 academy graduates in it, it shows that we are willing to give the kids their chance and I for one would rather see the Clarkes and Grandisons of the squad get a chance than having players like Duffy on loan again or Hawkins filling up a squad place.

HOW THEY LINED UP

Coventry: Konstantopoulos, Craine, Clarke, Grandison Turner, Van Aanholt (Hussey 73), McIndoe (Best 57), Cork, Gunnarsson (Osbourne 57), Van Aanholt, Eastwood, Morrison,

Subs Not Used: Ireland, Osbourne, Best, Hussey, Ward, Madine, Bell.

Booked: Ward.

Sent Off: None.

Goals: Eastwood 64

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Dimi - 7 Could do nothing with any of the goals and apart from that didn’t really have many saves to make. His first start in a Cov shirt for an awfully long time and with he needed to organise his defence more than he did but he didn’t let anyone down.

Craine - 5 Got to be honest, his poorest performance in a Cov shirt by a long way. His distribution was substandard and he looked more worried than anyone else during the first half. Needed to take the lead with Grandison alongside him but failed to show the maturity I expected from him.

Clarke - 6 Should have scored right at the death and looked good when utilised as a right wing back in the second half. Was exposed by Jobi McAnuff in the first half but there is absolutely no shame in that and could have done with Van Aanholt being slightly more intune with the game that he was but Clarke will have learnt more from that than he would have done by sitting on the bench and at the end of day we have been complaining about this for years and now we are finally giving players their games early we have to accept their limitations.

Grandison - 6 Shakey start but was up against the best player he has probably ever played against in Rasiak, who is both a big strong bugger as well as being tidy on the deck. The decision to go to a back three at half time did him no favours as he was the central one and he looked a bit lost but who wouldn’t be a little shell shocked after the start he had to his pro career. Ended the game with a run down the right wing with resulted in a great cross for Clarke, this is the start of a long career for the lad and I’ll remember his first league start at the Ricoh for the positive reasons and not for the first twenty minutes.

Turner - 6 It can be easy to forget that Turner is still a kid, he was only making his 57 league start yesterday and he is still learning his game so, IMO, some of the expectations being put on his shoulders are a little unfair, however, I have made similar comments in resent weeks about him taking the lead more but yesterday was something that must have come as a shock to Ben. He was often playing a different defensive line to the two kids either side of him and he needs to be shout and scream at the others until they are inline with him. It is common when you are young to look for a safety marker and that can be the edge of the penalty area when you are a defender and this was the case yesterday and it was up to Ben to bring them out. In the second he was constantly being dragged over to stop McAnuff and that left us exposed in the middle. Another player who will have been aided by the experience and it is up to him how things progress from here.

McIndoe - 5 With a lacklustre Craine behind him and a defence looking to safety first it was the sort of game to be out of position. McIndoe didn’t do enough to be involved in the game and was no better when moved into the middle, another focus of the boo boys, McIndoe is not the winger some want and is not playing in a system he wants.

Cork - 7 The lad is too good, when we played well and when we got the ball down and moved the ball through the middle, which happened more often that some would have you believe, Cork was the conductor of the orchestra occurring around him. A couple of delightful first time passed throughout the game demonstrated his quality and he would be the first name on my team sheet and illustrates what a well thought out loan can have on the side. Unlucky not to score when he hit the bar and when Best came on he had two let out balls which gave him even more scope to hurt the opposition.

Gunnar - 6 How fit was he? When he was involved in attacking moves and when he was used as piece of the attacking jigsaw he looked good. When he was asked to start a move or get on the ball and play the ball simply he was poor. He lacked that spark he can bring to the team but there were signs that a central midfield partnership of Cork and Gunnar could well prove affective.

Van Annholt - 5 A lost little dutch boy in the first half and no more aware of his surroundings in the second. I would say he looked confused but I think that doesn’t tell the whole story, yes he may well look like a left winger and it has worked in previous games, Tabby was obviously a weak looking link in the Reading defence and he had Van Aanholt in his pocket all game and even ran him back towards Dimi more often than he was going the other way. I would be surprised if he hadn’t been relived to have been hauled off.

Clinton – 5 At fault for the first goal, and when you are Clinton Morrison and you have been dishing out the critcism for a couple of weeks you have to put the ball where your mouth is and his dismal finish when through one on one was pathetic. People can claim all they want it was a good save but I’m sorry if you hit the ball straight at the keeper it isn’t a good save it is a poor miss. Once again his link up play was poor and following on from last week it was Eastwood who ran past him to close a defender down. If we are to play 442, Morrsions place in the most under threat.

Eastwood - 8 Tracking back to help the left wing back when we were under pressure, he held the ball up well and linked with Cork on numerous occasions and at times he even looked like he had an understanding with Morrison. A great strike for the goal and no one can be questioning his attitude and work rate today. There were positives yesterday and the performance of Eastwood was one of them, lets hope this isn’t another false dawn but he needs to play upfront, as he stated that is only his second start through the middle this season, and maybe it will come for him.

Subs

Best - Came on and suddenly we found a focal point for the attack, he did all the jobs Morrison had laboured at during the previous 57mins. One maurding run left a Reading player on the floor and could have had another assist after the way he played Clinton in. Pity he wont be here in a years time but has shown what happens when you get games under your belt and progress into potential.

Ozzie - Looked unfit and while put himself about was less effectual than Best at offering something different.

Hussey - One great cross shows what might be awaiting us in the future.

Coleman 6

Not going to hammer the guy that’s for everyone else todo. I’m glad he had the confidence to play Grandison and Clarke and he is looking long term if others can’t see past yesterdays performance.

Is probably looking forward to the international break to get players back fit.

Made a massive mistake in changing to 352 as it opens up the flanks to the opposition but heh hopefully he will learn from that.

In short.
6 of the starting 11 have played less than 100 league games at competitive level and it showed. At times we played some lovely stuff and we tested their keeper on 9 occasions and on another day Clarke, Cork and Turner might have opened their accounts for the club. Yesterday was a day for some to progress from boys to men it was a pity the fans couldn’t accept that it was time to support the players who will be making up the first team for years to come and instead showed that some go demanding to be entertained and don’t go to offer support.

Play up Sky Blues.

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Sky Blue PaperTalk: Coventry shot down by Rasiak and McAnuff

By Mel Dixon

Coventry slip down to 16th after a numerically comprehensive defeat by Reading. It was a young and inexperienced city side who went down 3-1, and the vulnerability of our small squad is already being felt before the festive fixture madness.

The papers saw this one as the Jobi McAnuff show...

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The Sunday Mirror began by describing how Jobi McAnuff had “helped ease the pressure on boss Brendan Rogers as Reading ended their run of four consecutive defeats...” The former Crystal Palace and Wimbledon player scored one and set-up the other two as the Royals climbed out of the relegation zone. “Coventry did find the net after failing to score in their last three games but it was of little consequence for Chris Coleman’s men, who have now not won in five matches.” The Sky Blues were overrun at the start of the game.

In the Daily Mirror, McAnuff praised his boss for his calm approach: “The manager has shielded us from the pressure. He has taken the responsibility and allowed us to get on with what we do but hopefully this result will relieve the pressure.” Playing against an injury hit Coventry side will also have helped, and as the Mirror stated, the oldest defender in the sky blues back four was 23. In his post match comments, Ben Turner refused to use this as an excuse.

Alan Sleeman, writing in The Sun, identified the most important details of the game in his first paragraph: “JOBI McANUFF revealed the secret behind his demolition job on creaky Coventry - his new room-mate Alex Pearce.” Of course it was. Apparently, his room mate Alex Pearce was so boring that he slept better than ever. Meanwhile Eastwood’s goal was described as a 25-yard “daisy cutter” - sounds rather like a damning verdict on our groundsmen, whilst Aussie keeper Adam Federici “broke Coventry hearts with a couple of brilliant saves.” And the Sun Star Man? McAnuff. Why? “Good enough for any job.” Please.

The News of the World summed it up best: “COVENTRY never recovered after Grzegorz Rasiak caught them napping with a first minute goal.” The Times emphasised the importance of McAnuff’s contribution and how he has helped ease the pressure on boss Brendan Rogers. Ben Turner revealed his growing maturity after the game by staying clear of wallowing self-pity : “We might be a young back four but we are in the team because the manager thinks we are good enough and that is all that matters.”

In the Observer, reader Richard Owen had his opinions published: “Chris Coleman stressed the importance of winning ugly... Well, our players heard the ugly bit, but forgot about the winning... We were awful from start to finish... [we] just gave up in the last 20 minutes.”

And that’s about it. It was a bad result, but as Knowlesy said this week, the players will have learnt a lot from the experience, and they require the support of the fans during a trying period. When young players are being forced to mature quickly, they usually do, and we may end up nurturing players who would previously have remained in reserve team obscurity – players who may have become disillusioned with the lack of first team opportunities.

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Sky Blue snap up Barnett

By Ian Palmer

Chris Coleman has moved to sign West Brom central defender Leon Barnett on loan until the end of January.

The 24-year-old cost the baggies £2.5m when he joined them from Luton Town in 2007, and his since made more than 50 appearances for the club (11 of those in the Premier League).

Coleman told the club’s official website, “We’ve made no secret of the fact that we have been looking to strengthen at the back, but we wanted to make sure we got the right man in.

“I am delighted to get Leon until the end of January and we believe he will do a very good job for us over the next three months.”

09/10 GMK PL Week 12, Game 15.

By Smiles

Frustrating isn’t it, you’re in the middle of a poor run and you meet, on form and on paper, an equally poor looking team and there’s a chance that a Sky Blue win would be a favourable prediction. However, things don’t work like that for us do they? Oh no, predictable?!! How did you do? Don’t forget our game is on Friday this week!!!

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Links:

(Friday's game at Derby (A))[/url]

[url=http://www.gmkonline.com/index.php?p age=forum&forum_id=8&thread_id=1642](Last Saturday vs Reading (H)

To follow: (The Rules)

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Here’s this weekends fixtures for you to predict.

Game 16: (kick off deadline to post by: 7:45 pm)
Predict the outcome of:

Derby v Coventry: :
First Goal Coventry Scorer: :
Crowd: :

Championship Games:

Predict the outcome of the following games:

Home (H), Away (A) or Draw (D), (NO SCORES, you HAVE TO POST H / D or A):

Friday 6th November :

Derby v Coventry - 7:45pm:

Saturday 7th November:

Blackpool vs Scunthorpe
C Palace vs Middlesbro
Leicester vs West Brom
Newcastle vs Peterborough
Nottm Forest vs Bristol C
Plymouth vs Doncaster
Reading vs Ipswich
Sheff Wed vs QPR
Swansea vs Cardiff
Watford vs Preston

Monday 9th November:

Barnsley vs Sheff Utd - 7:45pm

Cheers Smiles.

Coventry City Results Prediction League

Turk1965 (+2) points are enough to take him top on 46 as Mr 100% Sky_Blue_Up_North (+/-0) draws another blank and drops to 2nd on 45 points stuck with MrTickle (+/-0) who did the same in a slim week.

Outside of them in 4th is LordSummerisle (+2) on 41 and closing the top 5 s Perdomo (+/-0) in 5th on 39 points. As the top 5 shuffle with no new entries

In 6th is HK_BlueSkies (+/-0) with 38 points, up one place in 7th is SteveC189 (+2) with 37 points swapping places with SkyBlueBertie (+/-0). SkyBlueNemo (+2) moves up to 9th from 11th on 36 points too & closing the top 10 is Tisza (+/-0) on 35 points.

Dropping out of the top ten on 34 are Oblong (+/-0), & Danny (+/-0), then there’s a group of eight, all non movers, SundayRef (+/-0), SBGus (+/-0), Torchie (+/-0), SkyBlueExile (+/-0) & QPRSkyBlue (+/-0), Me (+/-0) BerksSkyBlue, (+/-0) and Vicar_In _A _Tutu, (+/-0), all who went from a home win with more than one goal.

Infact the table is unchanged down to 25th where Andrew Brown (+1) moves above CCSBA (+/-0).

Everyone else follows….

The gap from 1st to 10th is still 11 points (+/-0) & 1st to 20th 18 (+1).

Here’s the updated league.

The top 25 on the front page has also been updated.

If the board is down for any reason or you cannot post email me your predictions! gmkadmin@hotmail.co.uk

For a reminder on how to score points again check the rules on the home page on the blue bar, when I’ve worked out how to do it, I will get around to this honest!

Championship Results Prediction League

Despite a record 19 (+3) points to go for this week, results were equally bad in the Championship results predictor, with no double digit returns.

SkyBlueNemo (+4) stays top, the 1st over 100 on 111 , with another two predictors ton up as top scorer KeanoNo1 (+9) moves upto 2nd with 106 points, dropping last weeks 2nd place BerksSkyBlue(+7) to 3rd on the same number of points from more games predicted.

There’s still some clear Sky Blue between them and the following players as the 4th player is still RickyCCFC (+6) on 99 and QPRSkyBlue (+6) stuck in 5th on 91 points.

Two big movers in 6th & 7th in a tight league as Perdomo (+9) & Tisza (+7) are level on 89 points, with Turk1965 (+3) drooping from 7th to 8th and a bound up the table from SBGus (+ 7) from 17th to 9th. Making up the top 10 in equal 10th place are Sky_Blue_Up_North, (+5), Edgy (+5), ME (+5) & Blaggy (+5) all on 86 points.

BlindFaith (+2) & Neil10 (+6) are 14th & 15th on 85 points, a point behind is Danny (+/-0) missing his prediction, Lagger, (+4) on 84 drops from 15th to 17th, OwenSkyBlue (+/-0) misses his prediction and stays on 82 points in 18th & closing the top ten are SkyBlueBertie (+3) & SteveC189 (+3) both on 80 points.

No-one dropped out of the top 20 this week.

So with 39 playing (-1) 1st to 10th is still a gap of 25 points (+/-0) & 1st to 20th also stuck on 31 points (+/-0)

The average points dropped from 5.975 to 4.949 (-1.026) and overall total to 193 from 239 (-46).

There were 19 points to go for (+1) from 13games (+1) and the top scorer were two players were on nine points as detailed above.

Here's the table after week 11, Game 14:

Still tight at the top!

Any issues then please e-mail me at the usual address!

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Match Preview: Derby v Sky Blues.

By Smiles.

It’s a bit early for a six pointer, but this is as close as they get at this time of the season. Any kind of points from the Sky TV featured East West Midlands derby would be welcome for both managers, sides and fans, as two struggling teams with limited resources and poor form meet at Pride Park.

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THE RAMS Vs THE SKY BLUES

As Friday night games go, at least this one is easily driveable, however its not one I’ll be making. Recent performance have dented my desire to shell out to go to a ground I’ve been to many a time, and in fairness, our recent record isn’t too bad at.

Even the lure of a very decent boozer, isn’t going to tempt me to part with any cash, after all if our owners won’t, then why should I?! Nope this treading water exercise this season, noble although it may be in the battle to keep our finances afloat, has me considering my priorities and football is falling down that list.

Perhaps it may be said my commitment to the cause should be better, but hey, its only football, (business) afterall…

GAME ON – THIS WEEKENDS FIXTURES

TEAM NEWS

New signing Leon Barnett could be handed his Coventry debut this evening when Chris Coleman's injury-hit squad travels to Derby. Centre-back Barnett has penned a three-month loan deal from West Brom and could be thrown straight into the mix against a Rams side who have lost eight of their last 11 games working under extremely similar circumstances to Coleman’s team.

Captain Stephen Wright missed last weekend's 3-1 defeat to Reading due to flu and has still been struggling this week while fellow central defender Ben Turner had to have an injection in his knee in order to line up at the Ricoh Arena but has also missed some training sessions in recent days.

Both are touch and go for the trip to Pride Park while goalkeeper Keiren Westwood remains a major doubt with the back problem that forced him off against West Brom proving more troublesome than first expected. Left-back Marcus Hall has returned to training after the death of his father but whether he features remains to be seen.

James McPake and David Bell are both looking for vital match practice following their recent returns from injury while midfielder Sammy Clingan (broken toe) remains on the sidelines.

THE OPPOSITION

Derby are a club in as much turmoil as the Sky Blues of late and are rudderless again after the departure of their latest chairman. Adam Pearson resigned as Derby's chairman of football on Wednesday and has returned to his former club Hull, whose chairman Paul Duffen resigned last Thursday morning.

Pearson is confident Nigel Clough remains the man to revive Derby as a force to be reckoned with after appointing Clough as Rams boss in January: 'I have no doubt at all that Nigel, supported by his staff, will go on to be a truly great manager for Derby County Football Club and create his own legacy, in the footsteps of his father. He is a manager in whom the supporters and board can totally trust with the future of their club. It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to work with Nigel Clough over the past 10 months.”

'Under Nigel's management, the wage bill is now under control, the squad size is under control, the academy structure is solid and we have a management team in place who will take the team forward.'

Pearson still owns a small number of shares at Derby but, in the short term, that would not affect his expected return to Hull because his holding is less than 10%. It is understood there are plans in place for Pearson's shares to be taken up by one or more of the other investors. Chief executive and president Tom Glick will step into Pearson's role.

The parallels between City and Derby of late are well documented with histories between the two clubs, finances, its former bankers, and chairman uncannily close. Both have been taken over by football impresarios, cut cloth and squads, appointed new managers and then struggled on limited resources.

Clough revealed the 'smell of relegation' still lingers around Pride Park as he prepared to embark upon his first full season as Derby manager. One landmark that Rams have achieved over City is a return to the Premiership that has, thus far, evaded the Sky Blues. However, The Rams were relegated from the Barclays Premier League with an all-time low points total of 11 after winning just one match during the 2007/08 season.

Clough then famously followed in his late father Brian's footsteps by becoming Derby manager at the start of this year. He inherited the squad that had performed so poorly under his predecessor, Paul Jewell, and was quick to point out he felt the players were still hungover from the previous season. After saving the Rams from successive relegations, the former Burton boss has rebuilt over the summer by bringing in five new signings.

However, Clough admits memories of the torment of the 2007/08 season remain and said: 'It's not gone 100%. It still lapses back in every now and again when things go badly. Generally, we are getting shot of it. It's not a conscious thing, it just seems to creep in over a period of months and then it lingers for quite some time. It's not like a light switch where you can just turn it off one day, it takes a period of time. I thought we showed signs of it going last season and I hope we start this season and show even more signs of it.

The Rams have started this season pretty much where they left off last and with a squad as waifer thin as ours injuries to key players have seen them suffer, having to use a combination of young players and loanees.

Clough has confirmed he is trying to extend one of loan deals, that of Fulham full back Fredrik Stoor. The Swede has impressed during his month-loan stint at Pride Park, but is due to head back to Craven Cottage this week. Clough is keen to retain the services of Stoor and is planning talks with his Cottagers counterpart Roy Hodgson once the defender's eye injury picked up against QPR eases: 'His eye is completely closed, if you have seen the Rocky films, you'll know what I mean. He has a good black eye and there was no way he could continue but we are looking to extend his loan.' One player whose loan period has been ceased is Rams midfielder Arnaud Mendy. Mendy joined the Mariners on a one-month deal recently but has been sent back to his club early, with a lack of first-team opportunities cited as the reason behind the League Two club’s decision.

'It’s not for anything he has done in a bad way, it’s just to be fair to him,' Grimsby caretaker boss Neil Woods told the club’s official website. 'I think I need to be fair to the players that we’ve got here first. He’s been a little bit of a victim of circumstances in the last two weeks. He’s not going to get into the 18 and I don’t think it’s fair to keep him here. He understands the situation.'

Hull midfielder Bryan Hughes went the opposite way to Pearson joining Derby on a one-month loan. Clough has brought in Hughes to provide back up as the Rams have a number of injuries. 'I'm delighted we have been able to secure Bryan's services: he is player who brings vast experience to our squad. Everyone knows about our injury situation and when we looked at the list of available players Bryan's name stood out.”

Derby’s slim squad and injury problems have seen the County town slump towards the bottom of the division and with Rob Hulse out recently goals have been rare, so much so Derby have confirmed they have inquired about Ipswich striker Jon Stead.

The Rams` forward line has been decimated by injury this season. Steve Davies and Chris Porter are long-term absentees while James Vaughan, on loan from Everton recently returned to Goodison Park for treatment on a knee injury that will keep him out until the end of November. Stead, 26, scored three goals in 17 appearances during a three-month loan spell at Derby in 2006. Ipswich manager Roy Keane stated that he was unaware of any contact from the Rams regarding Stead. But Derby boss Nigel Clough said: 'Jon Stead is a player that we have asked about. However, I don't think that there will be any movement in this direction at the moment.'

Jay McEveley will make a dramatic return to the Derby squad for the Sky Blues visit to Pride Park less than three weeks after suffering a fractured cheekbone, which was corrected by an operation in which McEverley claims his heart stopped in..

The defender is back in contention after his heart stopped for two minutes during the operation to correct the facial injury he sustained in the league defeat at Middlesbrough on October 20th. McEveley will wear a Bestesque protective mask but the 24-year-old insists he will not be holding back in any challenges: 'I can't play without being 100 per cent committed to every challenge. If I'm lucky enough to play and there's a ball to be won, I'll stick my head in there without a moments hesitation,' he said. 'The mask helps massively, it is very solid. It would have to be some blow for me to suffer any more damage.'

McEveley is not the only Ram with his heart on his sleeve as it was discovered that Derby's 16-year-old defender Mark O'Brien has undergone heart surgery. The Republic of Ireland Under-16 international had surgery on his heart valves at Leicester's Glenfield Hospital and now faces a three-month rest before resuming his promising career.

The problem was first spotted in pre-season and medical staff began to monitor his condition but after consulting a number of experts it was decided he should have the operation: 'I was taking things in my stride to be honest and once he (the consultant) said 'it is next week' I did get a little nervous,' O'Brien, who made his first-team debut last season. 'I'm feeling quite stiff, but apart from that I'm feeling great to be honest. Everything is going according to plan which is good. I'm glad it (the operation) is out the way now because I didn't want to wait until next year which was initially spoken about. I didn't want to have it in the back of my mind for the next five or six months.'

McEveley, left-back, is one of a quartet of players the injury-hit Rams could have available again along with fellow defender, and former City loanee, Dean Leacock, midfielder Paul Green and top scorer Rob Hulse. Leacock and Hulse have trained this week after missing the defeat at Ipswich with mumps and a stomach bug respectively while a late decision will be made on Green's involvement following his lengthy absence with a broken metatarsal.

Derby from: Bywater, Connolly, Moxey, Stoor, Barker, Hughes, Teale, Savage, Livermore, Croft, Pearson, Mills, Dickov, Deeney, Buxton, Dudley McEveley, Hulse, Leacock, Green.

INS AND OUTS

In: Dean Moxey, (Exeter), Lee Croft, (Norwich), Jake Buxton & Saul Deeney, (Burton), Shaun Barker (Blackpool), Lee Hendrie, (Sheffield United).

On Loan Jake Livermore, (Spurs), Paul Dickov, (Leicester), James Vaughan (Everton) Fredrik Stoor (Fulham) Bryan Hughes, (Hull).

Out: Tyrone Mears, (Burnley), Mile Sterjovski & Andy Todd (Perth Glory, Aus), Lewin Nyatanga, (Bristol), Liam Dickinson (Brighton), Claude Davis, (Crystal Palace), Jordan Stewart (Sheff United).

Out On Loan Lewis Price (Brentford), Luke Varney, (Sheff Weds).

Released Paris Simmons, Andrejs Pereplotkins, Emanuel Villa, Mitch Hanson, Roy Carroll, Aleksandar Prijovic, Alan Stubbs, Martin Albrechtsen, Ruben Zadkovich.

DANGERMEN

Goals are a bit sparse at present with top scorer Rob Hulse with 3 league goals from 11 (2) appearances.

Two players have 2 each with Gary Teale and Miles Addison double up from 15 (0) & 8 (1) appearances respectively.

Hulse was last season’s top scorer too with 15 league goals from 42 (2) outings.

FORM

Sky Blues - 16th, The Championship: 17 points from 15 games.

Derby - 20th, The Championship: 14 points from 15 games.

Derby has the 17th best attack in the league this season with 17 goals scored, the same as The Sky Blues

The Rams have the equal 3rd worst defence in The Championship with 26 goals conceded, 3 worse The Sky Blues

Last 8 League Games:

VISIT THE RIVALS

THE REF

We’ve already seen todays ref once this season already:

Mr P T Crossley (Kent)

Games across all leagues & competitions this season:

Games across all leagues & competitions last season:

Last City game Officiated in: Sky Blues vs Swansea. 22/08/09

Result: 0-1.

Performance: The Sky Blues were left to rue a first half penalty miss as their unbeaten start to the season crumbled at the hands of Chris Coleman’s hometown club Swansea City…. The result was an agitated and disjointed performance, not helped by Sammy Clingan’s 13th minute penalty miss. The off-colour midfielder side-footed the ball wide after referee Crossley had harshly judged that Andrea Orlandi had handled in the box…. Minutes before that, City captain Stephen Wright was lucky he didn’t concede a penalty when he stooped to clear the ball with his shoulder inside the penalty area. Wright was one of the few City players who could be pleased with their performance….6/10

PREVIOUS

The Sky Blues last faced Derby at Pride Park on Saturday 31st January 2009 recording a 2-1 loss as the Sky Blues handed Derby their first league win under Nigel Clough as the bad winds that blew in against Cardiff prevailed again. City had now lost two on the bounce as the newbies take time to gel and City desperately need a few experienced heads, and feet, back to fitness as the make dos, don’t. Plus Ca Change!

Derby must have been very happy with the 4 points they took from us that season, as well as Cardiff who did the double. It was not time yet to get twitchy in a close league, but things had to improve quickly, because despite a s reasonable run we must have used up all our luck, and a bit of skill was now required to consolidate the required mid table finish as we moved into the final third of the season.

We never turned up first half our shape was very poor, before they scored they had four corners and we never put a challenge in which was very poor, which was disappointing. In the last three games we’ve not been on it, we have to address that. The lads on the pitch all have to be on it from the first minute. We were better in the 2nd half, but we gave ourselves a mountain to climb.

Chris Coleman We have more experience now, we’ve had three or four academy lads on the bench who have done well to fill the gaps but now we’ve players fit and I want to see our eleven experienced players on the pitch having ago. Are our defenders on the pitch trying to get Westy a move? Because he’s keeping us in the game all the time, our defence let us down a few times. I’m not trying to paper over the cracks because the 1st 45 minutes was just not good enough they pulverized us and we was just not good enough, I’m not bothered how ugly it is, we just have to defend. We just couldn't cope with Derby's tempo. They were quicker to every ball and they won every challenge in our box - that can't be right.'

We got Bell, Henderson on a month loan, which we thought may not happen, lets not judge anybody on one game, they both played hard. Leon I could have changed 10 players at half time, no disrespect to Freddy I could have taken anyone off, but Leon did very well. Danny Fox got a knock, lot of speculation about him leaving the club, blah blah blah, he showed a lot of courage by staying on. There’s a little snag with James McPake, nothing big but I hope it can be sorted out. The guys we have need to do their best but if they’re doing well they have nothing to worry about. We’ve said we want to improve, it will take a few windows, and we’re doing that slowly.

Nigel Clough: 'This is a terrific result for us but it is important to stress that it is only a very small step forward.”

'The first-half performance was magnificent. With slightly better finishing and that elusive bit of luck we would have been out of sight. A third goal would have killed the game off and we could have got it at any point in the first half.”

'At 2-0 it is lovely but it is a dangerous scoreline because if they get a goal back early after the break - like they did - it makes for a nervous second half.'

Sky Blues: Westwood, Wright, Hall, Ward, Fox, Henderson, Beuzelin, Doyle (Sawyer 86), Bell, Morrison, Eastwood (McKenzie 46).

Subs Not Used: Marshall, Thornton, Wynter.

Booked: None.

Goal: Doyle 53.

HISTORY

Despite this fixture being played many times over the years, the Sky Blues and the Rams didn’t meet for over 40 years between 1924/25 & 1964/65 due to the Rams being promoted to Division One. It took the Rams to be relegated back to the 2nd Division during the Sky Blues rise up the league under Jimmy Hill in the 60’s for the two sides to meet again, where the bulk of the fixtures between the two sides have taken place since

Our Previous trip to Pride Park was in Derby’s promotion season in 2006/7 under Billy Davies when City returned a credible 1-1 draw. Leon McKenzie opened the scoring in the 73rd minute and Matt Oakley responded with the equaliser 6 minutes later.

Iain Dowie commented: ' We wanted a response after the last two games. Clearly, they weren't what we were after. But that's the kind of level of commitment we were showing prior to that for the six-game unbeaten run and that was more like it. We've come to the champions-elect, a team that have played some outstanding football, and arguably should've won.'

Billy Davies was a little more reserved; 'We've now got to go and grab this with both hands. We've got to be confident, we've got to be positive and we've got to have that belief. We know it won't be easy, we know there are tough games ahead. And we know there are still lots of twists and turns to come.'

The team that day was:

Sky Blues: Marshall, Virgo, Page, Ward, Hall, Osbourne, Hughes, Doyle, Tabb, Kyle (Adebola 81), McKenzie (Mifsud 77).

Subs not used: Steele, Cameron, Turner.

Booked: Virgo Sent off: Tim Flowers!

Goals: McKenzie 73.

Prior to that City travelled up the A38 in September of 2005 under Micky Adams. A Dele Adebola equaliser after 57 minutes to Morten Bisgaards opener which was enough to earn the Sky Blues a point.

Despite not losing in their last 4 visits to Derby, overall City's record at Derby, be it at Pride Park or at the old Baseball Ground, is pretty lamentable. The fine 3-1 victory in 2003/4 was only City's sixth in 29 trips in all competitions since the first league fixture was played in 1921/22. and the three goals scored then were the first by the Sky Blues in five attempts.

Some optimism can be drawn from the fact that victories have tended to come in pairs. A 2-0 win in September 1978 was matched with a 2-1 success the following December.

Similarly, a 2-1 in City's promotion season, (November 1966), was followed by another the next time city made the trip, (3-1 in October 1969), and another the following season, a handsome 4-3 win in September 1970. Neil Martin scored twice with a rare Dave Clements goal and a Willie Carr strike sealing the win.

The overall results between the two clubs could not be much closer, with Derby having recorded 27 wins in all competitions against Coventry's 26, with 19 draws. Derby County V Coventry City dates back to November 1921, when the Rams took the honours 1-0 in the first-ever meeting between the sides. It was a league double that season as Derby followed that up with a 2-1 away success, both fixtures in the old Division Two.

In 1996/97, Derby's first in the Premiership, then-manager Jim Smith guided his side to a treble against Coventry. They won both league games 2-1, including the victory at Highfield Road that secured safety in the top-flight, and completed a dramatic comeback to win an FA Cup tie at the Baseball Ground 3-2 having been 2-0 down early on.

Derby fans may choose not to spend too much time previous encounters with the Sky Blues in Coventry. In the last ever game at Highfield Road the Sky Blues whooped Direby 6-2 and then the first at The Ricoh finished 6-1, but that ghost was finally laid to with the Rams recording a 2-1 win in the next match played.

The last eight meetings in this fixture have finished thus:

Full league Away record against Derby is as follows:

Overall record against The Rams Home & Away in all competitions is as follows:

The full detail of that can be seen here:

HOW TO GET THERE

Derby County Football Club play at Pride Park Stadium, Pride Park, Derby, Derbyshire DE24 8XL, (To get there print off the map on the Yell link below!).

From the the M1, exit at Junction 25 and take the A52 towards Derby. The ground is signposted off the A52 after about seven miles. There is not a great deal of parking available around the stadium so it may an idea to park in the centre of town and then walk out to the ground. A better place to park for all fans is the cattle market car park. This costs £2 and is about 15-20 minute walk from the ground and is just off the A52. To get there, go past the normal turning for the stadium and go up to the 'pentagon roundabout;' take the first turning off there and then take the next left - you then drive about 300 yards back on yourself, passing it on your left as you drive along the A52'.

Alternatively you can park in the Station Car Park if you go to out pub of choice!

WERE TO DRINK

Our equal 2nd favourite place to drink as away fans, and I would heartedly recommend it to anyone. Brilliant traditional Ale House in a period setting, wide range of beers, similar to The Shakespeare in Spon End, Old Worlde type pub but a great place to drink. You will not be disappointed, after a few decent pints a bracing walk along the Trent will do you good too!

The Brunswick Inn, 1, Railway Terrace, Derby, Derbyshire DE1 2RU, Tel: 01332 290 677

You can find a map of how to get there here: (click the logo)

AMAZING FACTS

Derby County were formed in 1884 and were one of the 12 founder members of the Football League.

Their original kit was ‘chocolate’ (brown), amber and pale blue. (nice).

They played their first games at the old Baseball Ground until they moved to Pride Park in 1997 a total of 103 years!

Their first manager was Harry Newbold from 1896-1906 who was succeeded by Methven in 1922, Potter 1925 and then Jobey who stayed until 1941.

In 1971-72 Derby won the league under Old Big ‘Ed by a single point from Leeds, Liverpool & Man City. Winning the League again in ’74-’75.

In 72-73 they reached the semi-final of the old European Cup, (solely for Champions, defeated by Juventus 3-1 after drawing 0-0 at home.

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The GMK Match Report: Derby County v Sky Blues.

By Javed Peacevale

Derby 2-1 Sky Blues. City slip to another defeat, against a team in equally dire form, as the alarm bells start ringing. This is the time of the year we traditionally have a purple patch before our usual post Xmas slump, this year there’s no mauve…

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Friday 6th November 2009 – 7.45 pm Pride Park.

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TEAM CHANGES
Another week another defensive shuffle. Last weeks Cranie, Turner, Clarke, Grandison, (van Aanholt), becomes this weeks Ward, Barnett, Clarke, van Aanholt, Turner and Cranie not even making the bench.

In midfield Osbourne replaced McIndoe (reversing their roles for the Reading match), Leon Best returned to the starting line pushing Eastwood out left, Jeffers rejoined the subs.

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1st Half.

A band of 650 or so of the dwindling Sky Blues support made the trip up to the Trent to City play this Sky Sports TV covered game on a Friday evening. If an indication was needed of the tired group of loyal, long suffering fan base beginning to realise the inevitable, (SISU have only perpetuated failure and mediocrity) then this was it.

Noisy were for a while, now the accustomed early minutes concede did not appear, which raised our spirits somewhat, in a ground full of Derby fans who, despite having a few seasons worse than our own, still average over 27,000 in their home games.

The Rams came into the game on a run of 3 straight defeats but of the 14 points they’d amassed so far, 12 of those had been at home, here they either win or they don’t, with two away draws & six defeats Pride Park is where Nigel’s best made plans are laid. Saying that Derby had lost eight of their last 11 games as Manager Clough jnr struggled to deal with a horrendous injury list that was only in part matched by that Chris Coleman had to contend with.

Derby have been a one man scoring machine of late relying on the mercurial talents of former Crewe & Sheffield United player Rob Hulse who returned from injury for this game, the Rams boss was also able to welcome back former City loanee Dean Leacock and Paul Green. In addition Jay McEveley and Miles Addison took the returning total to five, with places on the bench.

The Sky Blues have also been battling against a lengthening injury list, but any thoughts of depletion were put to one side as we scored with the first meaningful attack of the game - and it was a goal that, in part at least, was the product of awful defending by the opposing team for a change.

Eastwood on the left was given far too much time to pick out Best on the right of the box, who headed tamely towards goal. Rams keeper – another former City loanee Bywater made a hash of his clearance, and punched the ball straight back towards the unmarked Best, who controlled it with his chest – denying any calls for handball, before picking his spot to slot confidently home on the half-volley past instinctively smashing through three or four defenders and Bywaters’ right hand. His is a gift we will miss when our inevitably tight buttocked Chairman refuses to dip into the ‘empty’ pot to retain him.

Derby responded to the with a phase of attacking football that perhaps may have yielded an equaliser bar some fortunate deflections out for corners as Dimi looked like a rabbits caught in the headlights.

The assured, if slightly strangely haircutted, Leacock and Hulse both saw shots deflected wide, (with Hulse’s effort going unrewarded much to the ponderment of many), whilst another contentious moment for referee Crossley saw Elliot Ward hack down Shaun Barker as the ball was crossed in from City’s right, but Derby's, admittedly reasonable, penalty appeals were turned down.

Not deterred. The Rams had won five corners in quick succession but the Sky Blues, more stoic than usual, defence held firm and the two lower league positioned, struggling teams largely cancelled each other out for the remainder of the half until the final minutes of the opening period.

Defender Stoor was called into last-gasp heroics at the back with a clearance to deny Eastwood an opportunity at the far post, from Best's cross, as the Sky Blues enjoyed a spell of pressure in the Rams half but failed to get a convincing effort on goal.

Gary Teale, he of last seasons buggerred return with a heroes saving grace presence- cut in from the left seven minutes before the break and let rip with a powerful drive that whizzed wide as Derby stepped up the pressure on a increasingly stretched City rearguard. Then Stephen Pearson tried his luck from long range however but he too was off target.

The Sky Blues almost extended their lead in injury-time when a decent Eastwood pass from the left sent Best through on goal but The Rams Dean Moxey made a last-ditch covering tackle to save the day when any sort of foul would have resulted in a red card.

Derby had a glorious chance to level in first-half injury-time when Pearson found space in the box to deliver a perfect ball across the six yard area to the on-rushing Dickov but from six-yards out he somehow blazed over the bar with Dimi exposed and floundering in what could rate as miss of the season as Mr Crossley added 5 minutes extra time in the first period.

As it was City went in one to the good at the break as we retired for another extremely chilled beverage.

Half Time

Half time: Derby 0-1 Coventry.

2nd Half

The Rams started the second half with even more purpose than they finished the first as Derby kicked off the second period strongly. A teasing Stoor cross kept Konstantopoulos on his toes as the ball came to dip just under the bar and the Greek was forced to tip the ball over just in case.

Just seconds later however, unfortunately Derby were back on level terms as City conceded possession, a ball into the box from deep out by Dickov picked out Hulse inside the box, after controlling the ball on his chest and then let fly with a deadly half-volley with his right boot as the ball flew past Konstantopoulos, into the net for his fourth goal of the campaign to replicate he achievement in the corresponding fixture last season.

That peach of a goal sparked the Rams crowd into life after being largely quiet upto that point.

Teale was an increasingly influential figure on the left for Derby running inside the Sky Blues box after 59 minutes, fortunately his cross-cum-shot across goal found neither the net nor a Derby team-mate.

Things were starting to look ominous as Derby's pressure eventually took told on the inexperienced City defence and their winner came after a superb counter-attack involving Teale, Pearson and Dickov, who pulled the ball back for Hulse to put the Rams in front.

If that wasn’t enough a ‘professional’ intervention of arch conman Savage almost sealed the Sky Blues fate moments later as youngster Clarke picked up his second yellow card following what was described as a sliding challenge on Savage. The youngster had the ball just inside the Rams half on the right and pushed it too far, committing himself tom retrieve it Lily came in on his blind side and already stretching for the ball the blond haired ponce – who had already been put in his place by Osbourne, theatrically went ‘over the top’ with no contact at all from Clarke and put in a few rolls to increase the effect stubbing his long hook like nose into the turf at the same time. The Rams combative midfielder had previously been involved in several scuffles as a number of City players surrounded Savage after Clarke was dismissed, whilst Sky Blues captain, for the night, Clinton Morrison protested to referee Crossly to see through the drama queens obvious devious ploy.

With all that action condensed into such as short period of time, nerves were fraught as the game failed to settle for a further five minutes. Tempers were high as City readjusted and the Rams had an opportunity to extend their lead even further during that spell with Pearson's stinging drive from twenty-five yards being saved by Konstantopolos

The Sky Blues inexplicably replaced Cork with McIndoe in the centre, Bell went on to replace Eastwood with 15 minutes remaining and Addison replaced Leacock twelve minutes from time, and Croft soon followed in place of Dickov.

Croft was immediately in the thick of things after Sky Blues sub Chris Hussey, who replaced van Aanholt, was harshly judged to have brought down Croft but Konstantopoulos dived low to his left and made an excellent save denying Hulse his hat-trick.

The game seemed to be ebbing away from the Sky Blues, although Bell introduced some creativity it was enough as The Rams celebrated a welcome win that drew them a place behind the Sky Blues as City look to drop even further down the table.

Finally, over the seasons we’ve come to rely on the fact that there are three teams worse than us, who will finish lower to ensure we keep our place in whatever respective league we find ourselves in. There’s a maxim in football that if you recruit your players from lower leagues, eventually they’ll take you there. Equally true is that if you keep losing to teams below you, eventually you’ll be bottom with nowhere else to go but down.

With just 5 wins in 30 games, sadly, a great deal of supporters feel for our future. It’s not as if we particularly dislike any personality, its just that run of results speak for themselves. If the people we have are not good enough to turn that around, having had time to do so, it’s only obvious that they’ll be a call to change it before its too late, regardless of what the mitigating circumstances are.

Negative, or just realistically concerned? We’re in a nosedive and we need a strong personality to pull us out. Someone take the throttle, and quick!

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AFTER GAME QUOTES
Chris Coleman:

'As for the red card, both players went in. Jordan is already on a yellow card but he's a full-blooded player and a tough defender - he's not a dirty player - and he was never going to pull out of that challenge.

'I'm not going to say I will need to see it again, but what I will say is that we had one referee in the first half and another in the second half.

'Derby are at home and their supporters got excited about the challenge, when that happened I knew there was only going to be one outcome.'

Nigel Clough:

'(Hulse) went down the Thursday before the Ipswich game and was laid low for about four days, but he's trained most of this week and he looked pretty strong.”

'They were two very good goals. We haven't given him too much service in the last few weeks when he has played, but tonight we did and he looked dangerous all night - as did Paul Dickov, who I'm sure Rob was first to thank for his goals.'

'He changed his mind over the penalty as usually he goes the other way. It's not so bad when you miss them and they don't cost you points but he's disappointed because it would have been for a hat-trick.'

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HOW THEY LINED UP
Sky Blues: Konstantopoulos, Clarke, Ward, Barnett, van Aanholt, (Hussey 66), Cork (McIndoe 66), Gunnarsson, Osbourne, Eastwood (Bell 75), Morrison, Best.

Subs Not Used: Ireland, Madine, Grandison, Jeffers.

Booked: van Aanholt, Hussey, Barnett, Clarke.

Sent Off Clarke.

Goals: Best (4)

Derby: Bywater, Green (Livermore 87), Stoor, Leacock, (Addison 77), Savage, Hulse, Teale, Barker, Pearson, Moxey, Dickov.

Subs Not Used: Atkins, Connolly, McEveley, Livermore.

Booked: Dickov.

Goals: Hulse (49 + 62).

Att: 26,511

Ref: Mr P T Crossley (Kent). 5/10

Man of The Match: : Best.

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Player Ratings and In a Pub in Sale Moor no one can hear you scream

By Knowl

I wasn’t going to do this as I wasn’t there and I don’t feel you get a true representation from TV coverage but……..

I‘m absolutely fucking furious, I‘m beyond an level of angry I can remember in recent years and if I don‘t vent I‘m going to explode!

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Friday 07th November – 19.45pm Pride Park.

Three Parish Notices.

Firstly, too many players were shite, now I‘m not going to hang the players out to dry for yesterday, and I‘m only going to write a pithy line about each player, well that‘s the intention I can‘t guarantee anger wont get the better of me later on!!!, but some will have to look at themselves in the mirror and ask if that was good enough and the majority will have to accept that it wasn‘t.

Secondly 433 can be a very attacking formation, watch Arsenal or Barca, they attack from high up the pitch, yes the players are of different standard but so are the players they are playing against, they don’t make their wide players drop back and mark the oppositions wide players, thus, leaving the lone striker to close down 4 fucking players. Leon Best had to stop the right back, left back and centre backs from bringing the ball out yesterday and he can’t physically do it, so Derby started their attacks with a player on the half way line under no pressure and this allowed the Derby players in front of him to move in to position and get the ball no problem. The midfield are obviously under instruction to protect the defence at all times regardless of where the ball is in the Derby half and the defence seem to look for the penalty area and not the half way line so we are so fucking deep the fish are swimming above us!!! This has two major consequences, 1, the Derby defenders, who lets not forget are pretty fucking shit at football, there is no Bobby Moore amongst them, are allowed to take as long as they want to make their passes and one can release a player half way in our half, I mean for fucks sake, one pass and Derby are already nearer to our goal than the half way line. 2, it means when we do break down the oppositions possession we have the ball deep in our half and the wide players, in the loosest possible fucking terms as they are both strikers, get the ball on the half way line. This results in Clinton trying to turn his man or holding man off before being dispossessed and then he falls over and looks like a right twat, or Eastwood gets the ball and passes to no one or passes inside but due to his lack of pace it hardly results in a quick counter. Then you have the lone striker and by lone I mean the guy is in a different country to the two wide players and the central midfield have to use binoculars to see him he that exposed. There is nothing more pointless in English football than Best winning a flick on and most of the time in his current form he is winning the flick on. The midfield are the engine room, yada yada yada, but the engine room is meant to drive things forward. Coleman you prat if you want to keep clean sheets you defend from the front like we did in the second half against WBA, not defend from so fucking deep Dimi is able to touch the defenders when Derby have the ball in their own area.

Lastly, the most infuriating part about yesterday, and fuck me are there multiple reasons to be pissed off, is the total lack of urgency at any point, we didn‘t look like keeping the lead, we never looked likely are retaking the lead and we certainly didn‘t look like equalising. Coleman I have been behind you because I want stability but with stability has to come the learning from mistakes, if you make the same mistakes every fucking week then even those of us who want stability and are even will accept a slow level of improvement are going to lose the will to support you, we have two weeks until our next game, in that time teach your team, fuck it our team, to play 442 with a bit of pressing high up the pitch and for the love of all that is holy go in to a fucking match trying to win instead of trying not to lose and you never know what might happen but unless you start to push your defence higher up the pitch and at least one of your midfielders higher up the pitch we will continue to lose, we will continue not to score and you will just prove that you haven‘t got the guts to be a manager, the best mangers don‘t like losing but they love winning more.

HOW THEY LINED UP

Coventry: Konstantopoulos, Clarke, Van Aanholt, (Hussey 67), Barnett, Ward, Cork, (McIndoe 67) Gunnarsson. Osbourne, Eastwood, (Bell 76), Morrison, Best

Subs Not Used: Ireland, Grandison, Madine, Jeffers.

Booked: Barnett, Clarke, Huessy, Van Aanholt

Sent Off: Clarke

Goals: Best 4

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No Player Ratings just Thoughts

Dimi - My fucking cat would have more presence and he is a scrawny little fuck.

Clarke - Savage is a twat (was going to use the c word but personal censor got the better of me but please while reading this use the c word!!!!) who deserves a good kicking for making the most of the challenge that got this kid sent off. Clarke showed some good touches and while he misplaced some passes I really like him and I hope that he realises that Savage is a nasty piece of work whos arrogance bars him from seeing what his cheating may do to the fragile confidence of a youngster trying to make his way in the game.

Van Aanholt - Erm, well, erm, ah yes, erm well, what I mean is, erm. Well I can only be as decisive about his performance as he was at all times during the game. Take him out of the firing line for fucks sake its painful to watch.

Ward - At fault for both goals and the number of aimless lunges for the ball tells me all I need to know, if you seriously think this clown is the best centre half at the club please don‘t apply for Mensa as they will just piss themselves laughing at you.

Barnett - I like the look of this lad and he will be a usefull member of the first team coming up to Christmas.

Cork - So we have this lad from Chelsea who has the ability to play in the Prem as a box to box midfielder, I mean he is comfy on the ball and has a great engine, would I play him as the defensive one in a middle three? Of fucking course I wouldn’t because your taking away the best aspects of his game. Oh, nice decision Coleman. His passing was shite and he played poorly but it must be disheartening for kid to playing with our shit every fucking week.

Gunnar - Fucking grow up, stop fucking sulking and get on with it please.

Ozzie - The best of bunch, needed to twat Savage at one point and if he had I would have got a tattoo of Ozzies face on my chest. The only midfielder to realise that you have to work when we don’t have the ball.

Clinton – Shite, not his fault he is playing as a poor right midfielder and he can‘t offer any assistance to Clarke but he can offer something can‘t he? No? Drop him or play him upfront, there is no way this team can play with the three strikers so stop fucking trying it doesn’t fucking work.

Eastwood - Had the ball at twice in positions to hurt the opposition, had his best game all year last week through the middle so who’s the genius who decided that he deserved to be moved to the left wing?

Best - Please don’t go, don’t gooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!! We will be fucked when he leaves, the guy is flowing at the moment the fact we have scored twice in 6 games and he has made one of those and scored the other.

Subs

Three of them came on and apart from Hussey they did bugger all and all Hussey did was give away a pen.

Coleman

Stop it, just fucking stop it. Lets look at the key aspects of the game, tactics? Wrong. Set pieces? Still shit. Defending? Laughable. Midfield? Incorrectly organised and totally of the pace and offered about much support to Best as a trainer bra would for Jordan. Strikers? Two moved in to these least possible affect locations, Best is too good for us but even he isn’t Drogba. I have been prepared to give you until the summer and I have been very pass� to the way the team has been managed for coming up to two years because I want stability, I want a manager to build up a team and the most painful thing about yesterday is I liked at the line and thought “we can win this Derby are in fucking awful form and they are there for the taking an early goal and we should really take it to them”. We took the lead but that was it, from then on it was a matter of time before the defeat came and the only person who can take the blame for that is the guy without the balls to drop Clinton, without the balls to try and win a fucking game and the guy without the wit to actually go for it and throw caution to wind and even though we went down to ten men actually throw one of the big lads upfront and just bombard Derby for 10 mins just to see what would happen. Coleman the tide is turning, you are not at the position of no return but a couple more of those performances and Ransons hand may be forced.

In short. Two weeks, Coleman there is now two weeks to get that out of everyones system but if we play like that against Palace then you will be on a sheet of ice that is beginning to melt extremely quickly and it wont be long before you fall.

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Bring me the head of SISU Capital.

By Smiles.

Look up the definition of investment and you may come across the following description: ‘The purchase of a financial product, or other item of value, with an expectation of favourable future.’

Search Google for SISU and your advised that: ‘Sisu is a Finnish term, translated into English as strength of will, determination, perseverance, and acting rationally in the face of adversity’.

Well guys at SISU Capital, your investment in Coventry City FC is looking less favourable for a stable long-term future of late, in the face of some quite alarming recent sporting adversity.

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Lets get something straight from the outset.

Like many Coventry City supporters I’m grateful that we didn’t go bust under the last board. However, that alone is not an excuse for the sole owner, (not the majority – (unless you believe the conspiracies)) - to repeat the sins of the past, we are not ignoramuses, to be taken for granted, bluffed, kept in the dark – mushroomed. Once (HA!) bitten twice shy.

With that aside, let us continue.

Further definitions of investment you may come across include: investing; the act of investing; laying out money or capital in an enterprise with the expectation of profit & the investing of money or capital in order to gain profitable returns, as interest, income, or appreciation in value.

All of these, whatever industry you’re in, after identifying your ‘investment opportunity', undertaken ‘deep’ due diligence, engaged well respected market experts as advisors, understood the vagaries of that market and presumed to have appointed partners and executives to ensure the sound management of that investment, the obvious aim is to procure, (increased) success at whatever market you’ve invested in.

Now, increased success, on / off field or in monetary terms, or return , is arbitrary, a matter for conjecture as to what denotes ‘success’. But for most of us mere supporters it’s a sign of progress or improvement in the league, in ‘the business’, in the reputation of the club and its standing, foundations, security. In simple terms for us, the bread and butter of a football club – on pitch - goals scored, games won, points on the board, a climb up the league.

Blatantly there’s a balance to be struck, as much as a balance sheet to be levelled.

The more realistic / enlightened, (substitute cynical if you must), amongst us will point out that the self interest / greed of our previous owners lead us to a position, off the treadmill, of bemoaning, (without any sense of ownership), that we ‘have no money’ times were ‘tight’, time to cut the cloth in ‘hard times’, sensible, prudent. SKINT.

Of course a take over of any kind raises hopes, a fresh beginning, lines drawn, dawns new, clean slates, green fields, optimism – a real change.

Given the misdemeanours of the recent past there was bound to be a period of bedding in to be taken into consideration and the more reasonable amongst us were understanding of how much work there was to be done in every department of the club. The investment was for the ‘long term’ we understood that for our new team off the field there was as much to be righted, simultaneously, (& perhaps more), than there was to be turned around on it.

The break with the past, (Joe Elliot & Mike McGinnity – (plus others, I’ll expand on this later), outstanding) was completed with the removal of Ian Dowie, an appointment of the discredited, (really?) club. Enter Chris Coleman.

As much as any recent manager I’m sure Coleman was ‘sold the dream’. Like us season ticket holders have been year after, unfruitful, year. There was /is a feeling – not to be disparaged – that a further break with the ‘instant success’ of revolving door management scenarios, needed to be met. But right from the beginning, personally, I felt that we were banking on a survival on a sixpence strategy that succeeded on the flip of a tanner, a lick of a coat of (Stoke) goal post paint.

Well judged? Lucky? Fortunate?

All conjecture, it happened. Like a decision given against you by a ref you may perceive ‘biased’, ‘wrong’ it matters not, we stayed up in that Ranson half season by a hairs breath without any tangible immediate takeover ‘bounce’.

As much as the; ‘hidden’ pitfalls that there were to hurdle off the field, (you may deduce that missing an outstanding, large VAT payment as somewhat negligent in any due diligence process that could be described as ‘deep cleaning’ from a company so professional / secretive it doesn’t even have a webpage to define / outline itself), there were obvious challenges to field, on it.

A bloated squad of ‘earners’ on varying contracts rewarding negligible ‘effort’ was top heavy on cost and low on return. No-one would have minded slimming this down if quantity was sacrificed on the alter of quality. But, aint there always a but, after a brief glimmer of sense, there was not to be a first full season of takeover remedy but the gradual disintegration of hope, in well managed desires. The want of a decent finish last season evaporated in the post Chelsea defeat despondency, for a slide in this calendar year that has just gotten progressively, and alarmingly, worse.

If you look at 2009 as a whole in all competitions we have P42 W 12 D 12 L 18, points gained in games, (wins and draws added together) 48, are outweighed by points lost, 54.

That is not a good measure of ‘success’ on the pitch, regardless of any ‘external’ influences.

There’s a period in there where we were ‘on the up’. For no other reason than transparency, lets take our league form after the Chelsea game. Make no mistake, this game was a marker, a mile, (neigh tomb) stone. The remainder of the league games from last season to where we are now, as good a measure of form as any, are P27 W 5 D 9 L13 F 25 A 41. We have failed to score in 11 of those games, over a third, with just 5 opposition shut outs.

Over the course of a complete season, it doesn't really need to be pointed out, this is relegation form. Hardly safeguarding your investment. Showing value, with an expectation of favourable future. No bones about it, this is adversity.

For what, survival on a sixpence? What price progress, a damn sight less than failure that’s to be sure. Failure to invest, net, is going to cost us all dear.

As a measure, gross investment is a misnomer. It’s the net total of what you put in / take out that matters. The real balance sheet, in sporting business, is your stock worth in results, its what attracts your paying public. (I know I’m missing something here Ray – but hey it’s what I pay for). We are, still, one more than any other club in English football, that has suffered the endearing taste of lack of success, bereft. Say it quiet, small, say it low, say it under your breath, we are a failure. Because that’s where we are, still not succeeding, little sign of progress, no signs of tangible optimism. Flailing results, dwindling crowds, lower quality, smaller squad, reduced optimism – better balance sheet?

Those of us that are left have been a patient bunch, believe me, the last tangible evidence of accomplishment being in 1987, after promotion in 1967 – unless you count 34 years worth of by the edge of your seat, mainly, finishes within the best football league in the world. But that’s gone. Shortest margin, eight years ago we were in the Premiership. 22 years ago we won the FA Cup, 42 years ago we last got promoted, 40 years ago we last had a top 6 finish.

40 years.

I’m 44, been very patient, me – I’ve been going since I was 6 years old.

Nothing succeeds like success, and that is the only thing that will put bums back on seats in this City, who have become weary of Coventry City Football Club. You can talk all you like about potential, ticking boxes, the draw, the demographic, geography and history. It’s not negative to point out were starved of success, its not cynical to point out it appears that things are not improving, its not unrealistic to point out that a large, (& growing), number of people feel little has changed since the SISU takeover. Different faces, but the same lame excuses, defeat after defeat after lack of success & tangible investment.

That old maxim buy low, sell high applies in any market, big, medium or small time league. However to always presume that driving a hard bargain is going to get your where you need to be, particularly in a very competitive one where standing still is actually moving backwards, is foolhardy. Just where are those ‘exciting signings' promised before I bought my season ticket?

A more appropriate approach, as well as living within your means, is to balance long term investment with a speculate to accumulate strategy. But hey, we’re not talking about sucking eggs here, right? I mean what do I or anyone else who has followed the fortunes of professional football in this country over the last +35 years whilst developing a moderately successful career in business know about anything, really? Nope, it’s not even relative, in a closed conversation.

There is no representation or transparency in this club. We may believe the Directors are clueless because any dialogue there is between ‘us’ the supporters and ‘them’ is limited to rhetoric.

For example, the most poignant questions asked at the recent ‘fans forum’ weren’t so much dodged, they were completely swerved, the questioner ignored, derided, belittled. ‘It’s our club’ we were told, I would counter its isn’t the only thing we can do is turn up and support – I know Ray that’s what we supposed to do, but its what we’re limited to as well. Increasingly that is becoming a much more less attractive proposition, as the football on the pitch is becoming as dour as the oratory off it, and I’m not talking about Chris Coleman’s post match interviews here!

The keys to success are stability and ability. Whether that be in the management team, coaches, players or board room.

Team wise, you have to supplement youth with experience and that costs, there’s no cutting corners, short cuts or get outs, quality is not free, at comes at a price. Sure our youngsters will mature into a well functioning unit, in time, however if you’re moving them on only for a quick buck, we’ll never know whether, as a team, they can prove the old saying, ‘you’ll never win anything with youngsters’ wrong – it just becomes a cattle market, and then your reputation suffers unless the funds are re-invested to bolster ongoing success.

How do our youngsters feel not being given chances when we bring in 4th choice youth from lower league clubs? Then they’re thrown in at the deep end job lot, with little experienced support? We really have gotten to ‘the bottom of the Ocean Finance’ here, where’s the strategy, where’s the design - is there a plan B?

Circumstances can conspire to leave a promising squad threadbare when you lose a key player or two, but that is exacerbated when the pool of talent you’re choosing from is so thin. No disrespect to the players we have, but were not cutting it, this is not so much as a slip as and avalanche. If Chris Coleman has to accept that this is what he’s got to work worth with what he’s given from Ray Ranson, Gary Hoffman, (Chief Executive of Northern Rock), Mike Parton (Chairman and CEO of the Damovo Group) and good ‘ole Joe and Mike and make a fist of it, because it would appear he’s not getting any more to buy some quality – even if that quality would want to come here in the first place, as we have the appearance, still, of a small club in trouble.

It may be true that no-one gets rich through spending money, but that has to be balanced by a dose of speculate to accumulate. We’re assured that SISU Capital knows what they’re doing and every big decision goes through them either in the club or their Hanover Street offices. I’m not so sure we’re a healthy alternative right now, we maybe an event driven investment, but certainly not high yield and definitely a distressed debt (free?) security. Perhaps now is the time for a bit of restructuring, from the faceless owners / investors of our football club? Or are they ‘skint’, too?

The one things for sure in the ‘football business’, in as much as you can keep your head when all of those around you are losing theirs, if you don’t invest as much as keeping up with the David Jones’ in this league, you're sure enough condemning your club to the Division you obtain your transfers from, if you keep obtaining players from ‘the bargain basement’.

SISU, you have been warned, act now before it’s too late - because we're beginning to lose patience...

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Sackcloth & Palace

By The Tactics Truck.

Fixtures against Crystal Palace have tended to take on huge significance for Coventry City in recent years. Will it be the same for Chris Coleman?

The Tactics Truck takes a small stroll through recent history and asks a poignant question or two…

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The start of the trend began at the end of the 2003/2004 season, when Eric Black had the gall to win an away game 5-2 and was promptly sacked.

A game later – the final fixture of the season at home to Crystal Palace - was won 2-1 and a brave new era under Peter Reid began.

Reid was finally sacked the next January, City having a season off from Palace as they mixed it in the Premier League.

There followed, under Micky Adams, the brave new era of the Ricoh Arena, and a 4-1 hammering at home to a Clinton Morrison-inspired Palace in October 2005, after which I wrote several things I probably shouldn't have about Adams, his team, and the club in general, in my then role for the local paper.

A mere 15 months later Adams was sacked (surely no coincidence? what power I wielded), his fate all but sealed in January 2007 as the side went 4-0 down after just 39 minutes against....you guessed it....Crystal Palace.

City, now under former Palace boss Iain Dowie, were to be beaten again at the Ricoh by the Eagles before the year was out, the 2-0 Boxing Day defeat indicative of general malaise building around the team. Just six weeks later the club had been sold and Dowie was out of a job.

Chris Coleman came in and didn't have to wait too long for his first home defeat to the Palace, a 2-0 reverse in December 2008 following on from what had perhaps been City's finest win since relegation, the 1-0 triumph at Birmingham.

So will City's next fixture against Palace – at home in under two weeks time – prove as pivotal as many that have gone before?

Yet another defeat to them will surely, in a roundabout sort of way, claim the scalp of another City manager.

(Perhaps I should try to write something negative about Coleman, in an ‘official format’, to ensure him an extra 15 months?!!!)

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On the Eleventh hour, of the Eleventh day, of the Eleventh month.

By Smiles.

They shall not grow old as we who are left grow old, Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn, At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.

At this time of year we remember all those who have lost their lives in conflicts around the worldboth past and present. You can leave a message on a virtual poppy anywhere in the world to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Please join us in observing the 2 minute silence at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month.

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Today, little else matters, so if you haven’t already done so:

Donate Here

Or:

Plant a virtual poppy

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Have your say on GMK! GMK Prints open Access Articles from any contributor.

The floor is yours; open access on GMK, (normal editorial rights apply) and you can get on your soapbox about whatever you want, any opinion & any hue of the Sky Blue Rainbow!

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Sky Blue PaperTalk: Coventry shot down by Rasiak and McAnuff

By Mel Dixon

A little later than usual this week: It was yet another miserable weekend for the Sky Blues as they went down two-one to Derby County. The situation looks bad, and the defence appears even worse.

Will the current state of affairs take an unexpected upturn, or will the current gradient take us further downwards until we’re spread-eagled at the bottom of the table reduced to a shameless rabble, incoherently barking our discontent, and mooning at the dim glow of the stars above?

Here’s how the papers saw the action this week...

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David Moore was at Pride Park on behalf of The Sun. He began by rubbing salt into our wounds: “Rob Hulse’s second-half double strike ended Derby’s dreadful recent run. But he threw away a hat-trick chance...” When Coventry went a goal up, it should have been the boost we needed, but they failed to capitalise despite Derby’s “dithering”. Leon Best “buried his seventh goal of the season,” but the Sky Blues didn’t bury the game.

Jordan Clarke was sent off after a “bad challenge” earning him a second yellow after 62 minutes. For David Moore, this was a game won by a nervy and vulnerable side. What that makes us, I don’t really want to know.

The Daily Mirror stuck to a fact heavy (read ‘dull’) account of the match: “Rob Hulse marked his return to Derby's starting line-up by scoring twice as Nigel Clough's men ended a three-match losing streak with a 2-1 victory over Coventry...” After Coventry took the lead, Detrby responded well creating numerous chances. Dickov missed a great chance before the interval, but made up for it by supplying both goals in the second half.

Peter Lansley covered the game for The Times: “Rob Hulse ensured that Derby County will spend the weekend — and indeed the next fortnight — above the relegation zone of the Coca-Cola Championship after he returned from illness to score the goals that clinched this Midlands derby.” It was his finishing that “proved the difference between two ailing sides... like two hospital patients on adjacent beds, both living off a life support machine... both begging for mercy.” Okay I made that last bit up.

Lansley backs up his argument by detailing the injury problems beset by both clubs.

Robbie Savage had his say on Clarke’s sending off: “He showed inexperience...” And, of course, Savage showed his experience... his experience as a pathetically cynical footballer who sees no shame in rolling around and crying like a baby in an attempt to get someone sent off. The end result of his undignified antics – and others like him – is that professional footballer’s are no longer willing to kick the ball into touch when a player is apparently injured. Sadly it’s difficult to differentiate between an injured player and an inexcusable embarrassment. Meanwhile the BBC inexplicably employ this man(?) as an expert summariser, while the rest of their presenters and pundits protest against cheating in football. It’s like Bob Geldof employing the services of Robert Mugabe for the next Live 8.

Rant over.

Next up we’re at home against Crystal Palace... Was that enthusiasm I hear? No?

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The Coventry Blitz

By David McGrory.

69 years ago today, the face of the City I was born and live in was changed forever by the force of fascism and war.

Local historian David McGrory has produced a fine body of work faithfully chronicling the history of our City. Here, thanks to the permission of CWN.org.uk website is his summery of the terrible events that befell our City in those dreadful days early in the 2nd World War.

Events that should remembered by everyone, for which we can forgive living in peace, but not forget. Coventry is risen, phoenix like, from those ashes and we are proud of our City and it’s achievements.

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New Memorial Plan for City Centre Rebuild

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The following text is taken from an article feature on the CWN website and is faithfully reproduced with their kind permission.

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On the moonlit night of 14 November 1940 the old city of Coventry was destroyed and a new word was invented 'Coventration'. Over 500 German bombers massed for the biggest raid of the war to date - their target Coventry - a city at the industrial heart of Britain's war production engine.

PRELUDE

The story began decades before. During the Victorian period the Coventry weaving and watchmaking trades collapsed and James Starley and associates introduced first sewing machine, then bicycle production in the city. This naturally progressed into the production of motorcars and aeroplanes making Coventry a major manufacturing centre - especially in times of war.

On the outbreak of World War Two Coventry companies such as the Dairnler, Dunlop, GEC, Humber and Armstrong Whitworth produced a whole range of manufactured products from bombers to Scout cars. Much of this work was quickley transferred to 'shadow' factories built on the outskirts of the city to reduce the threat of aerial attack and to take the threat of bombing away from residential areas.

The first recorded bombs to be dropped in the area were on 25 June 1940 when five bombs fell on the Ansty Aerodrome. This was soon followed by a string of bombs on the Hillfields area of the city which resulted in sixteen deaths. On the evening of the 25 August 1940 a short sharp raid left more dead and the city's new prestigious cinema, the Rex, in ruins. Ironically on the next day the cinema was to be playing 'Gone with the Wind.'

The month of October 1940 had many small but intense raids leaving 176 dead. Amongst these were the warden, nurse and six elderly inmates of the 16th century Ford's Hospital in Greyfriars Lane.

OPERATION MOONLIGHT SONATA

Worse however was to come for on 8 November the RAF bombed Munich. That city was the birthplace of the Nazi Party - Hitler sought revenge. Operation Moonlight Sonata was instigated and over 500 bombers were brought together, their target ... Coventry.

As the sun sank down and the night closed in bombers of Kampfgeschwader 100 left their airfield in France. These were the 'pathfinder' squadron which carried crude on-board 'computers' and followed set radio beams, known as the X-Gerat system, to their target. Each aircraft followed a continuous beam which broke down if they strayed from its line. As they got nearer the target a second beam cut across the first - this initiated the crude 'computer's' bombing sequence. As these pathfinder bombers approached the centre of Coventry a third radio beam told the 'computer' to begin its final dropping sequence measured to fall over the city centre.

At 7.00pm the air raid sirens began to wail and at 7.20pm the ack-ack and Bofur's burst into life as the planes droned overhead in the bright moonlit night. First fell parachute flares which hung over the city like great iridescent white chandeliers. These were followed by incendiaries, not normal ones, but phosphorus, exploding incendiaries. These were dropped to start fires to mark the target for the ordinary bombers of General Field Marshalls Kesselring and Sperrle which followed.

At 7.30pm this second wave of planes arrived and the first of 500 tons of high explosives began to shake the city centre. Incendiaries, both exploding and non-exploding, continued to fall amid the bombs as a continuous stream of droning bombers passed over the city. Some were aimed at industrial targets around the city but many others concentrated on bombing the centre of the city ... to create a firestorm.

Early on in the evening the Cathedral of St Michael was hit. By only 7.40, despite valiant efforts, its defenders had sucumbed to the incendiary barrage and the roof began to burn. At 7.59 every available fire appliance in the city was in use as fire-fighters battled the ever increasing flames amid ear-bursting explosions. At the end of this night 26 of them lay dead, 34 were seriously injured and 200 suffered cuts and bruises.

The populace hid themselves in cellars, crypts and air raid shelters as the heart of the city was ripped apart above them. Others stayed in their homes, thousands of which were destroyed or damaged. The bombing continued, with the addition of oil and landmines.

The landmines were particularly notorious. They took form of a large metal box suspended by a parachute which would slowly and silently fall and explode above ground level with a deafening roar totally flattening anything that lay under it. The church of St Nicholas in Radford was destroyed by one of these landmines leaving dead and injured in the crypt and only one course of stones standing.

THE NIGHT WAS LONG

By 2am there was no let up in the bombing, the bombers kept coming by this time with little resistance from the ground as practically all of the air defence stations had run out of ammunition. The city's factories were blasted and burning, suburban streets were littered with rubble as houses lay destroyed from their foundations.

The city centre was ablaze. Amid the high explosives 200 fires has converged into one. Red flames lept 100 feet into the sky which by now had clouded over to form black cloak of smoke over the city. Bombers approaching 150 miles away could see the glow against the blackness of the night.

The bombing went on through the early hours. It was not until well after 5am that the bombardment began to slow down. Finally at 6.15 am the all-clear sounded and slowly the shocked, dazed, frightened and tired people of Coventry emerged into the streets, or what had once been streets.

AFTERMATH

The city was shrouded in a cloak of smoke and drizzle as people wandered around in a daze taking in the destruction around them. There were 4,330 homes destroyed and three-quarters of the city's factories damaged.

Amongst the rubble lay human remains some of whom were never identified; 554 men, women and children lay dead and 865 injured. It was perhaps a miracle that the figures were not higher considering the city had been hit by 30,000 incendiaries, 500 tons of high explosive, 50 landmines and 20 oil-mines, non-stop for eleven long hours. The world had never previously witnessed this sort of airborne destruction before and the Germans coined a new word for it 'coventrated'.'

The city's tram system was destroyed, with tram lines ripped from the ground or arched into the air. Out of a fleet of 181 buses only 73 remained. Practically all gas and water pipes were smashed and people were advised to boil emergency supplies of water.

Troops were draughted in by the hundreds to bring order and help clear up the streets and the remains that littered them. Rescue parties, consisting of Rescue men, troops and members of the public worked day and night trying to dig those out who lay buried in rubble, often the remains of their home.

Ministry of Information vans toured the streets advising people where to obtain food and where to find shelter if they had been made homeless. Canteens were set up and within three days the Royal Engineers had restored electricity. Water and gas supplies resumed not long after.

King George VI visited and toured the devastation on the 16 November. On 20 November the first mass burial took place at the London Road Cemetery. Bodies continued to be uncovered amongst the destruction of the city and the following week a second mass burial took place.

MORE TO COME

This was not to be the end. The raids continued, although generally much lighter. Two however were heavy. The Easter week raids of 8 April and 10 April 1941 were between six and eight hours long. In the first of these raids the body of Christchurch church built in 1832 as a replacement for the medieval church was gutted by incendiaries.

The last actual bombing raid on Coventry was in August 1942. By that time the city had suffered 41 actual raids and 373 siren alerts. At the end of the war officially there were 1,236 people killed in the raids on Coventry; of these 808 rest in the mass grave in London Road Cemetery. Of the rest many had come to the city as war workers - they were collected by their families and returned home in plain wooden boxes. Some bodies were however never identified.

The raids on Coventry had a major impact on the city once described as one of the 'finest preserved medieval cities in Europe'. The destruction of the city centre especially hastened the rebuilding plans that introduced Europe's first pedestrian precinct. Around the city much of the current architecture is a result of the forced rebuilding after the war time bombing. This provides some small lasting reminder of the terrible devastation for the current generation.

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We respectfully request that you honour the memory of all the people who suffered in the terrible events of war, particularly those who perished in many towns and City here in the UK, and across the world. The are not many towns and Cities, families and folk in the UK that were not touched by events like these, so if you’re thinking of ‘making’ fun of what happened to change the face of City in the last century, think again. Events like these where innocent people died are not in any way events to feature in ‘fun’ they are solemn, dark and still fresh in the memory of people who live across the globe. Remember that and them and you’ll be a better person for it.

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Find out more about David McGrory’s work here:

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Have an article to publish?

Have your say on GMK! GMK Prints open Access Articles from any contributor.

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Sky Blues seal Richard Wood signing

By Ian Palmer

Chris Coleman has moved to relieve his injury crisis with the signature of Sheffield Wednesday centre-back Richard Wood. Wood will initially join the Sky Blues on loan with a view to a permanent transfer in January.

The 24 year-old has been the subject of transfer rumours ever since Coleman arrived at Coventry, and has endured a troubled two years at Wednesday. Last year he was stripped of the captaincy and put on the transfer list before agreeing a one-year contract extension. The same happened this year as Wood’s discontent continued.

It is understood that Coventry has beaten off competition from Ipswich, QPR and Barnsley for Wood’s signature. He will join up with the squad in time to make his debut against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

09/10 GMK PL Week 13, Game 16.

By Smiles

Unlucky for some. Week 13, the Sky Blues go six games without a win and crumble at Pride Park, it seems the only way to pick up points is to predict a loss. The Friday kick off fooled some. Predictable? How did you do?

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Links:

This weekends game Vs Palace (H)

The previous game Vs Derby (A)

To follow: (The Rules)

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Here’s this weekends fixtures for you to predict.

Game 17: (kick off deadline to post by: 3:00 pm)
Predict the outcome of:

Coventry v C Palace: :
First Goal Coventry Scorer: :
Crowd: :

Championship Games:

Predict the outcome of the following games:

Home (H), Away (A) or Draw (D), (NO SCORES, you HAVE TO POST H / D or A):

Friday 20th November :

Swansea vs Derby - 7:45pm:

Saturday 21st November:

Barnsley vs Cardiff :
Coventry vs C Palace:
Doncaster vs QPR :
Ipswich vs Sheff Wed - 5:20pm :
Leicester vs Plymouth :
Middlesbro vs Nottm Forest:
Reading vs Blackpool :
Sheff Utd vs Peterborough :
Watford vs Scunthorpe :
West Brom vs Bristol C :

Monday 23rd November:

Preston vs Newcastle - 7:45 :

Cheers Smiles.

Coventry City Results Prediction League

Another Turk1965 (+2) points are enough to keep him top on 48 as Sky_Blue_Up_North (+2) keeps him tucked in 2nd on 47 points stuck as MrTickle (+/-0) misses his prediction to stay on 45 in an unchanged top 3.

Outside of them in 4th is LordSummerisle (+3) who edges closer on 44 and closing the top 5 s on the same number of points is SteveC189 (+7) climbing up from 7th.

Also moving up is SkyBlueBertie (+4) up from 8th to 6th with 40 points which means someone has to move down and that’s Perdomo (+/-0) down to from 7th still on 39 points. & down from 6th to 8th is HK_BlueSkies (+/-0) with 38 points equal with SkyBlueNemo (+2) who stays 9th. Closing the top 10, up from 17th to close the trio on 38 is QPRSkyBlue (+7).

Another riser a point behind on 37 is top scorer Vicar_In _A _Tutu, (+9) up from 20th to 11th, stuck in 12th is Danny (+3) also on 37 points as Oblong (+2) drops 2 places from 11th to 13th on 36 points . Moving down with him is SundayRef (+3), from 13th to 14th also on 36, as is Tisza (+/-0) still on 35 points in 15th down from 10th.

SkyBlueExile (+4) is stuck in 16th also on 35 points, in 17th 2 points behind is SBGus (+/-0), then BerksSkyBlue, (+3) on 32, on 31 is Torchie (+/-0) and then Me (+/-0) on 30.

No-one drops out of the top 20 this week.

Everyone else follows….

The gap from 1st to 10th is now 10 points (-1) & 1st to 20th 17 (-1).

Here’s the updated league.

The top 25 on the front page has also been updated.

If the board is down for any reason or you cannot post email me your predictions! gmkadmin@hotmail.co.uk

For a reminder on how to score points again check the rules on the home page on the blue bar, when I’ve worked out how to do it, I will get around to this honest!

Championship Results Prediction League

In the Championship results predictor, the top 5 stays the same, just shuffles around a bit!.

SkyBlueNemo (+3) stays top, on 114, BerksSkyBlue(+6) goes back into 2nd on 112 edging ahead of KeanoNo1 (+5) with 116 points to make up our top 3.

In 4th player is still RickyCCFC (+8) drawing closer on 107, our last player ton up and still in 5th is QPRSkyBlue (+8) stuck in 5th on 99 points.

Stuck in 6th is Perdomo (+8) with 97 points and a big mover upto 7th from 13th is equal top scorer Blaggy (+10) on 96. Edgy (+8) also has a good week moving up to 8th from 11th as & Tisza (+5) goes the other way down from 7th to 9th also on 94 points, equal with Turk1965 (+7) in 10th.

A point behind them is my lad Danny (+9) up from 16th & ME (+7) in 11th & 12th then another duo both on 92 with Sky_Blue_Up_North, (+6), & Neil10 (+7) locked together. A point behind them in 15th is BlindFaith (+6) down a place because of Neil.

In 16th up one is Lagger, (+6) on 90 followed by two on 87, (a nice number), SBGus who is stateside (+/-0) & SteveC189 (+7) then OwenSkyBlue (+4) on 86 in 19th down one place and finally making up the top 20 is SkyBlueBertie (+6) also on 86 points equal with AndrewBrown, (+7) stuck in 21st.

No-one dropped out of the top 20 this week.

So with 37 playing (-2) 1st to 10th is a gap of 21 points (-4) & 1st to 20th is now 29 points (-2)

The average points rose from 4.94 to 6.57 (+ 1.63) and overall total to 243 from 193 (+50).

There were 14 points to go for (-5) from 12 games (-1) and the top scorer were two players were on ten points Blaggy & CCSBA who moved up from 24th to 22nd.

Here's the table after week 13, Game 16:

Still tight at the top!

Any issues then please e-mail me at the usual address!

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Match Preview: Sky Blues v Crystal Palace.

By Smiles.

The Sky Blues return to league action against Chris Coleman and Clinton Morrison’s former club, Crystal Palace, managed by the 'enigmatic' Neil Warnock, in a game that has returned little over the last few seasons. An alarming pattern of poor performances and managerial causalities has enveloped this game in recent seasons as City look to put a poor run of results to bed against a challenging team on a very positive run of their own.

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THE SKY BLUES Vs THE EAGLES

If there was ever any doubt in Coleman’s position, he should have bought himself some time at least given the investment shown in the addition of Richard Wood to his side. A ‘long term target’, Wood has been described thus by Hoyland Owl from our sister site OwlsOnline: “Woody, has been a great servant to the club, deserved a new contract in my opinion. There is an element of the Wednesday fanbase that are reading too much into the circumstances behind him leaving the club, or should I say believing everything they read and as a result he was booed when he came on in our home game against QPR before the international break, which I find shocking. It's counterproductive. People commented he wanted to go for the money, yes he didn’t agree a deal with us.. But that’s another story altogether!

Woody played almost 200 games for us after coming through the ranks, he's a centre half and not your ball playing type, he lets others do that. He is good in the air and isn't a slouch on the deck, gives his all every game. He aint a hard man, but he isn't going to let people kick him about either. If you can get a decent player at the side of him he will flourish, of that I have no doubt. I would rate him as a high end Championship/low Prem defender on his day, and I truly am sorry to see him go.

Our loss and certainly your gain, I certainly wish him all the best and may even nip down to the Ricoh to watch him now and again.”

It is understood both Bristol City & Sheffield United came in for the player in addition to Ipswich, Notts County and Barnsley but he signed after spending a number of hours speaking with Chris Coleman as he genuinely felt wanted after a number of players joined the Owls on better terms than he enjoyed despite his loyality.

Meanwhile, Clinton Morrison insists he is in 'no rush' to sign a new deal despite his contract running out at the end of the season, it would seem equally City are less than enthusiastic to as he has yet to be offered a new deal at the Ricoh Arena yet insists he is happy to stay at the Sky Blues: 'I have not had an offer but my agent will be speaking to the chairman to see what they can offer me. I have said to my agent there is no rush at the moment. I am enjoying it here and I just want to carry on and do my football. I have spoken to the manager and chairman and they want to keep me and so it just depends on what package they come up with. There might be other teams interested but I am enjoying it here.'

Morrison needs to put some more effort in to scoring on the pitch, he hasn’t potted for 8 games, since the 2-2 draw with ‘Boro. What better time to regain that spark against your old club…

GAME ON – THIS WEEKENDS FIXTURES

TEAM NEWS
Chris Coleman has expressed his relief at finally capturing defender Richard Wood from Sheffield Wednesday. The 24-year-old centre-half will join the Sky Blues on a three-year contract in January for an undisclosed fee once an initial loan spell has ended in what is a growing number of defensive options at The Sky Blues boss’ disposal.

Coleman, who had an offer for Wakefield-born Wood turned down last season, said: 'Richard has been a long-term target for the club and we are pleased to have him here. This is an area of the team that I've wanted to strengthen and this is a great addition to the squad in the short-term and we will look to make it permanent in January.'

City defenders Ben Turner, James McPake, Marcus Hall, Elliott Ward, Stephen Wright and Martin Cranie have all been sidelined in recent weeks and Wood is expected to go straight into the squad for Saturday's game.

Marcus Hall has thanked Sky Blues fans for their support as he prepares to return to the first team following the death of his father. The 33-year-old full-back has been absent from the Sky Blues' line-up recently but says he is now in the right frame of mind to return: 'It's been well documented why I have been away from training and match days recently and it has been difficult to concentrate on anything but my family in the last few weeks.

'But the fans have been fantastic in their support through what has been a very difficult time for me and my family, so now I hope to put myself in contention for a first-team spot again as soon as possible.'

Sky Blues goalkeeper Kieren Westwood has resumed training after three weeks out with a back injury and could return against Palace at the weekend. Sammy Clingan has an outside chance of featuring, probably from the bench, with David Bell more likely to start as Isaac Osbourne is definitely out

Jordan Clarke is suspended thanks to THAT red card and it’s unlikely that Elliot Ward will feature and may be even at a different club come Saturday.

Sky Blues from: Westwood, Ireland, Konstantopoulos, van Aaholt, Wright, Wood, Wynter, Cranie, Barnett, Grandison, Cork, Hall, Cain, Bell, Clingan, Gunnarson, McIndoe, Eastwood, Morrison, Best,. Madine, Jeffers, Ward, Turner.

THE OPPOSITION
Things are not going too well in South London as the rocky Palace boat is troubled by stormy seas.

High profile Simon Jordan has admitted he is no closer to selling the club. Jordan revealed he was looking to offload the club as long ago as Summer 2008, but the flamboyant 41-year-old concedes he is still looking for a suitable buyer, that is if anyone’s actually interested: 'I have got a lot of tyre kickers, people that I don't think are the right people for the club. If the right person comes along then that situation will take care of itself. Right here and now all I am interesting in is making sure that Palace, while under my tutorship and my stewardship, do the best that they can do and that means being at the top of the league trying to get out of this division.'

Controversy is never far away for the deadly doe, and ‘Colin’ as he’s affectionally known, has been at the forefront of a number of storms already this season including the ‘goal’ that never was at Bristol City.

Palace were hit with two transfer embargos after being charged, and subsequently found guilty, of not paying former players wages and bonuses. That ban came to an end on August 24th after chairman Simon Jordan agreed a deal with the ex-players. Concerned, but then they have failed to honour payments to Ipswich for £650,000 Irishman Lee, who joined in the summer of 2008.

Its not just off the pitch at the club where supporters are outraged, its in the stadium too, supporters are preparing to protest against heavy-handed stewarding and high ticket prices after the international break. More than 200 people are expected to march to Selhurst Park on November 28 and hand over a petition to chairman Simon Jordan. The petition asks for Jordan to change the stewarding of the Holmesdale Fanatics, a group of fans who sit in Block B of the Holmesdale Stand at Selhurst Park.

The petition was started after seven fans in the area were ejected by the police and stewards during the 1-0 win over Middlesbrough. Supporter Mike Grafton, organiser of the petition, suggests that this approach to crowd control may have also led to recent low attendances: 'We have started the petition to call on Jordan to change the policing and stewarding and be more respectful to fans as young people are being alienated by the way they are being treated by stewards. There are a few reasons why fans are staying away with stewarding, policing and prices the main three.'

Despite a challenging situation at Selhurst Park they are blessed with a number of talented players including, arguably, the league best keeper. Julian Speroni has quashed claims Palace are a two-man team by insisting the whole squad deserve praise for their current form. Palace are on a run of one defeat in 10 games which has led many to praise the exploits of Speroni and top scorer Darren Ambrose, in particular.

However, the Argentinian born shot-stopper is keen to stress the importance of the whole team in Palace's run: 'Darren is doing so well and scoring goals but it's a full squad working together and you cannot win a game with only two players. We are doing a good job collectively as a team and doing what we didn't do before and maintaining that level of consistency. Hopefully if we continue the same way we have a great chance this season.'

Former City target Striker Alan Lee agrees: admits the team are 'quietly confident' of achieving promotion to the Premier League this season, despite their midtable position and recent transfer ban. Lee has helped the Eagles to a run of just one defeat in 10 matches which he says has 'really boosted' the team's confidence: 'We have had some hard games in that run as well and to come out in the position we are has been excellent. What we must continue to do is just take it a game at a time and keep our focus. We respect everyone in this division but are quietly confident about our chances.'

With the ban now relaxed Warnock is hoping to bolster his squad with another striker despite disillusioned chairman Simon Jordan insisting no more players would come in. Palace can now bring in players again but last week Jordan insisted there would be no signings due to the current financial climate. Yet manager Warnock is hopeful he can bring someone in if he can balance the books by offloading a few fringe players: 'I don't think it's 100% that no one will be coming in during the transfer window, I'm still looking around for another striker. If I get a few of the fringe players out on loan then I think I can talk Simon into it. It's pretty clear that we could do with someone who can find the net on a regular basis.'

Neil Warnock was delighted for Darren Ambrose after he netted the only goal of the game to see off the WGFS managed Middlesbrough and Palace boss reserved praise for his entire side after their 1-0 victory. Ambrose took his tally for the season to 10, (including cup goal, with his second-half winner - not a bad return for a player snapped up on a free transfer after being released by Charlton in the summer.

``I was so pleased the ball fell to him, It's not my fault someone gave him away. I bid £1.5million for him once - that's how much I rate him. He needs a certain type of manager and we make a good pairing. But I think we had 11 stars out there.'' Boro should have rescued a point from the game as they fluffed a host of chances - Palace keeper Julian Speroni pulling off a superb save to deny Gary O'Neil as he raced through on one occasion and also blocking a late shot from substitute Jonathan Franks. ``That was just an average game for Julian,'' smiled Warnock. ``It was a bit hairy at the end and that's when character comes in.''

Midfielder Sean Scannell likely to miss this weekend's game after pulling his hamstring on international duty. Scannell limped off 42 minutes into Republic of Ireland Under-21s' match with Georgia on Saturday. Neil Warnock commented: 'He has hurt his hamstring a little bit and they have sent him back now. It's not bad but he won't be training for a few days and will miss the weekend.' Former Sky Blue is still out after the striker, making his debut after a free transfer move from Southampton, suffered a suspected dislocated elbow after falling awkwardly in a 31st-minute challenge with Plymouth Argyle goalkeeper Romain Larrieu in the first game of the season.

Early team news is Warnock has confirmed Paddy McCarthy and Calvin Andrew won't be fit in time to face the Sky Blues. McCarthy was hoping to make his comeback from a shoulder injury against City but the match will come too soon for the 26-year-old.

Andrew will not be fit either having spent a long spell out with a career-threatening anterior cruciate ligament injury. Warnock commented: 'Paddy is training hard and he might have a game next week but won't be available for Saturday. Calvin is training well and taking part in full contact training now and we will probably have a game next week for him to play in as well. He won't be involved on Saturday though and is still miles away from being back in the first team.'

Crystal Palace from: Speroni, Hill, Butterfield, Davis, Fonte, Ertl, Ambrose, Derry, Danns, Carle, Lee, Sears, N'Diaye, John, Moses, Scannell, Djilali, Clyne.

INS AND OUTS
In: Stern John, (Southampton), Claude Davis, (Derby).

On Loan Freddie Sears (West Ham).

Out: Carl Fletcher, (Plymouth), Jerson Dos Santos (Grays), James Scowcroft, (Orient), Paul Ifill (Wellington), Rhoys Wiggins, (Norwich), John Oster, (Doncaster).

Out On Loan Simon Thomas (Darlington), Lee Hills & Darryl Flahavan (Oldham), Kieran Djilali, (Chesterfield).

Released Scott Flinders, David Wilkinson, Shefki Kuqi, James Dayton.

DANGERMEN

Darren Ambrose is the Eagles top scorer with 8 league goals from 14 (2) games.

His former Ipswich team mate, and past Sky Blues target, Alan Lee has 3 from 13 (3).

Last Seasons top scorer Shefki Kuqi had a noteable difference of opinion with Warnock and is now at Koblenz.

FORM
Sky Blues - 17th, The Championship: 17 points from 16 games.

Crystal Palace - 13th, The Championship: 22 points from 16 games.

Palace has the 3rd worst attack in the league this season with 16 goals scored, 2 less than The Sky Blues

The Eagles have the 7th best defence in The Championship with 17goals conceded, 8 better The Sky Blues

Last 8 League Games:

VISIT THE RIVALS

THE REF
The Man in the middle on Saturday should be noted for his ability to ref and nothing else.

Mr J Singh (Middlesex)

Games across all leagues & competitions this season:

Games across all leagues & competitions last season:

Last City game Officiated in: Sky Blues v Aldershot 13/08/09

Result: 3-1.

Performance: On 17 a Shots free-kick, fairly awarded for an obvious City handball by Mr Singh was collected with ease and confidence by Ireland again with plenty of City players behind the ball as The Sky Blues preferred to play safe rather than hard, as the rain started to pelt down on an increasingly damp evening…. As the ball was played back up the field quickly a rather exposed City back line was saved by a clumsy Gunnarsson intervention that, again rightly, earnt the first yellow card of the evening from Mr Singh…. However a blatant foul on Hudson by Dann just outside the box on the left didn’t go unnoticed as the Middlesex official, again rightly, punished the Sky Blues….. Wright pushed up into midfield sometimes leaving 3 at the back and Gunnarsson linked the whole thing together and did not let his early caution hold him back, however both he and Wright were spoken to by Mr Singh in the first period and requested to calm it down a little….. Mr Singh announced 1 minute of extra time in a first period that the Sky Blues dominated on shot count ..7/10

PREVIOUS
The Sky Blues last faced Palace at the Ricoh on Saturday 8th November 2008 recording a 2-0 loss thanks Palace goals from Hill (9) & Watson (53.) My report noted, (you’ll see a theme developing here) What a load of crap. As predictable as optimism is called for to ’believe’ after a decent win, City slump to a lacklustre defeat at home to a spirited Palace side who, despite not being that much better, just wanted it more. I’m nearly done with this, I’ve better ways to spend my time and money on a weekend than chasing, (even reasonable), hope and desire. This is just the first of 3 successive Saturday home games, what follows next HAS to be better!

Chris Coleman: 'We were garbage for want of a better word. Lack-lustre, arrogant, blase. All words you don't want to be associated with and you don't want your team to be associated with. We need to have a bunch of players who are strong enough to put back-to-back wins together otherwise we are always going to be in the bottom half.'

“I’m bitterly disappointed, if we can’t win back to back games we’re not going be anywhere near the top, we can be middle or higher, we have to look towards the transfer window to shake up more things than we thought. Our record against Palace is not great but every game is a new game, we prepare hard, but I can’t defend any of them today, but if we’re not going to perform consistently we’re not going to get results”.

No Matter what it takes, we have to aim towards that top half, but today was a very poor showing and we have to think long and hard what we want to make of this season. I will not say outside of the dressing room what I’m thinking, they are fully aware of that I want this club to be Premier League that’s why I came here, but on the back of that we’re a way of it”.

“ We have to have a long hard look of ourselves after that we were too disjointed, we don’t want to go back to where we’ve been in the last six or seven years we have along term plan in place, but we need to progress. The best players go to the best teams and we need to do it week in week out, we need the same type of attitude every game. I wouldn’t put the word Fortress in the same sentence as Coventry City at the moment”.

Neil Warnock: 'That's as good as we have played since I have been at the club. We kept possession, we looked a threat and I couldn't fault any department. I thought we were super.

nobody else's fault. We should be way higher than this. The lads know how they got to perform and we know we can go anywhere and win if we perform like that.'

Sky Blues: Westwood, Osbourne, Ward, Dann, Fox, Mifsud, Gunnarsson, Beuzelin (Doyle 83), Tabb (Simpson 60), Best (Eastwood 62), Morrison.

Subs Not Used: Marshall, Hall.

Booked: Gunnarsson.

Goals: None.

HISTORY
The Sky Blues and Palace share a very close history having followed each other around various leagues for the best part of the last 90 years.

As previously detailed, recent history has not been that good, prior to last seasons defeat we faced each other on boxing day 2007, recording a 2-0 defeat. My match report noted: “Went the pub, had a drink, should have stayed there! Oh well, here we go again, let down, pissed off, no challenge, no skill, no enjoyment, little effort, no care, no results. I turned up hopeful, sat bored for 45 minutes watching utter garbage. If you think I’m summarising that think again. If they can’t be bothered, why should I? Merry Christmas to you too!” Dowie, sort it out! He Commented: 'The two goals are a joke and when you look at the goals at Blackpool on Saturday they are poor from our point of view. We had a points tally in mind for this period but that has probably gone out of the window now. Michael Doyle has been excellent with his penalties this season so I am not going to criticise him, but at 1-1 it might have changed the face of the game.'

Before that defeat there were two others, in 06/07 City lost 2-4 at home in an early January game that saw City 4-0 down at half time. Winning the second half was not good enough as the Eagles soared as a certain Michael Mifsud made his debut as a 71st minute sub.

Previous to that there was a resounding 1-4 defeat to deal in 05/06 with Matt Heath scoring City’s single reply to goals from Ward, Morrison, Watson and Macken.

The last time we actually beat Palace at home was a Black Day for the club. Sir Eric had been cruelly deposed & it was PFR first game in charge, which using Eric's squad we duly won 2-1, but even this did not spoil Palace's day as their promotion party got into full swing.

The team that day was: Sky Blues Shearer, Deloumeaux, Konjic, Davenport, Warnock, (Giddings, 89), Bjarni Gudjonsson, Safri, Doyle, Barrett, (Jorgensen, 78), Morrell, (Shaw, 72), McSheffrey.

Subs not used: Brush, Whing.

The last eight meetings in this fixture have finished thus:

Full league Home record against Palace is as follows:

Overall record against The Eagles Home & Away in all competitions is as follows:

The full detail of that can be seen here:

AMAZING FACTS
Crystal Palace FC were formed 1905, although a team by the same name were formed in 1861.

The club played at Crystal Palace until 1915, when they moved to Herne Hill for a few seasons, and then played at The Nest between 1918-24, before making Selhurst Park their permanent home.

Mr John T. Robson was the club's manager between 1905-07, followed by Mr Goodman between 1907-25, followed by Maley (1925-27), and Maven (1927-30)

Palace first played in the football league in 1920-21 in Division Three in the 1920-21 season, and finished as champions with 59 points, 5 ahead of second placed Southampton.

The Sky Blues played them twice in this season with both games finishing 1-1 draws, although the 1st recorded meeting between the two was in the FA Cup in 1907 / 8 on 11th January 1908 when palace won in Coventry 2-4.

This is one of the Sky Blues oldest standing fixtures with the teams first meeting each other in 1907/08 in the FA Cup when Palace triumphed 2-4. City have played Palace in every Division they have ever played in bar one – the Third Division (North), for obvious reasons of geography!

Down the years there have been some mammoth scores including a 8-0 and a 8-1 in a Third Division South league match in November 1935 which included a Clarrie Bourton hat-trick.

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The GMK Match Report (with basic player rating): Sky Blues v Crystal Palace.

By Paul Knowles

The Sky Blues take on Palace at the Ricoh, as they try and stop the dreadful run of form, not only our current league form but also our recent record against the team from south London. With a reported 2,500 tickets given away a decent ground of over 18,000 got ready for Coleman’s self promoted Cup Final.

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Saturday 21st November 2009 – 3.00 pm The Ricoh.

TEAM CHANGES

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The defence had its weekly make over with Wright replacing Clarke and Wood replacing the soon to be shipped out Ward. Westwood came in for the Dimi and further forward Bell and McIndoe came in for the unfairly dropped Eastwood and the injured Osbourne.

The bench showed the build up of our squad with no central midfielder amongst the subs, however, the mystery man McPake was finally seen in the 2009/10 season.

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1st Half.

With Coventry lining up in a 442 formation with two natural wide players taking up their positions on the flanks and Wood taking up the left of the two centre back births we got the game underway.

With in a minute Speroni struggled with a damp ball which had been headed back to him and McIndoe got to the fumble first, however, a lack of clear idea of what to do and no decisiveness meant the opportunity fizzled out and only a corner was won.

That was it, after that point Palace took control of the rest of the first half and the lack of organisation and a general lack of confidence came to the fore. Seeing Cork and Gunnar marking the same 5-yard area in our left back position tells more than anyone who wasn’t there needs to know.

So with Palace on top we got an opportunity to see how the newest of new look defences handled the threat of Lee, who is all arms, legs, elbows and shirt pulls, and Sears, the most sophisticated of the duo. Lee was dominating the long ball and providing Palace with the procession high up the field as our midfield was over ran by the movement and system used by Neil Warnock.

The defence was holding out through the middle but the full backs were beginning to suffer and from a Ambrose cross, from the left, Ertl produced a cracking downward header which needed the fully fit again Westwood to be at his best, somehow Gunnar managed not to turn the ball into his own net and the danger was averted but the sentiments were clear.

As the half wore on, the defence were making clearances, which in Barnett’s case were often not far enough, the midfield were being over run and lacking any real intent of getting on the ball and getting us a foothold in the game, The two wide players were on the peripheral of the action, when they had the ball they looked effective but that was too infrequent for us to really take the game to Palace. Best was dealing with balls to his head, which he was winning, but he continued to fight the good fight and Clinton was on the pitch, honest!!

With the tide running against us and the conversation about Henrys handball, and the never-ending discussions about video technology, in full flow, Danny Butterfield swung in a cross from the right, Barnett dived to head a ball which he probably could have hacked away, or if not don’t head it straight back to a Palace striker get it out of the box or off the pitch, Sears fired in a shot come cross and Ambrose, with the freedom of the Ricoh, converted his 5 in 5 or something like that.

The rest of the first half offered more of the same, when Cov did attack they looked lacking of a plan and when McIndoe, after producing one to many step overs for my mates sanity did put of over a peach of a cross there was no one there to get on the end of it.

The half finished with two yellow cards for Palace, why bring that up? The first yellow was for Fonte the centre half who got booked for pulling Clinton back on the half way line, told you he was on the pitch. The second yellow was for Alan Lee, now we all know what Neil Warnock stands for and we all know tat one of his players will kick, bully and basically be a nasty piece of work until he is booked and once that has happened the player will have to settle down a little and will lose his effectiveness. Lee was that yesterday and the weak Ref let him get away with kicks, elbows and the ruff stuff all first half, the biggest miracle was that the Ref finally plucked up the courage to book him but it was about 44 minutes too late.

Half Time

Half time: Coventry 0-1 Crystal Palace.

The consensus was that we were lacking ideas, a threat, and it was insipid, turgid and basically forgettable, hence the poorly written article above.

The old dear, dressing in fluorescent yellow, to keep the water off I should add, was no more complementary than I was and she agreed with me that the better team were indeed in the lead.

2nd Half

So with the ballad of still ringing in my ears and no changes for either side Palace kicked off.

McIndoe got the ball out wide, he turned his man not once but twice, as his marker fell on the slippery surface McIndoe did what he failed to do at the start of the first half and used the opportunity to his and our advantage, a splendid ball over was met by the head of Leon Best, one all!!! The game was back in the balance and Best celebrated his 8th of the season and his 11 of 2009, making him easily Coventry’s most potent striker this calendar year.

The game was more now, and we were on top, Bell was gaining in confidence and exposure, Cork was getting the chance to demonstrate what a ball carrier he can be, and Best stepped it up a gear and ran the right hand channel with a new found purpose.

However, unlike in the first half our dominance didn’t prevent Palace from having a decent spell and Barnett was required to make another clearance.

Around the 50 min mark we had the first of our goal mouth scrambles which resulted in a couple of corners in quick succession and failed attempts to turn the ball in from a yard, his time it was Wood who was unlucky.

A quick mention must be made to our set pieces, we had 11 corner and quite a few free kicks just outside the area and for once they were accurate, often played to the far post for a Barnett to head back towards the goal, and with a bit more luck a goal or two would have been scored. Bell is a fine footballer in the sense that he can manipulate the ball brilliantly when he crosses and on another day he will walk away with a couple of assists.

10mns later and once again we had the opportunity to fire in a free kick from the left hand corner of the box and once again it resulted in a succession of corners,

To be honest I have no idea who produced the shot but one of the Palace players pulled a fine bit of skill out of the bag and hot a dipping volley form just outside the area that Westie caught with more ease than the shot and conditions demanded.

The game was there for the taking and with Best showing real class linking up with Bell and Cork and with McIndoe proving an outlet on the left we were a change of personal away from taking the next step forward. However, as is the case it was Palace who pulled out the double substitution, with both strikers going off, Lee being a lot quieter after his booking, and Calvin Andrew and Stern (a few boos and much mirth about the fact he ran onto the pitch quicker than he would run around it) John entered the fray.

Defensively the centerbacks had grown into the game and Wood was looking very much the all hearted no nonsense stopper we all thought he would be; Barnett was also having a good game. Van Aanholt was looking more and more shaky and after a first half where he did some risky needless things his over reliance of his own ability was not helping in the second half either. Wright was better than he had been but was still unable to pick the majority of his passes but defensively he was sound.

Best got booked for not shutting up.

On the 78th minute Clinton had his chance to prove all those who keep telling me that if a chance falls to anyone in the box you want it too fall to Clinton right, as he found himself 2 yards out with the ball at his feet, after another fine corner, okay the chance wasn’t that simple but it was the sort of chance a goal poacher scores. Alas, do I need to add that he didn’t yes the ball was cleared off the line but it was more hit at the player on the line rather than he stopped it.

The ball got played up the left touchline, Fonte went straight through the back of Clinton on the half way line right in from of Warnock, told you I mentioned Fonte booking for a reason. It was a yellow card, the player was surely going to receive a second yellow and then be given his marching orders, unless Warnock can distract the Ref. Warnock makes a comment to Clinton, Clinton reacts like a spoilt child, “Uncle Paul what’s happening?” my 11 year old nephews asks. “Clinton is acting like a tool” came the reply. So once again we have the delights of watching Clinton throwing his arms around, trying to get to Warnock, acting like a prat and the game is killed for 2 minutes; the Palace player has sulked away from the drama and is left alone to continue to defend for the final ten minutes.

With three minutes signalled the game was still in the balance a bit of skill here or a fumble there and either team could of snatched it, but that requires your strikers not being needlessly offside heh whinge boy. As the farce of Coleman finally making a substitution in the 92mns and 53 seconds of a 93min match sink in you get the feeling that it was as much as chance lost as a point gained.

Ok Player Ratings are included as well but they are obviously brief and to the point.

Westie - 7 Couple of quality takes in difficult condition, had no chance with the gaol.

Wright- 6 Better than he has been but still too far from his wide player in the first half, where was he for the goal?

Van Aanholt - 5 Please take him out of the firing line, the lad is obviously not playing with the same freedom he was at the start of the season and why bother having Hussey here if it doesn’t matter how badly Van Aanholt plays?

Wood - 7 Big strong debut for the future of Cov defence, looked a little rusty at the start but grew into the game and will be a big player in the years to come.

Barnett - 7 Solid if not a little poor with his clearances.

Bell - 7 A threat with the ball at feet, beat a man more than once and his ability to get the ball under control and available to distribute has been badly missed, linked up well with Best and Cork and will get better ball when Clingan is back.

Gunnar - 6 Lacking something still, refuses to go through a game without being down needlessly and requires to grow up. Finding it harder than any of us though he would in his second season but I have no doubt he will come again.

Cork - 7 The more I see of Cork the more I appreciate how good he is.

McIndoe - 7 Great cross for the goal and worked hard with no other joy. With Best and Cork being closer to Bell, suffered having to link up with Gunnar, Clinton and Van Aanholt and it showed.

Best - 8 Scored, ran the channels, showed some lovely touches, and was the focal point of all our good work. The lad has taken that step forward he had to make to prove the doubters wrong and show he had the substance us believers saw in him.

Clinton - 5 No goals in 8 and I don’t care what Coleman’s says Clinton was poor yesterday and is showing no reason why he is in the team.

Full time: Coventry 1-1 Crystal Palace.

A fair result, I would like to see only two changes for the QPR game, Clinton and Van Aanholt are offering nothing at the mo.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

AFTER GAME QUOTES
Chris Coleman:

It was a tough game and I knew it would be. There was a lot of courage and a lot of spirit.

'The reason we didn't get three points wasn't a lack of effort; things are just not dropping for us.

'We have been playing square pegs in round holes and you can only do that for so many games.'

Neil Warnock:

'I am pleased with a point. I felt we should have had a penalty in the first half.

'If we had gone in 2-0 up I don't think they would have come back from that.

'Darren is in good form and the goal he scored is one of the most difficult because it was about anticipation. I think there is even more to come.'

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

HOW THEY LINED UP
Sky Blues: Westwood, Wright, Van Aanholt, Wood, Barnett, Bell, Gunnarsson, Cork, McIndoe, Morrison, (Madine 92) Best

Subs Not Used: Konstantopoulos, McPake, Craine, Grandison, Cain, Eastwood

Booked: Wright, Best.

Goals: Best 47

Palace: Speroni, Hill, Fonte, Butterfield, Ertl, Davis, Derry, Ambrose, Danns, (N’Diaye 90) Sears, (John 70), Lee, (Andrew 700

Subs Not Used: Clyne, McCarthy, Carle, Moses

Booked: Fonte, Davis, Lee

Goals: Ambrose 28

Att: 18,400

Ref: Singh (Essex). 5/10 Got no major decision wrong, was just a little odd in some decisions he made

Man of The Match: : Best

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

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What’s this got to do with the match at the weekend and the reason after the match that this fable sprang to my mind I can hear you ask – has Raceman been on the pop yet again? Well the answer to the latter is no (sadly), the reason for the former statement was the performance on the pitch on Saturday and the CWR phone-in that followed.

Sky Blue Opinion

By Raceman.

In the current techno world I’m not sure if the old fables are taught anymore to children and whether their meaning is understood these days. The one that sprang to my mind in the 30 minutes after Saturdays match against Palace was ‘The boy who cried Wolf’.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

For what it’s worth I thought that the side against Palace, especially in the second half (when will we start to play for the whole 93 minutes?) was more solid than I recall seeing for a while now, and the new centre half defensive partnership at the back did look more robust as the game wore on and seemed to give the team more confidence. There is still work to be done however, and I hope that the January transfer window is kind to us for once.

However the important thing on the statement above is that is my personal opinion. The world of football, at all levels, is all about opinions whether that be the manager, player, chairman, faceless board member(s), TV pundits, newspaper writers and us – the supporters. We hear them across varieties of the media, Internet forums, chatting over a pint and at the Ricoh on a match day. Some we’ll agree with, some we won’t. But what these are all is an individual’s opinion, which to them is what they think and how they are feeling at that particular moment.

So what’s all this got to do with Crying Wolf?

Well some individuals are able to express their opinions via media outlets, and who can blame them if they chose to do this and devote their own personal leisure time to produce this output. However if they elect to express a particular opinion, and whilst doing so regularly state who they do (or don’t) represent, then those that see or hear these opinions or statements will in time form their own opinion of that individual. Whether that’s right or wrong, it is a fact of life these days.

Like the little boy, who when he came across a real wolf and was ignored due to the many times he’d shouted previously, it is often the case that when some good comments and points are actually made by the individual via their chosen media, they get lost or ignored because of the opinion that has been formed by the many.

So it was on Saturday after the game that during the CWR phone-in, Natalie of the Sky Blue Trust, was called to air her own opinion post the match to Mr Eakin. The exact dialogue can, I’m sure, be heard via the BBC iPlayer should anyone wish but her opinion was aired and boy did that create a response and a half! Not only on subsequent calls to Mr Eakin but dedicated threads on Sky Blue forums - the comments made certainly kicked emotions into gear.

My own opinion? I emphatically disagreed with what I heard, especially the bit about the number of defenders on the pitch and people wanting a Coleman out campaign to be started, and it was interesting to hear Mr Coleman’s interview about 15 minutes later explaining how some players were back in the side without being fully match fit, but how getting them back provided a bit more balance.

A certain Sir Alex Ferguson was rumoured to be on the verge of being sacked 3 years in to his now 20+ year reign as manager, but turned it around and look at him now and the success he’s achieved. Do I envisage Mr Coleman getting us to the same dizzy heights? In short - no, but it does illustrate that giving a manager time can pay dividends no matter how difficult things might be in the early stages.
Even this weekend Arsene Wenger was quoted in the national press as saying that team building happens little by little, so if that happens at clubs with the resources like Man Utd and Arsenal then what chance for the our beloved Sky Blues?

As said at the top of this, the game is all about opinions and whether we agree with them or not, we cannot say that someone is wrong to have them.

What should be done however is to think about whose opinions matter the most and for the Sky Blues at the moment that’s squarely down to Mr Ranson, Mr Coleman AND the players.

All we can do is support the team that is out on the field, and if they get anything like the passion that has gone into the post match comments from the weekend – and if these passions can be given in a positive way - then maybe the team might just be spurred on by it and vice versa. The positive upward spiral could be created rather than a negative one but yes, of course, the team have to perform. The signs in the second 45 minutes on Saturday were that this may just start to happen over what remains of this season.

However, this is just MY personal opinion!

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

If you would like to reply to this article, add a report, review or express a view on any topical Sky Blue issue on GMK open access articles, just email it to:
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_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

Hoping for the Best, preparing for the worst – a miserable little article of faith.

As far as ‘statement of intents’ are concerned, it’s a little difficult to put a positive spin on the comments of Chris Coleman in yesterdays Coventry Telegraph. However it’s a franker admission that you’re going to get, in that as far as the remaining jewels in the crown - that’s slipped - are concerned, they’re about to be half-inched in the January sales.

Being stuck between a rock and hard place is not a particularly good position, particularly when the granite walls are supposed to be your foundation!

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

Oh well, that’s that then, we’re powerless to resist the attraction of other clubs coming to pinch the probably the players with the most promising attributes, in two key positions, that the club may have had since relegation.

Of course it could be pointed out that if there was something worth staying for, they wouldn’t find the need to have to leave, but no, don’t mention the war on want.

Ruthless Ray, the dressing room poster boy, no doubt will talk of prudence, (or such like), and that it could be down to agents stirring things up, or because ‘the fans’ aren’t turning up to support ‘our club’ so they’ve got no money, or we’re saving up for rainy day to buy our share of the Ricoh & all that bollocks, but when you’ve lost the dressing room and there’s open dissent, its only natural to want out, if you’ve even a modicum of talent.

Frankly, having Kieran and Leon go, will not be so much as a body blow as a team buster. No doubt we’ll sign some more ‘promising prospects’, from the Blue Circle League 5 Midlands (South) – if such a place exists – that will do us well in League 1 & 2 and be just about ready for the relegation battle back to the non league – that’s if they’re not injured!

We’re in a dangerous spiral that’s only disillusioning a sceptical public, disenchanted with empty promises, lack of potential and disheartened by a spectacular slide that is now a full-blown slump.

Even the most hardy, positive and enthusiastic supporter must, by now, be questioning whether the SISU takeover has actually borne any fruit. As for the long term? Well, retaining your best assets, selling or loaning out the liabilities and having some good news for a change, (a back to back win) would be the best statement of intent to come out of gloomy towers for a while.

Show me the money – I’m all hoped out.

The Christmas you get, you deserve.

Bah humbug.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

If you would like to reply to this article, add a report, review or express a view on any topical Sky Blue issue on GMK open access articles, just email it to:
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Have your say on GMK! GMK Prints open Access Articles from any contributor.

The floor is yours; open access on GMK, (normal editorial rights apply) and you can get on your soapbox about whatever you want, any opinion & any hue of the Sky Blue Rainbow!

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

09/10 GMK PL Week 14, Game 17.

By Smiles

A very late update, apologises, I’ve been busy! The Sky Blues force a 1-1 draw after coming from behind against Chris Coleman’s former team. The point is their 3rd out of the last 21 available as Clinton fails to score, again, as Best does, again. How predictable was that? How did you do?

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

(This weekends game vs QPR (A))

This weekends game Vs Palace (H)

To follow: (The Rules)

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

Here’s this weekends fixtures for you to predict.

Game 18: (kick off deadline to post by: 3:00 pm)
Predict the outcome of:

QPR v Coventry:
First Goal Coventry Scorer:
Crowd:

Championship Games:

Predict the outcome of the following games:

Home (H), Away (A) or Draw (D), (NO SCORES, you HAVE TO POST H / D or A):

Saturday 28th November:

Bristol v Sheff Utd:
Crystal Palace v Watford:
Derby v Reading:
Newcastle v Swansea:
Notts Forest v Doncaster:
Peterboro’ v Middlesboro:
Plymouth v Barnsley:
QPR v Coventry:
Scunthorpe V Leicester:
Sheff Wed V WBA:

Sunday 29th November:

Cardiff v Ipswich - 3:00pm:

Monday 30th November:

Blackpool v Preston - 8:00pm:

Cheers Smiles.

Coventry City Results Prediction League

Yet another Turk1965 (+2) points are enough to keep him top on 50 as Sky_Blue_Up_North (+2) keeps tucked in 2nd on 49 points as SteveC189 (+4), 48, moves into 3rd from 5th & jumps above MrTickle (+2) on 47 and
LordSummerisle (+2) on 46 to close the top 5.

SundayRef (+7) jumps upto 6th from 14 on 43 points, two points behind is Perdomo (+2) stuck in 7th on 41 points. In joint 8th is SkyBlueBertie (+/-0) equal with HK_BlueSkies (+2) & SkyBlueNemo (+2) who both drop a place each.

Outside the top 10 is Tisza (+4) still on 39 points equal with SkyBlueExile (+4). Still in 13th is Oblong (+2) on 38 equal with QPRSkyBlue (+/-0) dropping from 10th to 14th.

In equal 15th is another faller in Vicar_In _A _Tutu, (+/-0) dropping from 11th to 15th on 37 points & Danny (+/-0) who also drops from 12th to 16th.

I’m (+2) in 17th on 34 points followed by 4 players all on 31 points, firstly Torchie (+2), and then BlindFaith (+4), SBGus (+/-0) & AndrewBrown (+7) in 21st.

Dropping out of the top 20 this week is BerksSkyBlue, (+/-0) still on 32, dropping from 18th to 22nd and is replaced by Blindfaith who moves to 19th from the same position.

Everyone else follows….

The gap from 1st to 10th is now 10 points (-1) & 1st to 20th 17 (-1).

Here’s the updated league.

The top 25 on the front page has also been updated.

If the board is down for any reason or you cannot post email me your predictions: gmkadmin@hotmail.co.uk

For a reminder on how to score points again check the rules on the home page on the blue bar, when I’ve worked out how to do it, I will get around to this honest!

Championship Results Prediction League

In the Championship results predictor, although the top place stays the same, there’s a lot of shuffling around elsewhere.

SkyBlueNemo (+8) stays top, on 122, KeanoNo1 (+9) moves 2nd with 120 points meaning that BerksSkyBlue(+7) goes back to 3rd on 119 to make up our top 3.

In 4th is still RickyCCFC (+7) on 114, our last player in the top 5 is Blaggy (+8) to go ton up on 104 points.

Also over 100 is QPRSkyBlue (+5) in 6th on 104 points equal with Ricky, Perdomo (+6) drops down a place to 7th with 103, a point behind is Tisza (+8) then Edgy (+7) & then making up the top 10 ten predictors on 100 are Neil10 (+8) & Me (+7).

A point behind are Sky_Blue_Up_North, (+7), & Turk1965 (+5) with 99 then comes BlindFaith (+7) a point behind, and is Lagger, (+7), edging into the top 20 is AndrewBrown (+9) on 95 points equal with SBGus (+8), then comes Danny (+/-0) on 93 points and 2 points behind is SkyBlueBertie (+5).

We then have a trio sneaking into the top 20 all on 89 points in 20th, headed by CCSBA (+5), Oblong (+8) & SundayRef (+8).

Dropping out of the top 20 are SteveC189 (+/-0) & OwenSkyBlue (+/-0)

So with 34 playing (-3) 1st to 10th is a gap of 22 points (+1) & 1st to 20th is now 33 points (+4)

The average points stayed the same, roughly from 6.58 from 6.57 (+ 0.01) and overall total down to 224 from 243 (-19).

There were 13 points to go for (-1) from 12 games (+/-0) and the top scorer were anyone who scored 9, there were no double digit returns..

Here's the table after week 14, Game 17:

Still tight at the top!

Any issues then please e-mail me at the usual address!

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

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The Sky Blues last met Pompey in the 4th Round of the competition in 1962/63 in a tie that went to 2 replays, with City finally winning 2-1 at White Hart Lane after the first game finished 1-1, the second 2-2 - in 3 games in 6 days between 13th & 19th March 1963.

Sky Blues draw Pompey Away in 3rd round of the FA Cup.

By Smiles

Chris Coleman’s Coventry City have drawn Avram Grants’ struggling Portsmouth, away, in the 3rd round of the FA Cup to be played on the 2nd January

Portsmouth currently sit bottom of the Premiership with 7 points from 14 games and have won 1 of their 7 home fixtures this season to date losing the other six.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

The last time City faced Portsmouth was in March of 2003 at Highfield Road when the Hampshire side won 0-4 at Highfield Road, City drawing 1-1 at Fratton Park

The Sky Blues was the 14th out of 32 ties draw, City’s number 12 ball the 28th out of the bag.

The full draw is:

FA CUP THIRD ROUND DRAW:

Tottenham v Peterborough United
Brentford v Doncaster Rovers
Middlesbrough v Manchester City
Stoke City v York City
Notts County v Forest Green Rovers
Huddersfield Town v West Bromwich Albion
Sheffield United v QPR
MK Dons v Burnley
Chelsea v Watford
Nottingham Forest v Birmingham City
Preston North End v Colchester United
West Ham United v Arsenal
Aston Villa v Blackburn Rovers
Portsmouth v Coventry City
Sunderland v Oxford United or Barrow
Wigan Athletic v Hull City
Everton v Carlisle United
Sheffield Wednesday v Crystal Palace
Tranmere Rovers or Aldershot Town v Wolves
Blackpool v Ipswich Town
Fulham v Swindon Town
Stockport County or Torquay v Brighton
Scunthorpe United v Barnsley
Southampton v Rotherham United or Luton Town
Bristol City v Cardiff City
Reading v Liverpool
Staines Town or Millwall v Derby County
Plymouth Argyle v Newcastle United
Leicester City v Swansea City
Bolton Wanderers v Lincoln City
Accrington Stanley or Barnet v Gillingham
Manchester United v Kettering Town or Leeds United

Current holders Chelsea will kick off the defence of their trophy with a home tie against Hertfordshire’s Watford after the ‘Londoners’ were drawn together in the third round.

In another London derby ten-time winners Arsenal will travel to West Ham in whilst Liverpool travel to Championship Reading.

If Kettering overcome Leeds in their second-round replay, after drawing 1-1 today, they face a trip to Manchester United. Vile host Blackburn in one of three all-Premier League ties., the others, include West Ham-Arsenal & Hull City's trip to Wigan Athletic.

The ties are to be played on the 2nd & 3rd January 2010.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

If you would like to reply to this article, add a report, review or express a view on any topical Sky Blue issue on GMK open access articles, just email it to:
gmkadmin@hotmail.co.uk

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The floor is yours; open access on GMK, (normal editorial rights apply) and you can get on your soapbox about whatever you want, any opinion & any hue of the Sky Blue Rainbow!

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

‘The Vocalists’ - Book signing sessions announced.

By Carl Newell.

The result of four years painstaking research, Lionel Bird produces a weighty factual tome uncovering the origins of a team we now call the Sky Blues, Coventry City FC, originally ‘Singers FC’.

'The Vocalists' how Singers F.C. became Coventry City FC, a must read for every Coventry City Supporter.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

Lionel has announced signing sessions at the following venues and dates, more information when we have it:

Saturday 5 December
CCFC Club Shop, City Central, Lower Precinct 11am to 12.30pm

Wednesday 9 December (Newcastle home match)
Ricoh Atrium Main Entrance 6pm to 7.15pm

Friday 11 December
Motor Museum, City Centre 2pm to 4pm

Saturday 12 December (Peterborough home match)
Ricoh Atrium Main Entrance 12.15pm to 2.15pm
CCFC Club Shop 5pm to 6pm

Saturday 19 December
CCFC Club Shop, City Central, Lower Precinct 11am to 12.30pm

What’s more, all profits from the book will go to fund the Coventry City academy so the past really can benefit the future.

With the book limited to 1000 copies, each copy is well worth the £19.95 price . Supporters who wished to pay £30 before October 23rd will get:

A signed copy by the author, a CCFC director and a player and also their name listed in the book as an ‘Academy Champion’ sponsor.

This really would make an ideal Christmas present! Books are now on general sale.

To order your signed copy with your / your choice of name actually printed on a page at the front of the book.

Send a cheque, made payable to Lionel Bird, for £19.95 plus P&P to:

Lionel Bird,

83 Nuffield Road, Courthouse Green, Coventry, CV6 7HU,

Tel. 07972 309114

Please note due to printing deadlines your cheque must have been received on or before 23rd October to ensure your name is printed in the book.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

Have an article to publish?

Have your say on GMK! GMK Prints open Access Articles from any contributor.

The floor is yours; open access on GMK, (normal editorial rights apply) and you can get on your soapbox about whatever you want, any opinion & any hue of the Sky Blue Rainbow!

If you would like to reply to this article, add a report, review or express a view on any topical Sky Blue issue on GMK open access articles, just email it to:
gmkadmin@hotmail.co.uk

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

Solidarity in Coventry!

By Smiles

Let’s get something straight here, I’m not, in any sense of the word, a ‘rugger bugger’ it’s the wrong shaped ball & wrong code of ‘football’ - however its ‘Cov’ we’re talking about here. If there’s ever a time to go to a game (or two), now’s it. Having never been to match to see Cov, ever, this Friday at the Ricoh I will & so should you…

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Match Preview- K/O 7.45pm

Pricing - all cash on gate - Parking £3 (we think)

Not so long ago WE were nearly in the place in where Coventry Rugby Club finds itself today. There for the grace of Ray Ranson go we. Whilst everything may not be as rosey as we would like it to be at CCFC, we’re nowhere near the position that CRFC find themselves at the moment.

In my own sporting family Rugby, even in the glory years for Cov, never really featured. My family were football fans and it appears you chose the round or oval ball, and then the ‘right code’ as ‘egg chasers’ depending on your geographical place of birth.

Having lived in ‘Ull for a number of years I’ve learnt the significance of the other code of Rugby and, obviously, after the success of the England Rugby team in the late ‘90’s and Noughties I’ve wrapped myself around the nationalistic flag and all the success that bought including getting up at some godforsaken time to watch them win the world cup and felt very good off the back of it.

But not Cov.

Until now.

I’m Coventry born and bred. I’ve thought, for a while, of going to see them play – particularly since the Friday night games came into vogue at the start of the current season. But for one reason or another never found the reason. But now I have a reason, it’s the one real reason to be supporting Cov, they could go to the wall…

Get down there, give them your support and yes drop a fiver – or more - in the bucket, and thank whatever entity you worship, it aint us.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

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_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

09/10 GMK PL Week 15, Game 18.

By Smiles

A decent point at Loftus Road caught most of us out, in a fixture that we’ve done relatively well at of late. 2-2 a Best goal an a near average crowd, wasn’t that difficult to predict was it, in a week of a postponement and a mistake with the fixtures by me! How predictable was that? How did you do?

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

(This weekends game vs Scunthorpe (A))

(Last weekends game vs QPR (A))

To follow: (The Rules)

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

Here’s this weekends fixtures for you to predict.

Game 19: (kick off deadline to post by: 1:15 pm)
Predict the outcome of:

Scunthorpe v Coventry:
First Goal Coventry Scorer:
Crowd:

Championship Games:

Predict the outcome of the following games:

Home (H), Away (A) or Draw (D), (NO SCORES, you HAVE TO POST H / D or A):

Saturday 5th December:

Blackpool vs Barnsley :
Bristol C vs Ipswich :
C Palace vs Doncaster :
Cardiff vs Preston :
Derby vs West Brom :
Newcastle vs Watford :
Nottm Forest vs Leicester - 1:00pm :
Peterborough vs Swansea :
Plymouth vs Sheff Utd :
QPR vs Middlesbro :
Sheff Wed vs Reading :

Sunday 6th December:

Scunthorpe vs Coventry :

Cheers Smiles.

Coventry City Results Prediction League

Ballsed the place numbers up this week but cant be arsed to change ‘em!

Yet another Turk1965 (+2) points are enough to keep him top on 52 as Sky_Blue_Up_North (+2) keeps tucked in 2nd on 51 points as SteveC189 (+2), 50, stays in 3rd from MrTickle (+2) on 49 and LordSummerisle (+/-0) sill on 46 to close the top 5 as bar LS, everybody does the same to stay the same.

Oblong (+7) was one of two to predict 2-2 to move to 6th from 13th on 45 points, which means SundayRef (+2) drops from 6th to 7th on the same number of points, moving up two places is & SkyBlueNemo (+4) who goes 8th from 10th on 44 points, a point behind is Perdomo (+2) dropping from 7th to 8th on 43 points. In equal 10th are Vicar_In _A _Tutu, (+4) moving up from 15th, Tisza (+2) & SkyBlueExile (+2) all on 41 points..

Dropping out of the top 10 are SkyBlueBertie (+/-0) equal with HK_BlueSkies (+/-0) from 8th & 9th who are both still on 40 points now level with Torchie (+7) our other predictor who also correctly predicted 2-2.

QPRSkyBlue (+/-0) is dropping again from 14th to 16th on 39 points, going for a wild 4-0 to the ‘r’s’ and even got the gate wrong too! , two points behind is Danny (+/-0) who drops from 16th to 17th followed by BerksSkyBlue, (+4) on 36 points then three tied on 35 points, BlindFaith (+2), SBGus (+4) & AndrewBrown (+2) in 21st.

Dropping out of the top 20 this week is Me (+2) now in 22nd, (corrected and error here too I’m actually still 18, but can’t be bothered to change it!)

Everyone else follows….

The gap from 1st to 10th is now 11 points (+1) & 1st to 20th 17 (+/-0).

Here’s the updated league.

The top 25 on the front page will be updated later.

If the board is down for any reason or you cannot post email me your predictions: gmkadmin@hotmail.co.uk

For a reminder on how to score points again check the rules on the home page on the blue bar, when I’ve worked out how to do it, I will get around to this honest!

Championship Results Prediction League

Right, a real balls up here, firstly a game was postponed so any predictions for that game are void, secondly I missed two predictions off the initial post and only noticed on matchday, so in fairness everyone who predicted in these games last week gets 3 points regardsless.

In the Championship results predictor, there’s not much shuffling around at all.

SkyBlueNemo (+6) stays top, on 128, KeanoNo1 (+5) stays 2nd with 125 points BerksSkyBlue(+4) is in 3rd on 123 missing the chance to make up ground to make up our top 3.

In 4th is still RickyCCFC (+6) on 120, & our last player in the top 5 is Blaggy (+8) who moves closer on 112 points.

Now also over 100 are & sill in the top 10 are Perdomo (+6) up a place to 6th from 7th with 109, upto 7th from 9th is Edgy (+7) with 108 heading a queue of another 3:Tisza (+5), QPRSkyBlue (+4).

Finally in equal 10th are Neil10 (+7) & Me (+7) on 107.

Outside the top 10 but over 100 are Turk1965 (+7) on 106 up to 12th from 13th, dropping a place is a point behind Sky_Blue_Up_North, (+5) still in 14th & 15th is BlindFaith (+5) and Lagger, (+6) on 103 & then AndrewBrown (+6) is the last predictor over 100 on 101 points.

Danny (+6) just misses out on 99 points equal with SBGus (+4) swapping places in 17th & 18th, and the last two in the top 20 are, SundayRef (+7) moving to 19th from 21st and Oblong (+6)

Dropping out of the top 20 is SkyBlueBertie (+/-0) & CCSBA (+5),

So with 33 playing (-1) 1st to 10th is a gap of 21 points (-1) & 1st to 20th is still 33 points (+/-0)

The average points, even with the freebies, dropped stayed the same from 6.57 to 6.01 (- 0.56) and overall total down from 243 to 200 (-43).

With a game missing here were 14 points (+1) to go for from 1a games (-1) and the top scorer were anyone who scored 7, there were no double digit returns..

Here's the table after week 15, Game 18:

Any issues then please e-mail me at the usual address!

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

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Match Preview: Scunthorpe United v Sky Blues.

By Smiles.

Make no mistake, this is a real six pointer. Forget your fine sentiments about stability, lose this & we’re really in the brown stuff. Here’s the here & now: We’re two points off a relegation spot, with two teams between us and that. We play one of them today. We MUST win. Defeat is not an option. There’s no pressure. Really?

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______________________________

THE IRON Vs THE SKY BLUES

The Sky Blues stare a relegation place square in the face and have the worst record in the league over the last 8 games.

Whilst Ray Ranson’s mid week proclamations about stability are noble, events may dictate a reappraisal if the Sky Blues alarming form continues.

A relegation decider in early December is not what many, including the Chairman, had in mind in the summer.

Things need to improve and quick, as teams below us start to pick up points. Anything today would give City some welcome breathing space in a Sky Tv covered game on a wet Sunday afternoon in December, (that kicks off at 1:15pm, (sorry about the error above!).

GAME ON – THIS WEEKENDS FIXTURES & RESULTS

TEAM NEWS
Chris Coleman is demanding his side gain something from their trip to Scunthorpe He believes successive draws against QPR and Crystal Palace prove that his side are beginning to find their feet after a run of four defeats in five games, a run that Scunny are themselves on. Coleman wants his side to gain some momentum on the back of those results: We must now use that as a spring board. We go to Scunthorpe on Sunday which is a notoriously difficult. It's a tight ground, and the are at home, but we have to get something, and if we get a win it would be fantastic.'

Coleman will be without full-backs Stephen Wright and Patrick van Aanholt for the trip to Scunthorpe. Wright and van Aanholt are suspended, forcing Coleman to name two alternative full-backs.

Martin Cranie and Jordan Clarke look set to battle it out for the right-back spot to replace Wright. On the left, Marcus Hall and Chris Hussey, who has yet to make his full debut for the club, are in contention to claim van Aanholt's place.
Meanwhile Michael McIndoe has been struggling with flu-type symptoms this week and is a doubt for the Glanford Park clash. Freddy Eastwood could be asked to deputise for McIndoe while midfielder Sammy Clingan remains a long-term absentee with a broken toe and is at least a couple of weeks away from a return.

Sky Blues from: Westwood, Barnett, Wood, Clarke, Bell, Eastwood, McIndoe, Cork, Gunnarsson, Madine, Morrison, Best Cranie, McPake, Ireland, Grandison, Ward, Hall, Hussey, Cain, Osbourne, Konstantopoulos.

THE OPPOSITION
Scunthorpe are definitely a club ‘punching above their weight’ after two promotions in three seasons under the enigmatic Nigel Adkins.

However all this success, bar one relegation is coming at a cost as ‘The Iron’ will record another big financial loss at the end of 2010, it emerged at the club's AGM.

Chairman Steve Wharton told shareholders that a loss in excess of £500,000 was forecasted for June 30th 2010, to go with the £1m already lost at the end of the 2008/09 season: 'We shall lose money this year and if we are in the Championship next season, which I hope we are, then we'll have to keep a tight control on expenditure. Our income is so much less than other Championship clubs. We are doing well with our home crowds. We are averaging 5,500 home supporters, which is double what we were getting five years ago.

'However, that figure is only a third of what other Championship clubs are getting. That's what makes it difficult. If we get relegated, then there is a big difficulty in getting our costs back under control. Wharton also revealed that Scunthorpe's losses would have been bigger, had it not been for their two play-off matches at Wembley which allowed them to return to the Championship.

Plans to move to another new ground are on hold whilst feasibility studies are carried out to expand Granford Park. A single tier box Granford is now close to 20 years old and was one of the first ‘new grounds’ post Hillsboro.

Despite another rocky mid term start to life in the Championship, highly respected manager Nigel Adkins still has faith in his side despite their recent struggles. After a more promising start to life back in the Championship, the Iron have lost their last four & drawn one games to leave them in trouble at the wrong end of the table. Adkins commented 'We are in the big league now. No-one said it was going to be easy and I'm sure if the season finished now and we finished fourth from bottom, our fans would be delighted.

'We have assembled a group who I believe in. Our squad is all about hard work, endeavour and character. I totally believe we are a far better squad than we were two years ago when we were relegated from this division. I absolutely believe we have assembled a group of players who can get into the top half of the table.'

Adkins remains a beacon of positivity: “We're all excited and have got a togetherness about ourselves. We have a hunger because we believe we can do well this season. One or two results might go against us but it will be a rollercoaster ride. We have to keep ourselves level-headed and keep working as hard as we do. I firmly believe we've got a great opportunity to achieve something remarkable this season.'

It’s true that Adkins has achieved miracles on tight resources at Scunny, one wonders what he could achieve in a bigger venue with the right type of backing…

Assistant manager Andy Crosby is targeting the next four fixtures as the Iron look to relieve their currently precarious position in the Coca Cola Championship. The Iron have sunk to 20th in the table after a difficult start to the season. But they face four successive fixtures against teams in the bottom half of the table, starting with Coventry today: 'Our record against so-called bigger teams is very good', after Scunny have beaten Newcastle 2-1, held Leicester 1-1 and beaten Sheffield United 3-1 at home.

'Why we have not performed against the so-called smaller ones is a good question - and something we are trying to put right. Our next four games gives us an opportunity to do that' – including ‘small Coventry, hmmm.

If that psychological boost wasn’t enough, the progressive Adkins has called in a sports psychologist in a bid to help his players with their defensive problems. The Iron have shipped 36 goals in their 18 league games this season. As a result of their frailties, Adkins has asked Paddy Mortimer, who has worked with Chelsea and the Leicester Tigers, to mentor his players: 'Paddy is a man who has worked at the highest level in sport in this country,' We have kept in touch with him since his Chelsea days and we have managed to get him to come and work with us on a freelance basis to give us his input when we need it.'

Adkins Chelsea links are well documented and made full use of Jack Cork on Loan a couple of seasons ago and the now City loanee scored twice against us in their previous, and only league fixtures, to date.

Adkins could make changes to his side after Martyn Woolford's last-gasp goal earned the Iron a 1-1 draw with Leicester last weekend. United are still five games without a win in the league. Winger Garry Thompson, (no not THAT GT!) made a positive impact off the bench against Leicester and could be handed a start whilst Woolford is also set to be involved from the off, with Sam Togwell the most likely to make way.

Wolves loanee George Friend could also come back into Adkins' side replacing Marcus Williams. Striker Ben May (ankle) and defender Kenny Milne (knee) remain long-term absentees.

United feature possible Kieran Westwood replacement Murphy in goal.

Scunthorpe from: Murphy, Byrne, Mirfin, Williams, Jones, Togwell, Woolford , O'Connor, Josh Wright, McCann, Hayes, Thompson, Hooper, Forte, Lillis, Friend, Andrew Wright, Canavan.

INS AND OUTS

In: Michael O'Connor, (Crewe), Josh Wright, (Charlton), Robert Jones, (Hibs), Adam Boyes (York)

On Loan Jordan Spence (West Ham), George Friend, (Wolves).

Out: Michael Lea, (Chester), Kevan Hurst, (Carlisle).

Out On Loan Josh Lillis (Grimsby), Adam Boyes, (York), Josh Lillis, (Rochdale), Ian Morris, (Chesterfield).

Released Joe Wilcox, Ian Baraclough, Kevin Pressman.

DANGERMEN
Gary Hooper & Grant McCann both have five league goals from 12 (2) & 14 (2) appearances each and are supported by midfielder Martyn Woolford who has 4 from 9 (7) league appearances.

Paul Hayes has weighed in a handy 3 from 18 ever present outings in the league this season.

Hooper was last seasons top scorer with an incredible 24 league goals from 45 appearances and Hopper contributed a handy 16 from 39 (5).

FORM
Sky Blues - 19th, The Championship: 19 points from 18 games.

Scunthorpe - 21st The Championship: 18 points from 18 games.

Scunthorpe has the 18th best attack in the league this season with 21 goals scored, the same as The Sky Blues

The Iron have the worst defence in The Championship with 36 goals conceded, 8 worse The Sky Blues

Last 8 League Games:

VISIT THE RIVALS

THE REF

The man who got to be the man in the middle at Citys last game of last season gets to referee the first in this new one.

Mr N S Miller (Durham).

Games across all leagues & competitions this season:

Games across all leagues & competitions last season:

Last City game Officiated in: Blackpool vs Coventry 29/08/2008

Result: 3-0.

Performance: City almost had the ball in the net after just two minutes, as a welcome Gunnarsson break fed Jack Cork who fired wide from 15 yards out. Two minutes later a harshly awarded free kick from Mr. Miller signaled the competency of decisions to come after punishing Wright for daring to dispossess Ormerod and Adam almost made City pay firing over from 20 yards out after Westwood had expertly lined up the City wall.…. play The Tangerines were handed a fortuitous opener by the northern official Mr Miller. As the ball was played in from the left Clingan found himself with the ball with Burgess infront of him, and as he cleared the Pool forward with his back to goal tangled with the City midfielders attempted clearance and ended face down in the turf….. Far from being a goal scoring opportunity, the City player had control of the ball and was clearing and the ‘attacking’ player had his back to goal with no chance of shooting, but the incompetent bald official showed why he’s unlikely to feature in the league of Collina, never mind Premiership, by awarding a spot kick to the home side. Even Burgess seemed surprised by the award smiling as he got up….. Adam was booked on 25 minutes for multiple fouls and niggles that even Mr Miller could not ignore….5/10

PREVIOUS
The Sky Blues last faced Scunthorpe at Glanford Park on Saturday 1st March 2008 recording a 2-1 loss. My match report was not for the faint hearted: Scunny 2-1 Cunny. WHAT A LOAD OF BOLLOCKS. Let down, disappointed, frustrated, bored and ANGRY. WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON! Such a bunch of overpaid, underperforming, limp, gutless, under committed, shower of sh!te we’ve never seen in a Sky Blue strip. I’m not one for deriding my club, team and players but the second half ‘performance’ wasn’t worthy of professional league football. After that display, if Julian Gray is at this club next season – I won’t be. I’VE HAD ENOUGH.

Chris Coleman: “We got ourselves into good positions in the final third but through bad judgement we never capitalised on them. As the second half progressed, we were getting worse and worse. We are a team that's used to losing and we can see that on the pitch. We just can't have that - we can't have players feeling sorry for themselves. We need to be tougher mentally because we are in a relegation battle. We're not half way up the league and you don't get out of a relegation battle with.”

“I can't walk through the door with performances like that a bag of special dust and say it's going to be easy for us because it's not. It doesn't work like that. There was change because the team were having a bad time and we now we have a different manager but the team and the position we're in is the same. We're in a position in the league where we don't want to be. The remaining games are cup finals for us and we need to approach these games with respect for where we are. We need to be harder and tougher.”

“People say we want to pass the ball and that's all well and good. Our priority is winning games. We need to show a little bit more organisation than we did in the second 45 minutes because that was simply not acceptable.'

Nigel Adkins: 'We can play much better than this but winning games is all that is important at this stage of the season. We have always had a belief that we can get out of trouble and survive at Championship level.”

'We want to be a little bit like that Olympic runner who comes from behind and finishes strongly to cross the line in first place.”

“There might have been an element of fortune about Jack Cork's winner but he too has been tremendous for us this season on loan from Chelsea. He is a young player with a terrific talent.'

Sky Blues: Marshall, Osbourne, Dann, Hall, Fox, Tabb, Thornton, Michael Hughes (Andrews 71), Gray, Best (Simpson 78), Mifsud.

Subs Not Used: Konstantopoulos, Ward, Birchall.

Booked: Thornton, Fox, Best, Osbourne.

Goals: Thornton.

HISTORY
There is little, if any history, between the two clubs with all the games the two sides have played against each other prior to our meeting in 07/08 restricted to the FA Cup.

Other than the game mentioned above The Sky Blues have met Scunthorpe just three other times and two of those games were in the FA Cup in the same season, in 1935/36 when The Bantams drew 1-1 in the first tie of the 1st round on the 30th November 1935 & then lost the replay at The Old Showground 4-2 on 4th December 1935.

Previous to that, in fact in the previous season, The Bantams made no mistake in the same round, again at home at Highfield Road, achieving a thumping 7-0 victory to progress to round two where they beat Hartlepool away only to fall to Birmingham in the 4th round at St Andrews 4-0.

The last meetings in this fixture have finished thus:

Full league Away record against Scunthorpe United is as follows:

Overall record against The Iron Home & Away in all competitions is as follows:

The full detail of that can be seen here:

HOW TO GET THERE

Scunthorpe United Football Club play at Glanford Park, Doncaster Road, Lincolnshire. Tel: 01724 747680, (To get there print off the map on the link below!).

The ground is on the outskirts of Scunthorpe, making it easy to find from the motorway. Leave the M180 at Junction 3 and take the M181 for Scunthorpe. At the end of this motorway, you will see the ground on your right. Turn right at the first roundabout onto the A18 and right again into the large car park at the ground, which costs £3.

Alternatively, if it’s the same as last time we went, there’s free parking roadside and verges if you get there early enough in the roads near the pub.

WERE TO DRINK

This is the only bar near by, we went there a few seasons ago, was ok, a bit cheap eaterish:

The Old Farmhouse , ,Doncaster Rd, Scunthorpe, South Humberside DN15 8TE, Tel: 01724 276376

You can find a map of how to get there here: (click the logo)

AMAZING FACTS
Scunthorpe United, formerly known as Scunthorpe and Lindsey United, among other names, have existed since 1899.

Scunny did not join the Football League until 1950when the league structure was expanded.

Amongst their notable ex-players are Kevin Keegan, who joined the Iron after famously being rejected by the Sky Blues for being ‘too small’ and cricketer Sir Ian Botham.

They are presently the highest-placed league club in Lincolnshire but had not previously played at this level, prior to their skirting with the league two seasons ago, since the 1962-63 season.

Scunthorpe were the first club in England to build a cantilever stand, four years before Sheffield Wednesday's at Hillsborough.

In 1988 Scunthorpe United became the first English football club in the modern era to move to a new, purpose built stadium: Glanford Park, when they moved from the Old Showground in the wake of the regulations enforced post Hillsborough.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______________________________

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_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______________________________

The GMK Match Report: Scunthorpe v Sky Blues.

By GMKonline

The Sky Blues are pulled into the relegation battle as lowly United go above them in a scrappy game at Glanford Park. Chris Coleman’s woeful record continues despite what the chairman claims to be a superior squad. If this is the case then something, somewhere, is very wrong as this far into the season the league doesn’t lie. Changes need to be made, and quickly.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

Sunday 6th December 2009 – 1.15 pm Glanford Park

TEAM CHANGES

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

With Wright & Van Aanholt suspended Carnie and Hall returned to the defence.

There was no Bell in Midfield so his substitute last week, Eastwood, started in an otherwise unchanged starting 11. On the bench there was no Ireland, replaced by Dimi, so Jeffers and Hussey stepped up to join the squad.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

1st Half.
The opening period in a fresh and sunny afternoon was dominated by the Sky Blues as the Scunthorpe defence and keeper played with the low summer sun into their eyes.

City had any number of promising chances in the first 17 minutes to take the lead with the more promising three falling to Leon Best.

The Republic of Ireland striker found himself one-on-one with Joe Murphy on 13 minutes on the right but fired a low shot straight at the goalkeeper and then, three minutes later was sent clear by Aron Gunnarsson but with Clinton Morrison wide open in the sent of the area the City striker saw his first effort blocked by Rob Jones, his second was superbly saved by Murphy who fell awkwardly knocking his right knee against his left hand post in the process.

Murphy's afternoon ended there, as he was forced to leave the field on a stretcher. After a six-minutes delay, replacement goalkeeper Josh Lillis took the injured keeper place in the United goal and despite a shaky start punching clear and then catching a number of successive Sky Blues corners, he made a fine save from a Clinton Morrison strike while, at the other end, Kieren Westwood produced an impressive one-handed save to keep out a Woolford header as for all the City pressure in the opening 25 minutes came to nothing.

Clinton Morrison lay prostrate for 3 minutes after knocking the back of his head hard on the surface falling from an attempted header came to nothing but it was a more charitable City who handed the sole goal of the game on a plate to the home team on the half hour.

As City conceded possession on their left touchline Hooper capitalised on some awful positioning from Coventry's defence to collect Hayes' back-heel and as the City rearguard parted like the sea of Galilee to offer him a free run on goal, in a one-on-one with Westwood he lashed in his seventh goal of the season as the City keeper berated his woeful defence.

O’Connor was bizarrely booked by Mr Miller for taking a free kick before the official whistled and was forced to take the initially wasted effort again, with the 2nd effort as dumb as the first, and the official.

Grant McCann went close to making it two with a low free-kick before half-time as despite having the best of the chances in the opening period City somehow went in at the break a goal down with Mr Miller announcing just the 6 minutes of extra time despite stoppages and substations that added at least 10 to the first half.

Half Time
Half time: Scunthorpe 1-0 Coventry.

2nd Half
The 2nd period offered the Sky Blues little respite from the cold blows that were struck across the winter pitch.

With a round bollocking from Chris Coleman ringing in their ears the Sky Blues did the early pressing in the opening stages of the 2nd half, but in truth both sides were restricted to long range efforts smothered by each sides defences.

A more open encounter in the first half was stifled into a bogged down match in the 2nd. The best chance for either side coming in the 70th minute when on loan defender Barnett blazed over from around 15 yards out after Hussey had replaced Hall.

Hayes had The Iron's best chance of the second period in the 78th minute when he scuffed a low effort just wide of goal from the right. Four minutes later substitute Gary Madine, on for McIndoe, knocked the ball over the crossbar following a scramble in United’s area. He should have done better with the shot, and Sky Blues lived to regret his prolificacy.

With the game beginning to open up again towards the end O'Connor fired a thunderbolt just over the crossbar a minute later. But to City’s credit they kept pushing for a late leveller, but this meant Scunthorpe could break up field even more and McCann struck over the crossbar with four minutes left. Madine then headed just wide of goal as Coleman's side continued to threaten with no end result.

There was a second Scunthorpe change a minute later as Thompson replaced Hooper and as Three minutes of added time were indicated, and the home team continued to live dangerously, seemingly inviting pressure from The Sky Blues who, unfortunately couldn't muster anything from it though as the Iron held on.

With seconds left, Hayes was replaced by Friend, but there was no more notable action as Scunthorpe claimed three vital points that took them above City in the table.

So with Newcastle to come on Wednesday and the visit of the leagues bottom club Peterboro’ at the weekend the stark reality of a dreadful run of no wins in 9 games ontop of the full season form and that legacy of the run post Chelsea last season you have to ask, after replacing the coach and virtually the whole defence, most of the team from the Dowie era, what is there left to do, to get this squad, who the chairman maintains is better than the one he inherited, play to their potential?

Perhaps then we should change the chairman? With that unlikely, there’s only one choice left, shape up Chris or ship out, it’s that simple.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

AFTER GAME QUOTES
Chris Coleman:

'I am angry and I hope the players are too. This was a game we should not have lost. But we have players who were too selfish at times and you don't win anything as a team when that happens.”

'I honestly believe we have a squad that is good enough to be sitting in the middle of the table in the Championship.”

'But we are where we are. It's no good just producing performances two or three times out of every six or seven games. We have got to put together a consistent run of form.'

Nigel Adkins:

'It was a big win for us but then our home form has been good this season. It was an excellent goal and even more pleasing because it was from a move we have worked hard on at the training ground.

'We are a team that likes to try and play good football but sometimes that is not always possible particularly on the winter pitches. There was a deluge of rain before the game which made it difficult to pass the ball around as quickly as we would have liked.

'Coventry caused us one or two hairy moments in the first half but we also caused them a few as well at the opposite end and I think we deserved our victory.'

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

HOW THEY LINED UP
Sky Blues: Westwood, Barnett, Hall, (Hussey,66), Cranie, Wood, McIndoe (Madine,79), Cork, Gunnarsson, Eastwood, Morrison, Best.

Subs Not Used: McPake, Konstantopoulos, Clarke, Grandison, Jeffers,

Booked: None.

Goals: None

Scunthorpe Murphy, (Lillis,17), Byrne, Mirfin, Williams, Jones, O'Connor, Woolford, Josh Wright, McCann, Hayes, (Friend,89), Hooper, (Thompson,88)

Subs Not Used: Togwell, Forte, Andrew Wright, Sparrow,

Booked: O'Connor

Goals: Hopper (30).

Att: 5,013.

Ref: N S Miller (Essex). 5/10

Man of The Match: : Wood.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

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As we’re now in the unenviable position of, officially, having the worst form in the League, the penny has dropped for our failing manager that we’re in a relegation battle. Sorry Chris but some of us, sadly, realised this some time ago.

Two games to rescue a season – or a job?

By Smiles.

Oh dear. Two wheels on the wagon, And I’m still rolling along, Sky Blue Army are after me, Flaming jeers, burn my ears, But I’m singing, the same ole song!

Yes folks, the Chris and Ray Roadshow rolls back into town this week with top and bottom of the league games against oppositions who, for different reasons, have very good motivation for wins of their own.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

Equally quite a few of us realise that Mr Coleman’s record has been worse than his predecessor for quite a bit longer, from around the time that the first wheel feel off against Chelsea last season. Others would point to the Charlton game at the end of the season before, for me that was a tad too early, however there are similarities to the feeling you got from the reaction of the squad on that day to this. Apathy, a lack of response, dedication, professional pride - motivation? Some would say the kind of quality and respect that it’s the managers responsibility to instil.

I, initially, shared the sentiment of stability, of giving a manager the chance to build of stopping the essence of revolving door management despite my reservations of whether we had the right man to do it. I was quite ambivalent on Chris Coleman’s appointment and agreed, under the circumstances that it was the right time for Iain Dowie to leave, but the man’s record speaks for its self. A decent manager is one for ‘all seasons’ and rolls with the highs and lows, huddles and blows whatever fortune and circumstances bring by bringing a sense of unity, pride and team spirit that gets a group through and up circumstances. Nothing succeeds, and bring joy on and off the pitch, like success.

I’ve heard rumours of dissent in the dress room, open warfare between players, vocal ring leaders in offensive and defensive positions, posters of key board members defaced, drunken conversations in late night bars with players who ‘off the record’ talk of division. The emotions of Chris Coleman on the Sky Sports covered game on Sunday see him visibly mouth the words ‘f*cking & Tw”t when our leading scorer missed two opportunities to score in 30 seconds. Kieran Westwood turning to supporters and opening berating his defence after conceding goal in alarming fashion after his defence let him down, again. Is it any wonder these players have not signed new deals!?

We’ve got more defenders than the Taliban and still a manager who was an international class player in that part of the team seems unable to organise them to protect, arguably, the best keeper outside the Premiership whilst the sole playmaker we’ve got in midfield, is injured and the whole balance of the team seems to go to pot.

We have the appearance of a ragaband side, lead by the best dressed, gum chewing, disgruntled and increasing dishevelled leader in the division, motivated? Not.

Having already received the vote of confidence in Mr Ranson’s interview over two nights in last weeks Telegraph, it may come down to the fact that the next two games make or break not only Chris’ season at City but his overall position as we, nor Ray & SISU, can continue to countenance this level of failure without it reflecting badly on their own direction of the club.

Noble sentiments do not win football games, and I guess, largely, it depends on which Coventry City run out to meet the league leaders on Wednesday night. Saturday is a game we cannot lose, for the sake of both Coventry City Football Club and Mr Chris Coleman.

If you can't motivate the team for either of these two games, it really is over Chris & if Mr Ranson can’t see or stomach that, then his loyalty to loss is going to cost us all dearly.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

If you would like to reply to this article, add a report, review or express a view on any topical Sky Blue issue on GMK open access articles, just email it to:
gmkadmin@hotmail.co.uk

Have your say on GMK! GMK Prints open Access Articles from any contributor.

The floor is yours; open access on GMK, (normal editorial rights apply) and you can get on your soapbox about whatever you want, any opinion & any hue of the Sky Blue Rainbow!

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

09/10 GMK PL Week 16, Game 19.

By Smiles

If you need any indication of Sky Blues fans ‘keeping the faith’ then look no further than the GMK prediction league! Week after week, defeat after defeat all we can see is a Sky Blue win despite mounting evidence that the result will be anything but. Clinton Morrison to score first is another favourite, but when was the last time as City go down to another side below them, at this rate we’re running out of teams… How predictable was that? How did you do?

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

(This weeks game vs Newcastle (H))

(Last weekends game vs Scunthorpe (A))

To follow: (The Rules)

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

Here’s this weeks fixtures for you to predict.

Game 20: (kick off deadline to post by: 7:45 pm)
Predict the outcome of:

Coventry v Newcastle:
First Goal Coventry Scorer:
Crowd:

Championship Games:

Predict the outcome of the following games:

Home (H), Away (A) or Draw (D), (NO SCORES, you HAVE TO POST H / D or A):

Monday 7th December:

Watford vs QPR: (Omitted everyone who posts gets a point, sorry)

Tuesday 8th December:

Doncaster v Sheff Wed:
Ipswich v Peterborough:
Leicester v Bristol City:
Middlesbrough v Blackpool:
Preston v Derby:
Reading v Crystal Palace:
Sheff Utd v Nottm Forest:
Swansea v Plymouth:
West Brom v Cardiff:

Wednesday, 9 December 2009:

Barnsley v Scunthorpe:
Coventry v Newcastle:

Cheers Smiles.

Coventry City Results Prediction League

Turk1965 (+3) points changes the tune and stays top on 55 as Sky_Blue_Up_North (+2) keeps tucked in 2nd on 53points with SteveC189 (+2), 52, staying in 3rd from LordSummerisle (+5) the one change in the top 7 climbing one place to take 4th with 51 points going above MrTickle (+/-0) staying on 49 and dropping to 5th to close the top 5.

Oblong (+2) stays 6th from on 47 points from SundayRef (+/-0) in 7th on the same number of points as Perdomo (+2) rising to 8th from 9th on 45 points. He changes places with SkyBlueNemo (+/-0) who drops from 8th to 9th still on 44 points, a point behind in equal 10th are Vicar_In _A _Tutu, (+2), Tisza (+2) & SkyBlueExile (+2) all on 43 points & non-movers.

No-one drops out of the top 10 this week.

Staying in 13th is SkyBlueBertie (+2) on 42 points equal with Torchie (+2) a point behind in 15th dropping a place is HK_BlueSkies (+/-0) still on 40 points.

QPRSkyBlue (+/-0) stays in 16th on 39 points, equal with BerksSkyBlue, (+3). Danny (+/-0) who drops from 17th to 18th fto head a group of 5 all tied on 37 points, he’s followed by BlindFaith (+2), SBGus (+4) & AndrewBrown (+2) & finally the big points scorer of the week & the only person to predict 1-0 to Scunthorpe, Blaggy (+9) who moves up from 31st to 22nd.

No-one drops out of the top 20 this week.

Everyone else follows….

The gap from 1st to 10th is now 12 points (+1) & 1st to 20th 18 (+1).

Here’s the updated league.

The top 25 on the front page has also been updated.

If the board is down for any reason or you cannot post email me your predictions: gmkadmin@hotmail.co.uk

For a reminder on how to score points again check the rules on the home page on the blue bar, when I’ve worked out how to do it, I will get around to this honest!

Championship Results Prediction League

SkyBlueNemo (+8) stays top on 136 extending his lead as KeanoNo1 (+2) has a bad week but stays 2nd with 127 points BerksSkyBlue(+3) is in 3rd on 126 again missing the chance to make up ground to make up our top 2.

In 4th is still RickyCCFC (+5) on 125, & our last player in the top 5 is Blaggy, our top scorer in this league too topping off a great week (+12) who moves even closer now on 124 points.

As the top 7 stays static Perdomo (+5) is still 6th with114 the first of 3 on this score with Edgy (+7) in 7th & then our first riser as QPRSkyBlue (+6) moves up from 9th to 8th with 114 points

Neil10 (+6) moves into 9th on 113 and finally to complete the top 10 we have Tisza (+5), also on 113 dropping from 8th to 10th

Just outside the top 10 is ME (+5) on 112 on me tod, BlindFaith (+7) moves upto 12th from 14th on 110, a point behind is Turk1965 (+3) on 109 down a place so to is Sky_Blue_Up_North, (+4) in 14th.

On the up is Danny (+6) now over 100 on 105 in 15th from 17th, AndrewBrown (+3) is the first of a number to have a poor week but staying 16th on 104 followed by Lagger, (+/-0) still on 103.

The last two predictors over 100 are Oblong (+7) up from 20th & SBGus (+1) both on 102 points. Making up the top 20 up from 25th is Torchie (+6) on 97 points.

Dropping out of the top 20 is SundayRef (+/-0)

So with 36 playing (+3) 1st to 10th is a gap of 23 points (+2) & 1st to 20th is now 39 points (+6)

The average points without the freebies dropped stayed the same from 6.01 to 5.25 (- 0.76) and overall total down from 200 to 189 (-11).

With a game more there were 17 points (+3) to go for from our top scorer was Blaggy and the other double digit return was CharlesMore whose 10 points took him from 28th to 23rd on 95 points

Here's the table after week 16, Game 19:

Any issues then please e-mail me at the usual address!

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

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Match Preview: Sky Blues v Newcastle United.

By Smiles.

The Sky Blues face top of the league Newcastle at the Ricoh as both sides struggle with issues that will mean players will be missing from each sides squad this evening through suspension, injury and off field issues. A massive game for The Sky Blues who desperately need to instil some pride back in the form that has seen them slip to near the foot of the table.

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THE SKY BLUES Vs THE MAGPIES

Under fire Chris Coleman roundly puts the blame on his players for the weekends defeat at fellow strugglers Scunthorpe & kept his players in the dressing room as he held an inquest into the 1-0 defeat at Glanford Park that plunged us deeper into relegation trouble. The Sky Blues have now gone nine games without a win dating back to the end of September and Coleman knows they have got to do much better.

Like all the supporters Coleman vented his spleen: 'I am angry and I hope the players are too. This was a game we should not have lost. But we have players who were too selfish at times and you don't win anything as a team when that happens. I honestly believe we have a squad that is good enough to be sitting in the middle of the table in the Championship. But we are where we are. It's no good just producing performances two or three times out of every six or seven games.

'I get paid by the chairman who works four weeks a month and so do the players. We have got to put together a consistent run of form and that has got to stretch over a number of games.'

With bottom of the league Peterborough’ to come on Saturday, strangely knowing the Sky Blues, this game will probably be the one the rise to and put in a better performance…

GAME ON – THIS WEEKS FIXTURES

TEAM NEWS
Coleman will be without seven players for tonight’s clash against Newcastle. Richard Wood left Scunthorpe on Sunday nursing a bruised heel sustained during the Sky Blues' 1-0 defeat, and will be missing. Left-back Marcus Hall is also out having seen his calf problem flare up at the weekend on his return to action, although Patrick van Aanholt makes his comeback from suspension and is expected to step in.

Stephen Wright will serve the final game of his ban, having seen his initial one-match suspension doubled by the Football Association as a result of throwing his captain's armband at referee Mike Jones against QPR.

Coleman's defensive woes are further compounded by the fact Ben Turner remains sidelined with his ankle problem. Midfielders Isaac Osbourne (knee) and Sammy Clingan (broken toe) are also nursing their long-term injuries & so will also not feature. Finally, substitute goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopoulos took a knock in training on Tuesday and will also be unavailable, but a rare bit of good news is that midfielder David Bell has recovered from illness.

Sky Blues from: Westwood, van Aanholt, Barnett, Clarke, Bell, Eastwood, McIndoe, Cork, Gunnarsson, Madine, Morrison, Best Cranie, McPake, Ireland, Grandison, Ward, Hussey, Cain, Osbourne.

THE OPPOSITION
After last season traumatic exit from the Premiership Chris Hughtons calming influence has steadied the Tyne boat has The Magpies head the Championship after many predicted a Leeds type meltdown.

The strength of the team this season has been its rearguard. Hughton praised Newcastle's new-found resilience after seeing his 10 men scrap their way to a vital victory over Watford after Nolan’s dismissal.

United are in rude form as goals from Peter Lovenkrands and substitute Fabrice Pancrate secured a sixth successive win, for the first time since 1996, despite the Magpies playing the final 41 minutes without midfielder Kevin Nolan who was dismissed for a second bookable offence. But keeper Steve Harper and his defenders stood firm to claim an 11th clean sheet of the season: ``If I look at what we have managed to achieve so far this season, we are always very keen to point that one out. `There will be bad times to come, I am sure, but we have shown a lot of resilience and that is the mark of any side which is doing well, that resilience resulting in clean sheets.'

``I am absolutely delighted with that. `What we do know is we are going to have good days and bad days, and what we have so far shown is a resilience to cope with the bad days and, at times, get something from them. There are times when you can't speak highly enough of the group of lads you have, and that applies.''

Hughton seems happy enough with his lot ‘up north and doesn’t anticipate many changes come January

The Magpies are currently finalising their list of targets for the winter transfer window amid speculation linking them with now free agent Sol Campbell, Sheffield Uniteds Matt Kilgallon and Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley, who is currently on loan at Saturday's opponents Watford. However, while Hughton is keeping his cards close to his chest, he insists he will invest what limited cash he has to spend wisely, and that he will not opt for radical change with his side sitting two points clear at the top of the Championship table.

Hughton commented: “We are aware of the players who come into that. Whether we will get those targets or not, I don't know. That's something we will work towards over this next month. The one thing you never know is what other targets will become available because we are in a period of time when there are players who you never, ever thought would be available who you find now are. But I don't see us adding too much to the squad. What I have also got to be mindful of is not to disrupt too much what we have here. It's been quite a tight group that we have had here.'

Hughton faces a decision over whether or not to use striker Andy Carroll for the trip to the Ricoh. The 20-year-old, who has shaken off the after-effects of a virus, was arrested during the early hours of Monday morning and released on police bail after being questioned over an allegation of assault following an incident at a night-club.

Marlon Harewood and Peter Lovenkrands have started the last two games up front, while Shola Ameobi is available after recovering from a foot injury which has sidelined him since the end of August.

But the Championship leaders will be without key midfielder and leading scorer Kevin Nolan who is suspended after being sent off during Saturday's 2-0 win over Watford, with the fit-again Nicky Butt the most likely to deputise.

The Magpies are otherwise all but at full strength with only Joey Barton on the injury list as he continues his recovery from a foot in the mouth problem.

Newcastle from: Harper, Steven Taylor, Enrique, Simpson, Coloccini, Gutierrez, Guthrie Pancrate, Harewood, Carroll, Lovenkrands, Butt, Smith, Ryan Taylor, Krul, Ranger, Khizanishvili, Ameobi

INS AND OUTS
In: Francisco Tejada (Deportivo) Fabrice Pancrate (PSG).

On Loan Danny Simpson (Man Utd), Zurab Khizanishvili (Blackburn), Marlon Harewood (Arsed on vile).

Out: David Edgar, (Burnely), Michael Owen, (Man Utd), Obafemi Martins (Wolfsburg), Sebastien Bassong, (Spurs) Habib Beye (Arsed on vile), Damien Duff (Fulham).

Out On Loan Jonny Godsmark (Hereford), Fraser Forster, (Norwich), Xisco, (Racing)

Released Mark Doninger. Mark Viduka, Claudio Cacapa.

DANGERMEN

All of ‘em!

Kevin Nolan is top scorer with 8 league goals from 19 appearances. He’s supported by bad boy Andy Carroll with 4 from 13 (2) & Foluwashola Ameobi with 4 from 4 league appearances.

Lasts terms highest scorer in their relegation season was Owens and Martins with 8 each neither are still at the club, but faced each other last night as Manchester united played Wolfsburg in The Champions League.

FORM
Sky Blues - 20th, The Championship: 19 points from 19 games.

Newcastle - 1st, The Championship: 42 points from 19 games.

United has the 5th best attack in the league this season with 31 goals scored, 10 more than The Sky Blues

The Magpies have the best defence in The Championship with 10 goals conceded, 19 better The Sky Blues

Last 8 League Games:

THE REF
The man in the middle tonight has been seen at a City game for a number of years:

Mr G K Hegley (Hertfordshire)

Games across all leagues & competitions this season:

Games across all leagues & competitions last season:

Last City game Officiated in: Southampton vs Coventry 09/08/2006

Result: 2-0.

Performance: The Saints steal a closely contested encounter through two debateable, but well executed, dead-ball decisions.…. But George Burley's troops broke the deadlock from a free kick in the 61st minute with a belter from Bale, although what it was that Referee Hegley had spotted was beyond the 900 or so SBA! Bale, 17, unleashed an excellent shot from 35 yards which goalkeeper Andy Marshall got a hand to but could not keep out…. Rasiak then put the result beyond doubt in the 86th minute after he slotted home a penalty after he was supposedly fouled by Elliott Ward, although even from a distance there appeared to be little, if any, contact as Hegley made another blunder – which was conceded by most of the saints fans we spoke to afterwards, Hutchison’s remonstrations were rewarded with a yellow card and substitute Kenwyne Jones hit a post minutes later…. 5/10 Homer, two poor decisions cost us the game.

PREVIOUS
The Sky Blues last faced Newcastle at the Ricoh was in the League Cup last season on Tuesday 26th August 2008 recording a 2-3 loss in Kevin Kegans last game in charge. It took an extra-time winner from Michael Owen to prevent Coventry from progressing in the Carling Cup, after the Sky Blues had battled back from 2-0 down in a thrilling cup tie. An own goal from Scott Dann and a James Milner fluke put the Magpies two goals up, but Morrison brought City back into the game before Dann made amends with a last-gasp equaliser from Aron Gunnarson's long throw. Newcastle may have been a class above in the quality of their play, but City had more than matched them with heart, desire, and sheer determination. A buzz of excitement hung over the Ricoh as the nineteen thousand strong crowd awaited extra-time.

But it was inevitably Owen who spoiled the party when he beat the offside trap and coolly finished off a long through ball. A desperate Marshall again got a hand to the shot, but couldn't prevent it from passing him. The better team won, but Coleman's men can draw great strength from this performance. More like it in the league will see the Sky Blues looking towards the top of the table, rather than the bottom that season, sadly it was not to be, but a repeat of this performance is long overdue and would be very welcome.

Chris Coleman,: No quotes available.

Kevin Keegan It was a heck of a cup tie in the end. I think we played some great football but we were guilty near the end of the first-half of almost showboating. I just thought we got a bit, not cocky, but over-confident and of course they knocked a goal in and at 2-1 the tie was right back on.'

Sky Blues: Marshall, Hall, Ward, Dann, Fox, Beuzelin(Doyle, 63), Mifsud , Gunnarsson, Tabb, (Simpson, 88) , McKenzie (Gray, 74 ), Morrison.

Subs Not Used: Ireland, Turner, Thornton, Clarke.

Booked: Fox, Hall.

Goals: Morrison (45) Dann (90 +2).

HISTORY
On the face of it City do not particularly like facing the Magpies, although our home record isn’t too bad, if you include the early years!

The last time City faced United in Coventry was in the relegation season of 2000/1 when another Shearer goal (a penalty) was accompanied by a Gally 2nd send the Sky Blues home pointless. The return at St James’ also proved fruitless with City coming home off the back of another 3-1 beating.

The team that day was:

Sky Blues Hedman, Quinn, Edworthy, Breen, Williams, Thompson, Telfer, Carsley, Eustace, Aloisi, (Bothroyd, 73 ) ,Bellamy.

Subs not used: Palmer, Strachan, Guerrero, Konjic.

It hasn’t been all pain for City, however, in 99/00 City beat United 4-1 at Highfield Road after Warren Barton was sent off early in the 1st half. Again City lost the return at St James 4-1, as they had done the previous season. In that season of ’98-99 United did us 5-1 at home a s well in a game many City fans still hold up as a shining example of the ills we’ve suffered over the years.

The last time City won in Newcastle was in October 1988 in the old First Division 3-0, which turned out to be The Magpies own relegation season finishing bottom of the league under Willie McFaul/Colin Nugget (and latterly Jim Smith) with just 31 points from the Sky Blues end up clear 3-0 winners thanks to goals from Birchall, Kyle and John.

The last eight meetings in this fixture have finished thus:

Full league Home record against Newcastle is as follows:

Overall record against The Magpies Home & Away in all competitions is as follows:

The full detail of that can be seen here:

AMAZING FACTS
The club were formed as Newcastle East End in 1881, turning professional in 1889. They changed their name to Newcastle United Football Club in 1893.

Newcastle played at South Byker between 1881-86, followed by Chillingham Road until 1892, when they moved into St. James Park.

Frank Watt was their first manager for an incredible 35 years between 1895-1930, followed by Cunningham (1930-35), Mather (1935-39), and Seymour was in the hot seat between 1939-47. Over the years, Newcastle have had some famous names as managers, including Ossie Ardiles, Kevin Keegan, Kenny Dalglish and Sir Bobby Robson.

Newcastle first won the cup in 1910 with a 2-0 win over Barnsley. Then again in 1924 when they beat Aston Villa 2-0. 1932 was the next FA Cup with a 2-1 defeat of Arsenal. Three more cups in the 1950s followed, with Blackpool losing 2-0 in 1951, Arsenal 1-0 in 1952, and Manchester City 3-1 in 1955 (their 6th FA Cup win).

When Newcastle United won the FA Cup for the last time during the 1950s, they finished 8th position in the First Division in the 1954-55 season. This may not appear that fantastic, however, they started the season poorly and were only 15th position after they had played half of that seasons league matches. For various reasons, including their FA Cup success, Newcastle had to play their final eleven matches in only twenty nine days. That is a match every 2.63 days! And they still won the Cup!

United won the FA Cup 2-0 against Blackpool on 28th April 1951. Two second half goals by the legendary Jackie Milburn brought the trophy back to Tyneside.

John Edward Thompson Milburn, is still loved in his native North East of England today. A bronze statue of him stands in the city centre of Newcastle upon Tyne. He was known for the goals he scored and also his speed. His mother must have known he would be a fast runner, after all, his initials spell JET.

The ’55 Final is known as the ‘Milburn Final, and although Jackie Milburn is remembered for his speedy goal in the game, in total Vic Keeble scored 5 FA Cup goals in nine games (including replays) throughout the tournament, Milburn in fact only scored twice in ten games, replays included.

In a notable list of debuts, Magpies legend Malcolm McDonald scored a hat-trick in his in his debut in 1971 v Liverpool. Liverpool legend Keegan scored in his debut versus QPR in August 1982. Sir Bobby Robson’s first game in charge was in a8-0 drubbing of Sheffield Wednesday in September 1999.

Newcastle beat Newport County 13-0 in 1946 to set their unsurpassed scoring record for a League game.

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The GMK Match Report: Sky Blues v Newcastle

By Ian Palmer

The Sky Blues’ winless streak reached double figures as they went down fighting by two goals to nil against a table-topping Newcastle side.

Although the City players rallied to a performance that was far improved from last Sunday’s showing at Stockport, they still found themselves searching for that increasingly elusive winning feeling.

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Wednesday 9th December, 2009 – 19:45 – The Ricoh Arena

TEAM CHANGES

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Richard Wood sat out the game due to a foot injury and was replaced by Jordan Clarke who came in at right-back. This saw Martin Cranie move to centre back to partner Leon Barnett.

Patrick van Aanholt returned from suspension to replace the injured Marcus Hall at left-back.

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1st Half
A goal just before half-time from Shola Ameobi, coupled with a late strike from substitute Nile Ranger, increased City’s winless streak to ten games.

But the Sky Blues were far from outplayed, and indeed could have taken something from this match with a little more guile in front of goal.

Ameobi, making his first start since August following a foot injury, proved a real handful for City’s young defence. Once lanky and enigmatic, the Nigerian-born striker has bulked up and turned himself into a powerhouse forward, perfect for the rough and tumble of the Championship.

Barnett and Cranie struggled to contain the Toon striker in the early stages, both in the air and on the ground. It was Ameobi’s pull back in the 13th minute that set up the first chance of the game for Pancrate, but the midfielder dragged a tame shot wide.

Then more bad injury news for the Sky Blues when Jordan Clarke stayed down after making a sliding clearance. The full-back had to be replaced by Jermaine Grandison; Cranie switched to full-back.

Almost immediately a mix-up ensued between the new central defensive pairing of Barnett and Grandison, but the danger was averted and the duo would grow in stature and confidence as the game wore on.

It was all a bit hit-and-hope for Coventry going forward, and Newcastle nearly took a fortuitous lead when Enrique’s low shot was deflected just past the post by a City defender.

A driving run through the heart of the Newcastle defence from Aron Gunnarsson sadly saw his effort on goal blocked, and the midfielder injured in the process, but it was one he would run off.

Then on 39 minutes, City’s best chance. A McIndoe back-heel found Leon Best in the penalty area. Best ripped a left-foot shot that cannoned back of the face of the crossbar. Eastwood returned the ball into the area onto the head of McIndoe. The ball looped over Harper, but once again came back off the bar.

City were playing with some purpose now, and had the scent of a half-time lead. But it was the away side that got their noses in front just before the whistle.

The impressive Jose Guitierrez played the ball into Ameobi who used his strength to shrug off Barnett, turn, and rifle a left-foot shot past Westwood to give the Magpies the lead.

Half Time

Coventry 0-1 Newcastle

2nd Half

City, to their credit, began the second half with the drive and positivity with which they finished the first.

McIndoe threaded a lovely ball through to Best, but the striker’s cross was over hit. Best lashed a volley from a tight angle straight at Harper, before firing a 25-yard free-kick wide of the target.

Best’s influence on the game was growing. In stark contrast, Clinton Morrison’s role in the game was limited, largely because of how well he was being shackled by the impressive Steven Taylor.

Jack Cork broke down the left, ran to the by-line, and cut the ball back into the path of the on-rushing Freddie Eastwood, but his fiercely struck shot was hit straight at a defender.

Alan Smith thought he’d doubled Newcastle’s lead when he fired in a low shot from the edge of the area. Just as it looked like the ball would creep into the corner of the net, Keiren Westwood flung out a right-hand to make an impressive stop.

Eastwood’s workrate was something to behold, and if any City player deserved a goal tonight it was him. How frustrating it was when he miscontrolled Morrison’s cut-back from the byline in the penalty area with the goal at his mercy.

Eastwood recovered the ball and fired in a shot but it was saved by Harper, and Freddie looked to the skies probably wondering why he hadn’t shot first time.

Gunnarsson volleyed in a Best knockdown which Harper saved but fumbled. No City player could capitalise, but the crowd sensed an equaliser might not be too far away.

But with ten minutes to play the Magpies broke away down the left with full-back Enrique. His cross picked out substitute Nile Granger who stabbed home to double Newcastle’s lead and effectively win them the match.

City brought on David Bell and Gary Madine, but with only five minutes to play it was too little too late.

Despite that, David Bell immediately made City look a better side. His control and passing ability in his brief cameo outshone anything that had been on display prior to his introduction.

Morrison finished the game with a sweet turn and volley from 18 yards, but it flew wide, and City had to face up to yet another defeat.

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AFTER GAME QUOTES
Chris Coleman:

'We were a lot better than we were on Sunday, but it's still another game that we haven't won.

'Sometimes you can't see the wood for the trees, you don't know where the next three points are coming from.

'Peterborough on Saturday is a bigger game; we can only get three points but at the moment it will feel like 20.'

Chris Hughton:

'It's wonderful, to be where we are at this moment speaks volumes for this team.

'We hope it gives us the confidence and strength to keep getting good results.

'We can do all the talking, clean sheets and winning runs but only one thing matters: the end of the season.'

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HOW THEY LINED UP
Sky Blues: Westwood, Clarke, Barnett, Cranie, van Aanholt, Eastwood, Gunnarsson (Bell 85), Cork (Madine 85), McIndoe, Morrison, Best

Subs Not Used: Ireland, McPake, Hussey, Jeffers

Booked: Cork

Newcastle: Harper, Simpson, Steven Taylor, Coloccini, Enrique, Pancrate (Ryan Taylor 76), Butt, Smith, Gutierrez, Ameobi (Harewood 64), Lovenkrands (Ranger 64)

Subs Not Used: Krul, Guthrie, Khizanishvili, Kadar

Booked: None

Goals: Ameobi 45, Ranger 81

Att: 22,688

Ref: G. Hegley

Man of The Match: Shola Ameobi – made an impressive return from injury, causing City’s defence all sorts of problems.

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ALL UNDER COLEMAN SINCE HE TOOK CHARGE:

COLEMANS CCFC CAREER: IN STATS

By Brinner

This shocking run of form has compelled Brinner to do a bit of stattoing on Coleman's managerial record since he took over at our beloved CCFC and after a bit of tooin and frowin between seasons since he took charge here is his complete record since taking over in Feb 2007:

The results aint good...............

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Cup Record: P 8 W 4 D 1 L 3 F 11 A 9 (3 of them wins against conference sides (well Aldershot had just regained league status + Blackburn)

2007/08 League Record: P 15 W 4 D 5 L 6 F 18 A 18 Pt's 17

2008/09 League Record: P 46 W 13 D 15 L 18 F 49 A 60 Pt's 54

2009/10 League Record: P 20 W 4 D 7 L 9 F 21 A 31 Pt's 19

Complete League Record: P 81 W 21 D 27 L 33 F 88 A 109 Pt's 90

Complete Record Including All Cup Games: P 89 W 25 D 28 L 36 F 99 A 118

LAST 34 GAMES IN ALL COMPETITIONS: W 5 D 11 L 18 F 29 A 52

Basically as records suggest we are gradually getting worse under Coleman..........FACT!

It seems that the 'better calibre' of player (as Coleman says he now has) the worse we get both in terms of results and team performance, pattern of play...................you name it

We sacked Steve Keen in the summer to add some fresh input in to the side and we have got worse so was he really the problem?? Harrison came in going on about high tempo football but we play anything but.

I really don't want to see a change of Manager yet again but I really don't see any other option right now.............tonight I knew he would not make a change until it was too late.......I said after an hour we need to get bell on to change it, to try something, maybe for Morrison and stick Freddy up top but he wont do it till they score again............and low and behold as soon as it was 2-0 they subs got ready! it happens every week he cannot change games, he constantly does nothing while opposing managers change things against us and usually bear fruition.

The performances are dreadful in the main as well............at least under previous managers we actually looked like winning games we lost at times.

Something needs to be done fast before its too late.

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If you would like to reply to this article, add a report, review or express a view on any topical Sky Blue issue on GMK open access articles, just email it to:
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09/10 GMK PL Week 17 Game 20

By Smiles

There are moments in any game, when your heart hangs in the flight and drop of a ball, when that match will turn one way or another, when the effort you’re putting in is rewarded with a just bounce. Sometimes its down to skill, sometimes fate, sometimes justice, others luck. It didn’t go our way Wednesday, we lost. Again. How predictable was that? How did you do?

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(This weekend game vs Peterboro (H))

(This weeks predictions vs Newcastle (H))

To follow: (The Rules)

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Here’s this weeks fixtures for you to predict.

Game 21: (kick off deadline to post by: 3:00 pm)
Predict the outcome of:

Coventry v Peterboro:
First Goal Coventry Scorer:
Crowd:

Championship Games:

Predict the outcome of the following games:

Home (H), Away (A) or Draw (D), (NO SCORES, you HAVE TO POST H / D or A):

Saturday 12th December 2009:

Barnsley vs Newcastle :
Coventry vs Peterborough :
Doncaster vs Bristol C :
Ipswich vs Blackpool :
Leicester vs Sheff Wed :
Preston vs Plymouth :
Reading vs Scunthorpe :
Sheff Utd vs C Palace :
Swansea vs Nottm Forest :
Watford vs Derby :

Sunday 13th December:

Middlesbro vs Cardiff 1:15pm:

Monday 14th December:

West Brom vs QPR 7:45pm:

Cheers Smiles.

Coventry City Results Prediction League
All Change

Sky_Blue_Up_North (+6) goes top virtue of his 1 100% result moving up from 2nd as MrTickle (+9) rises to 2nd also with 58 points. Last weeks leader Turk1965 (+2) drops down to 3rd with 57 points, LordSummerisle (+5) edges closer on 56 points a point behind as the top 4 open up a gap on the rest, 4 points behind is SteveC189 (+/-0), still on 52, dropping from 3rd to close the top 5.

SundayRef (+3) moves upto 6th from 7th on 50 points equal with Perdomo (+5) rising from 8th to 7th as Oblong (+2) drops from 6th to 8th on 49 points, equal with high riser HK_BlueSkies (+9) up from 15th to 9th as SkyBlueNemo (+4) makes up the top 10 with 48 points.

Danny (+9) heads a group of 3 on 46 points and moves up to 11th from 18th and is followed by Tisza (+3), dropping one place and rising from 21st AndrewBrown (+9) in 13th.

Down to 14th from 12th is SkyBlueExile (+1) on 44 points and is followed by Vicar_In _A _Tutu, (+/-0) on 43 points in 15th down from 10th.

A quartet of 42 pointers spreads from 16th to 19th starting with SkyBlueBertie (+/-0) equal with Torchie (+/-0) and QPRSkyBlue (+3) topped off by Blaggy (+5) who moves into the top 20 from 22nd.

Making up the top 20 is BerksSkyBlue, (+2) who drops from 17th to 20th.

Dropping out of the top 20 this week is BlindFaith (+3) who slips from 19th to 21st on 40 points and SBGus (+1) from 20th to 22nd.

Everyone else follows….

The gap from 1st to 10th is now 10 points (-2) & 1st to 20th 17 (-1).

Here’s the updated league.

The top 25 on the front page has also been updated.

If the board is down for any reason or you cannot post email me your predictions: gmkadmin@hotmail.co.uk

For a reminder on how to score points again check the rules on the home page on the blue bar, when I’ve worked out how to do it, I will get around to this honest!

Championship Results Prediction League
Just to announce another cock up I missed the Monday game between Watford & QPR so to headbutt everyone who missed the Tuesday games anyone who posted before the kick off of the game on Monday got a point for that game gratis, after that you’d have missed it anyway!

SkyBlueNemo (+2) stays top on 138 as BerksSkyBlue (+7) moves up from 3rd on 133 equal with RickyCCFC (+8) moving up from 4th on 133.

In 4th is Blaggy (+8) on 132 followed by a dropping KeanoNo1 (+3) with another bad week moving down from 2nd to 5th 132 points.

In 6th, moving up from 8th is QPRSkyBlue (+7) on 121 as Perdomo (+5) drops from 6th on 119 points.

Heading a gang of four on 118 is BlindFaith (+8) up from 12th to 8th, 9th is Edgy (+4) down from 7th which means Neil10 (+5) moves down a place followed by Tisza (+5), also down one.

Following them is ME (+2) ahem, on 114. Not reflected in the table, (as I’ve only just noticed I missed most of his predictions) is Sky_Blue_Up_North, (+5) with 113 in 13th, up from 16th is AndrewBrown (+6) equal with SBGus (+9) up from 19th a point behind are in 15th. A point behind them Turk1965 (+/-0) on 109 followed by Lagger (+4) on 107 & Danny (+1) on 106 in 18th down from15th equal with Oblong (+4).

Rounding off the top 20 is our last predictor over 100 is up 3 palces to 20: CharlesMore (+7) on 102 points.

Dropping out of the top 20 is Torchie (+/-0) on 97 points.

So with 36 full players (-10) 1st to 10th is a gap of 20 points (-3) & 1st to 20th is now 36 points (-3)

The average points dropped marginally from 5.25 to 5.23 (- 0.02) and overall total down from 189 to 136 (-53).

There were 17 points (+/0) again to go for from our top scorers were anyone with 9 points no double digit returns this week.

Here's the table after week 17, Game 20:

Any issues then please e-mail me at the usual address!

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

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Match Preview: Sky Blues v Peterborough United.

By Smiles.

A massive game, for all the wrong reasons, as City face a real six pointer at the bottom end of the table. The Sky Blues have been dropping points like hot coals as the temperature at The Ricoh begins to chill. Bottom of the league Posh arrive without an away win all season and this is as much of a must win game as a must not lose, as The Sky Blues start to run out of teams below them in the league. A defeat here would surely push the pace and calls for more change.

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THE SKY BLUES Vs THE POSH

Its not worth stating the obvious as I guess it only puts on more pressure.

We all want a win today, we must have a win today.

Anything other than a win is not worth contemplating.

So a win it will be, there: very positive.

GAME ON – THIS WEEKENDS FIXTURES

TEAM NEWS
Chris Coleman’s lengthy injury problems show no sign of easing ahead of todays crucial home clash against fellow strugglers Peterborough. City’s last victory was back at the end of September and have picked up just four points from a possible 30 since then to slump to the fringes of the bottom three.

Victory against bottom-side Posh is a must and Coleman admits it will feel like 20 points and not three were they to do so. But if they are to triumph they will have to do it without as many as seven first-team players. Right-back Jordan Clarke is the latest into the treatment room after sustaining a split in a knee ligament during Wednesday night's 2-0 defeat to Newcastle. He now faces around six to eight weeks on the sidelines.

Captain Stephen Wright is the only player who returns for Chris Coleman - & will slot straight in having completed his two-match suspension. After his sending off at QPR. Defenders Richard Wood (ankle), Marcus Hall (calf) and Ben Turner (ankle), midfielders Isaac Osbourne (knee) and Sammy Clingan (broken toe) and substitute goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopoulos (knock) all remain on the sidelines, with Clingan closest to making a return.

Sky Blues from: Westwood, van Aanholt, Barnett, Wright, Bell, Eastwood, McIndoe, Cork, Gunnarsson, Madine, Morrison, Best Cranie, McPake, Ireland, Grandison, Ward, Hussey, Cain.

THE OPPOSITION
Nothing is ever dull around Barry Fry. A property magnate appointed as Chairman, a rise up the league under Darren Fergusson, a proposed ground sale, more ins and outs than Tiger Woods bag, sackings and general football banterings are all part and parcel of the poor mans Harry Rednapp locker.

Fry has been around for a long time, and although an infectious personality, there’s always been something a bit werrrr, a little bit weyyyyyy, a little bit arrrrgggh about him, know what I mean, (wink).

True Posh are on the up and although things stalled this season with more ‘off the pitch’ shenanigans concerning their now ex manager, the board at London Road reckon they have things back on track.

Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony believes he has 'unearthed another gem' in Mark Cooper. MacAnthony was rewarded for one gamble when he gave Darren Ferguson his first job in 2007 and has no doubts about Cooper repeating that success after he left non-league side Kettering: 'It's great to have a new management team in place so quickly and I have no doubt they will do great things for this club. I interviewed five or six people and nobody was as enthusiastic as Mark. People will be surprised I have gone for a non-league manager but that didn't really come into it. I spoke to people from all levels of football and all different ages but I was looking for a certain character and I believe I have a winner. I unearthed a gem before in Darren Ferguson and I believe I have another.' Cooper - who has no league managerial experience - has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract and replaces Darren Ferguson, who left by “mutual consent” after rumours of behind the scenes ‘events’ concerning non playing staff club personnel.

Cooper has pledged to win over a doubting public by delivering success to London Road. The initial reaction was mixed to Cooper's appointment as replacement for Darren Ferguson, but he is confident of delivering results: 'It was the same when I was appointed at Kettering. Fans were sceptical at first but we enjoyed some good results and opinions changed. That's what it's all about - getting results. I can't guarantee Posh fans results will instantly improve but I can promise them that me, my staff and the players will do everything we can to try and make it happen. There is no doubt I have inherited some quality players here and I honestly can't see us making too many changes. A tweak here and there is all they need in my opinion. I'm certainly looking forward to the challenge, as we all are.'

Who says you can’t make money out of football? In a reversal of the Sky Blues desire to buy The Ricoh from the City Council partnership, Peterborough City council have agreed a deal, in principle, to buy London Road from its current owners. The council plan to develop a community project, encompassing a stadium, if they complete the purchase.

Council leader Marco Cereste told BBC Cambridgeshire: 'We have come to what I consider to be an amicable decision. Now we're working through all the legals, but it's subject to the full council. They may say 'no Mr Leader you can't do it'.' A decision is expected in three week's time. London Road is currently owned by Peterborough United Holdings Limited - with the Posh having a rental deal in place until 2014.

Peterborough are a bit of an enigma with wheeler dealer Barry Fry still very closely connected to the playing side of the club as well as overseeing all the ins and outs, (& there’s a lot to keep the tax man busy! – Just look at the loan list!)

Barry Fry has revealed the club have handed trials to a Portuguese and Finnish striker. With Posh looking to bolster their goal-shy frontline theyare hoping the ‘unnamed duo’ will impress boss Mark Cooper. Fry commented: 'We've got a player from Finland and a player from Portugal over, they are both pacy forwards. “ Fry also admitted the club are keeping tabs on Rushden & Diamonds winger Lee Tomlin, but he reiterated the club's number one priority is signing a frontman: 'Lee has trained with us a couple of times in the past,' he added. 'But Darren Ferguson didn't take it any further and while I think he's got a lot of ability we need a target-man.'

Cooper has been quick to highlight, or shop window, a number of players he would like to keep with centre-back Craig Morgan seen as the prime asset likely to move on in January. Morgan was out-of-favour prior to Cooper's arrival and came close to leaving for Notts County last month. However, injuries to Gaby Zakuani and Charlie Lee have opened up the door back up for Morgan, who has impressed the new Posh manager immensely: 'Craig could have sulked and he could have moaned, but instead he's got his head down and been very professional. He was outstanding against Swansea and even better at Ipswich and it's not just his own performances that have impressed me, it's the fact that he was a big help to Exodus Geohaghon who is still learning the game at this level. Central defence is not a problem for us now as we have Craig, Exodus, Ryan Bennett and Gaby Zakuani who can play well there.'

Cooper started well achieving a draw in his first game in charge & he believes his Peterborough side have laid the foundation for a winning run at London Road. Cooper claimed his first point as a Football League manager when Shaun Batt's stunning strike sealed a 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough and he is confident of climbing the table: 'I would much rather have three points than one, but it is a start from which we can attempt to move forward. It is all about putting little runs of results together to try and get ourselves off the bottom and away from the relegation zone.' Coopers one loss has come on the road with a 1-0 reverse at Bramall Lane.

The new boss is keen to assert a positive frame of mind on his players despite acquiring a club rooted to the bottom of the table, in a very tight league. Cooper praised his defence after a hard-fought goalless draw at Ipswich in midweek. The Posh have now drawn their past three games which has given them a glimmer of hope at the bottom of the Coca-Cola Championship Cooper commented: 'It was a very resolute performance. On Saturday we conceded a couple of needless goals but the goalkeeper and centre-halves were outstanding. They had to deal with a lot of balls into the area but they won nearly every header. When they didn't they won the second ball that bounced on the edge of the box. I was very pleased defensively and, being greedy, we could have nicked it at the end. When you're in the position we're in and you come to a place like this, with the players they've got, you have to respect that. You can't go all-out attack. We tried to defend properly and play a bit on the counter-attack.'

Cooper has received another defensive boost as Gabriel Zakuani is back in contention for the trip to the Ricoh after recovering from a groin problem and Charlie Lee is also vying for a starting role. Lee had been sidelined with a dead leg but returned to the bench for Tuesday night's match against relegation rivals Ipswich. Paul Coutts is rated doubtful with a shoulder injury and could miss out.

Peterboro from: Lewis, Morgan, Griffiths, Bennett, Geohaghan, Frecklington, Whelpdale, Batt, Coutts, Diagouraga, McLean, Mackail-Smith, Rowe, Boyd McKeown, Lee, Green, Simpson, Zakuani.

INS AND OUTS
In: Toumani Diagouraga, (Hereford), Tommy Rowe, (Stockport), Lee Frecklington, (Lincoln), Danny Mills & Romone McCrae (Crawley).

On Loan Krystian Pearce (Brum), Danny Rose (Spurs), Ryan Bennett (Grimsby) Scott Griffiths (Dag & Red) Ben Amos (Man Utd), Exodus Geohaghan, (Kettering)..

Out: Mark Tyler, (Luton), Chris Westwood (Wycombe).

Out On Loan Liam Hatch, (Luton), Alfie Potter, (Oxford), Scott Rendell & Danny Mills (Torquay), Rene Howe Sergio Torres, (Lincoln), Danny Andrew & Sam Gaughran (Tamworth), Danny Blanchett, (Hereford), Billy Crook, (Histon), Danny Andrew, (Kiddermister), Tom Williams, (QPR), Ben Wright, (Grimsby), Russell Martin, (Norwich), Jamie Day, (Dag & Red).

Released Darren Gourlay, Lewis Webb, Shane Blackett, Kieran Charnock.

DANGERMEN
Despite a low position Boro have three players with decent scoring records this year.

Non league signing from Stevenage George Boyd has 8 goals from 20 appearances, another ex non leaguer, (from Grays) Aaron McLean has 6 from 19 (1) and the trio of lower league players is made up by Craig Mackail-Smith (Dag & Redbridge) has 5 from 19.

Mackail-Smith was top scorer last season with 23 from 43 (3) & McLean chipped in 17 league goals from 39 (3).

FORM
Sky Blues - 20th, The Championship: 19 points from 20 games.

Peterborough Utd - 24th, The Championship: 14 points from 20 games.

‘Boro’ has the 19th best attack in the league this season with 23 goals scored, 2 more than The Sky Blues

The Posh have the 2nd worst defence in The Championship with 33 goals conceded, 2 worse than The Sky Blues

Last 8 League Games:

THE REF
The man in the middle today was last seen in controversial circumstances in deepest Wales:

Mr R East (Wiltshire)

Games across all leagues & competitions this season:

Games across all leagues & competitions last season:

Last City game Officiated in: Cardiff v Sky Blues 30/09/2008

Result: 2-1.

Performance: It aint what you do it’s the way that you do it! A plainly out of his league ref and inconsistent assistant are bullied into submission to deny the Sky Blues a point from a game they bossed, again, for at least a half. David Jones Cardiff bounce back from the weekend’s defeat as the Sky Blues leave the Welsh capital feeling somewhat aggreived..... A 21st minute McKenzie effort was disallowed by the ref for a foul in the build up, in a game that was typified by late, and poor, refereeing decisions…. The Sky Blue City were very fortunate not to go two goals behind in the 36th minute when Joe Ledley headed over from six yards with the goal at his mercy after Eastwood missed out when squeezed by a 3on1 as referee East missed a blatant push…. The Sky Blues then appeared to have scored a goal out of nothing just before the hour as Welshman Eastwood found a way past Heaton to momentarily silence the majority of the Ninian Park crowd. But the SBA’s celebrations were cut short when East bizarrely disallowed the effort, after long conversation with his, (male), linesman and instead awarded a free-kick to the home side near the half-way line for a handball by Scott Dann some 10 seconds prior to Eastwood netting….. East's decision infuriated Coleman and Aron Gunnarsson was booked for leading the Coventry protests. It wasn’t that the decision was wrong, indeed it was ball to hand, and they’d missed one five minutes earlier in virtually the same position, it’s that the ref had waved play on having seen the linesman’s flag, poor refereeing in a game that also saw a number of bad decisions on pulling play back when advantage would have been better and one of the bizarrest drop ball decisions I’ve seen in years. A man clearly out of his depth. The lively McCormack went close on two further occasions and Leon Best headed Daniel Fox's free-kick wide before the game was effectively ended as a contest five minutes from time when Isaac Osbourne let McCormack go past him and then barged him to the floor and East, rightly, awarded a penalty. McCormack dusted himself down McCormack stepped up and smashed his penalty low and hard past Westwood for his 6th league goal of the season.….3/10

PREVIOUS
All the recent Sky Blue history against Peterboro has been limited to Cup games as City drew them twice in 2003/4 in both the cup competitions at home. Firstly in the League Cup, winning at Highfield Road 2-0 in the 1st Round 2-0 thanks to goals from Barrett and Adebola on 13th August 2003 and then in the FA Cup 3rd Round on 3rd January 2004 recording a 2-1 win thanks a McSheffrey and Joachim double in two minutes in the 2nd half with Andy Clarke getting a consolation with 11 minutes left.

City also faced Boro in the 2nd round of the League Cup at London Road in round two on the 11th September 2001, which went to extra time and penalties which City won 4-2, (the deciding kick I think was taken by Hedman if my memory serves me correctly). What I can remember was having taken GMK Mr Angry to the game, and he mysteriously disappearing before the end of the game. When we came out to the Car Park a certain ex chairman of the clubs’ car was plastered with Robinson and Richardson out leaflets which has somehow become attached to the said vehicle. Nobody knew if the two events were linked, however it caused much amusement for the travelling SBA…

Older supporters may remember the now deceased Coventry Sporting losing 0-4 to Boro in the FA Cup round to in 1975/76 in a game I seem to remember marred by crowd trouble.

The line up for the clubs last meeting in 2004 was as follows:

Coventry: Ward, Whing, Konjic, Davenport, Staunton, Doyle, Safri, Warnock, Adebola, Joachim, McSheffrey (Pitt 87).

Subs Not Used: Shearer, Shaw, Suffo, Mansouri.

Booked: Safri, Staunton.

Peterborough: Tyler, Arber, Rea, Burton, Kanu (Newton 70), Curtis Woodhouse, Curtis Woodhouse, Thomson, Legg, Williams, Logan (Willock 62), Farrell (Andy Clarke 63).

Subs Not Used: Gill, Jelleyman.

Sent Off: Burton (65).

Booked: Arber, Burton.

Attendance: 11,400.

Referee: B Knight (Kent).

HISTORY
Despite Peterboro having the noble mention in the original Sky Blue song, I was surprised that we’d actually played them so few times. A team ‘on the up’ in the Hill & Robins era, Posh matched The Sky Blues ambition but never quite emulated the further rise up the league pile in the ‘60’s.

In fact other than the cup games mentioned above, we’ve on played them 3 times previously, all in the 60’s at Highfield road from 61/62 to 63/64.

All the meetings in this fixture have finished thus:

Full league Home record against Peterboro’ is as follows:

Overall record against The Posh Home & Away in all competitions is as follows:

The full detail of that can be seen here:

AMAZING FACTS
Peterborough United Football Club were formed in 1934 and played in the old Midland League, which they won six times; eventually being admitted to the Football League in 1960, replacing Gateshead F.C, (The club was reformed in 1977, after the original club, which was a member of the Football League from 1930 to 1960 collapsed in 1973 and now play in the Conference National)

London Road is a multi-use stadium in Peterborough, England. It is currently used mostly for football matches and is the home ground of Peterborough United F.C.. The stadium holds 15,460 and was built in 1913, although the original ground bears little resemblance to the one seen today. Although the official capacity is 15,460, they can only just get over 14,000 for heath and safety reasons set by the local council.

The nickname ‘Posh’ came about in 1921 after the then manager of Fletton United, was reported to say he was 'Looking for Posh player for a Posh team'. Fletton United Mereged with Peterborough City to form Peterborough & Fletton United in 1923. P & F Utd went bankrupt in Oct 1932 so the current club are the 3rd to be known as The Posh.

United was formed at Peterborough's Angel Hotel to provide a replacement for Peterborough and Fletton United, who folded two years previously. ‘The Posh’ played in the old Midland League which they won on six occasions, including five seasons in a row from 1956 to 1960.

There are some very close links between the clubs. Following the 1960-61 Fourth Division Championship success, 'The Posh' spent seven seasons in the 3rd Division before being relegated for financial irregularities in the summer of 1968. The club took six seasons to return to division 3, winning the 4th Division championship for the second time under the management of Sky Blue visionary Noel Cantwell.

Peterborough hold the record for the most goals ever scored by an English club in a single season: 134 goals, 1960-61.

Also the hold the record for the most league goals scored in Division 4 in one season by one player: 52 (Terry Bly), 1960-61.

Bly went on to play for the Sky Blues in the 62-63 season appearing 32 times scoring an incredible 25 goals before moving again the next season to Notts County. Sadly Bly died earlier this year on 24 September 2009, as a result of a heart attack.

Other notable players for the club include David Pleat, John Wile, David Seaman, Leon McKenzie, Micky Gynn, Mick Gooding, Matthew Etherington, Derek Dougan, Jimmy Bullard, Gary Breen, Aidy Boothroyd & Sean St Ledger.

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The GMK Match Report: Sky Blues v Peterborough

By Ian Palmer

A Freddie Eastwood hat trick helped the Sky Blues overcome a second half Posh comeback and give City their first win in eleven games.

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Saturday 12th December, 2009 – 15:00 – The Ricoh Arena

TEAM CHANGES

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David Bell made his first start in four months with Clinton Morrison dropping to the bench. That meant a rare start up front for Freddie Eastwood.

Stephen Wright returned to captain the side at right-back after suspension, replacing the injured Jordan Clarke.

Sammy Clingan appeared on the bench for the first time since his foot injury over two months ago.

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1st Half

Christmas came early to the Ricoh Arena, and Eastwood was dolling out the presents. But City were made to fight ever so hard for this win after Craig Mackail-Smith eradicated City’s two-nil half-time lead, with a second-half brace of his own.

Eastwood opened the scoring half way through the first half when he scrambled in a Leon Best knockdown from a David Bell corner. He doubled the lead two minutes later when he headed in after Leon Barnett had flicked on an Aron Gunnarsson long throw.

This was a scrappy, cagey affair for the most part, and it took 14 minutes for the first chance to be fashioned. Lee Frecklington shot over the bar after Chris Whelpdale had cut the ball back from the byline.

Soon afterwards Craig Mackail-Smith broke forward for Peterborough and played in top scorer George Boyd, but his shot from inside the penatly area was sharply turned aside by Keiren Westwood.

Big Posh centre-back Exodus Geohaghon can rival Gunnarsson in the long throw stakes. His first fell kindly for Mackail-Smith whose header sailed over.

But then Eastwood took hold of the match with two quick-fire goals that brought cries of ‘Super Fred’ ringing around the Ricoh and gave City a slightly fortunate half-time lead.

Half Time

Coventry 2-0 Peterborough

2nd Half

City began the second half on top and produced a lovely flowing move involving Eastwood, van Aanholt, and McIndoe, which unfortunately ended with an over hit cross.

Peterborough’s threat remained either with the cultered George Boyd, or the slightly less cultured throw-ins from Geohaghon. One such lusty lob was finger-tipped by Weswood, but fell behind him to where McLean was rushing in. His half volley from six yards somehow went over the bar.

McLean had a chance to make amends minutes later when his glanced a header at Boyd’s free kick. Luckily for City the ball drifted just wide of Westwood’s far post.

Then another long Geohaghon throw produced almost a carbon copy of City’s second goal. This time it was Mackail-Smith heading in to bring Peterborough back into the game at 2-1.

Seven minutes later Posh equalised. Boyd’s long-range shot was too hot for Westwood to handle and Mackail-Smith was on-hand to stab the rebound into the net. Westwood will be disappointed he let the shot get away from him.

After surrendering a two-goal lead, and considering their ten-match winless streak, it would have been easy for the City players to let their heads drop. But they didn’t, thanks in part to the encouragement of the City faithful who got behind their team in search for a winning goal.

They didn’t have to wait long. Three minutes later McIndoe floated in a free-kick that Leon Best nodded down. It fell sweetly for Eastwood who rifled in a half-volley to complete his hat trick and regain his team the lead.

The game was flowing from end to end now. Cork and Gunnarsson were working their socks off in midfield, and Martin Cranie was winning everything at the back, as he had done all afternoon. Special credit must also go to those three, especially the latter.

David Bell, who’d made a quiet but useful return to first team action after his long injury lay-off made way for Clinton Morrison. And Eastwood was given a standing ovation when he was substituted with a minute to go. Sammy Clingan replaced him for his first action in two months.

But City still had to deal with 5 minutes of stoppage time, and more dangerous long throws from Geohaghon. One was headed wide by Mackail-Smith. Another, deep into the added minutes prompted a melee in the area which ended in Clinton Morrison clearing the ball off his own goal line.

City held on for the win which has been eleven games in the making, and was all they deserved after a battling display against a team also fighting at the wrong end of the table.

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AFTER GAME QUOTES
Chris Coleman:

'We had to fight hard for it. At 2-2 we could have crumbled but we didn't and for Freddy to get the winner as well was fantastic.

'This was harder than Wednesday's game against Newcastle. We were 2-0 up at half-time but we know it is never easy at Coventry City. Something always happens and it did.

'Fair play to Peterborough, they forced us back in the second half. When they got the first goal back, you could smell the fear was back.

'I thought we showed great character to come back and win because there was a lot of pressure on everybody.'

Mark Cooper:

'I could quite easily be sitting here with three points. I'm not, I'm sitting here with nothing mainly because we didn't really get after Coventry.

'We didn't defend set pieces. The three goals we have conceded came from set pieces and if you do that you're not going to get anything.

'It is people not doing their jobs - individual errors. Everybody has a man to mark and if you're marking that man and he scores a hat-trick then it is your fault I'm afraid.

'We are seven points adrift but we're not giving up. We will keep going. We're far from the worst team in the league.'

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HOW THEY LINED UP
Sky Blues: Westwood, Wright, Barnett, Cranie, van Aanholt, Bell (Morrison 82), Cork, Gunnarsson, McIndoe, Best (Madine 85), Eastwood (Clingan 89)

Subs Not Used: Ireland, McPake, Hussey, Grandison

Booked: Barnett, Wright

Goals: Eastwood 33, 35, 73

Peterborough: Lewis, Griffiths, Geohaghon, Morgan, Bennett, Whelpdale (Simpson 82), Frecklington, Coutts (Batt 63), Boyd, Mackail-Smith, McLean

Subs Not Used: McKeown, Lee, Rowe, Diagouraga, Green

Booked: Batt

Goals: Mackail-Smith 63, 70

Att: 15,190

Ref: R. East

Man of The Match: : Eastwood – a richly deserved hattrick and terrific all-round performance.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

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Player Ratings and We won! But that is it, no Christmas Cheer here.

By Knowl

I’m going to start with an apology, there is no joy here, there will be a little hypocrisy, well those who read this often will notice a certain churlishness in relation to our goals, and a little bit of “about fucking time”.

So yesterday began with two unenthusiastic Cov fans recovering from Christmas dos driving down the M6 not knowing what to expect but knowing two things for certain, Morrison had to be dropped and Stephen Wright had to return to the side at right back only because if he was at centre back we were in trouble.

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Saturday 12th December – 15.00pm Ricoh Arena

Three Parish Notices.

Firstly, going to start with the negatives, Peterboro had more shots off and on target than we did, if we hadn’t scored from set pieces we wouldn’t have scored, we were never really on top at any point and as my dear mother pointed out “we were shit until we scored”, we got two very soft goals in a minute that put us two nil up in a game we were never two goals better in, our defence is still poor and a better team than Peterboro may well have caused us more problems than they did and they scored twice, in addition to missing some sitters. We fucking hung on in the last minute or two after being two nil up, the subs were too late, again, this did not feel like a victory, I’m sorry but I took very little joy out of yesterday, just as the defeat to Newcastle wasn’t the right point to call for Colemans head, beating Peterboro, is not the point to believe any corner has been turned. If anything it could indicate that our luck has changed, two goals in a minute and we retook the lead a minute after they equalised, because lets be honest if we hadn’t does anyone really think we would have won that game and not lost? They were poor and we were no better, yes we won but lets put it in context, we beat a team who are shit and while I wasn’t expecting us to suddenly be brilliant I was expecting us to be competent and unless we beat Plymouth or Donny in the next fortnight yesterday means nothing.

Secondly amazing how being closer to be fired focuses the mind, Clinton dropped, about 5 games to fucking late, Eastwood upfront, well he started there 6 games ago, played well and scored, from there he was dropped to the left wing and then dropped to the bench, only to return to the side on the right fucking wing, and then finally after what was a incompetent amount of time excusing Clintons shitness, Eastwood finally found himself alongside Best. All of his goals were in from inside the 6 yard box, where I’m assured Morrison is at his best. Eastwood didn’t do anything spectacular, he just stood in the 6 yard box and scored. As alluded to earlier, Craine was kept at centre half, where he has never let anyone down and has been one of our better players there all season and Wright was returned to right back, yes all our defenders were in the correct positions, surely this is the season of miracles.

Lastly, ok the positives, because there were some, we scored three goals from set pieces, we scored three very soft goals and boy doesn‘t that feel good. Bell looked good on his return before fatigue kicked in and Clingan made an appearance from the bench. We won for the first time in months and we beat one of our closets rivals when it comes to survival. Coleman keeps his job for a wee bit longer and Eastwood scored our first hat-trick at home in the league in the naughties. Find many reasons to celebrate there? Good, it is the season to be merry.

HOW THEY LINED UP

Coventry: Westwood, Wright (c), Van Aanholt, Barnett, Craine, Bell, (Morrison 82), Cork, Gunnarsson, McIndoe, Eastwood, (Clingan 88), Best, (Madine 85)

Subs Not Used: Ireland, Grandison, McPake, Hussey

Booked: Barnett, Craine

Sent Off:

Goals: Eastwood, 34, 35, 72

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Westwood - 6 Had no chance with either goal, we were right in line with the second and that bastard swerved all over the shop. Peterboro did a number on Westie at set pieces and legally made it very difficult for him to dominate his area, not one of his more commanding games and he needs to alter his distribution, a long kick isn’t the only option.

Wright - 5 As a Cov fan there are some things you thank your lucky stars with what you have seen. I have seen some fantastic right backs, in Bugsy and Roland I have seen two sky blue greats, they never aimlessly ran into midfield leaving their position exposed, they never felt the need to go for headers that were the centre backs, they never ran in behind the centre backs, again leaving their station, and playing players onside. Wrights first half performance was all last ditch tackles and blocks, mainly due to him being badly positioned in the first place. He did improve, but coupled with some truly panic stricken distribution Wright is not convincing anyone that he is playing above poor.

Van Aanholt - 6 Better from the lad, he is still better going forward than tracking back and one piece of jogging back will not impress the watching Chelsea scout. Always links well with McIndoe and they do offer something different to what we are used to, but in a more resolute defence Van Aanholt would be weak link.

Barnett - 6 Am I the only one who just doesn’t trust the guy under the long ball, whether its him heading the ball directly up in the air under no pressure, or him trying to control the ball on his thigh and it pissing off about 5 metres, Barnett, IMO, never looks assured. It is never easy joining a new team and having a new partner every week but I was expecting a little leadership from a lad with his experience and the lack of talking is obvious. When Wood returns Barnett should be the player to make way and under no circumstances should we waste money on his signature in January.

Craine - 8 Following on from his MOTM performance midweek the disgracefully treated Craine was again showed his early promise with a confident display. His positioning and reading of the game was nice to see and his passing, while never Ward flashy, is neat and tidy. A couple of important challenges and tackles showed his importance in the current climate and lets hope he is given the run of games his form deserves.

Bell - 6 Bell offers width, intelligence and touch, some might argue three things we lack at the moment. He is prepared to get on the ball, move in to space and receive the ball under pressure. The question is, would we be higher up the table if he had played every game? obviously I can not answer that but if he returned to full match fitness soon he will have a big impact on the way our season goes in 2010. However, he should have been withdrawn after an hour when he disappeared from view, he was obviously knackered at that point and he was not offering the outlet he had been.

Cork - 7 After a cracking second half performance on Wed we were looking for Cork to take that into yesterdays match and to an extent he did. His short game is better than Gunnars and with the returning Clingan I would drop Gunnar and give Cork a couple of games to act as the attacking midfielder with Clingan sitting. Still struggles to position himself most effectively and can be caught out when he chases in to areas that are other peoples domains, but what he wastes in eagerness he makes up for in attitude.

Gunnar - 7 Made space for himself and got away a pretty decent shot in the first half. Maybe I’m being kind giving both our centre midfielders 7s but I though, like Cork, Gunnar gave it his best shot for a while. His attempts to stretch the game were noteworthy and he sat more than Cork and gave our defence some protection. Still not at his maurding best but a more controlled performance will do him favours and give him a little confidence, needs to work on his all round game and getting to lose balls quicker.

McIndoe - 7 A couple of great crosses, ok no one was in the box but a great cross is a great cross even if no one is there to capitalise. Still tucks in a lot and doesn’t hug the touchline as efficiently as Bell but McIndoe will improve as the side gets its balance back.

Eastwood - 8 So happy for the guy, in the last two games he has started upfront, he has bagged four goals, ok the last time he played upfront was in October but he had a good game that day to. His workrate was impressive and his touch, while sometimes heavy, was causing the opposition problems. Now this is the key point for me, Westie punts it forward, Best wins the flick on and, no the defender doesn’t get there first, Eastwood picks it up. Now bugger me, it almost looked like a strike partnership, maybe after they have played ten games together they will even develop the understanding they never managed to create with Clinton after ten games together. Three goals, all inside the 6 yard box, all poachers goals from knock downs from set pieces, isn’t that what strikers are meant to do and isn’t that why they are signed? Why was he suddenly in those positions that no one has taken up since Dion left? Sometimes football is that simple.

Best - 7 Stop it, just fucking stop it, I know you played upfront with Clinton but stop fucking whinging at everyone when the ball isn’t played as you would want it, stop sulking and stop letting your head drop!! Now, Best was dominant against the giant defender and some of his touches were brilliant and his trick and shot in the first half illustrated why he must be retained. Apart from Eastwood, who lets be honest didn’t look like scoring in open play, and his antics in the box from set pieces, Best was the only way we were going to score again and until we get more players in the box we will continue to look toothless in open play.

Subs

Clinton - Headed the ball off the line, well done son.

Madine - Put himself about.

Clingan - Nice to see him back.

The Manager

Coleman - 6 If you have being paying attention to the above you would probably come to the conclusion that I’m not as happy as maybe I should be. Coleman is no safer today than he was before yesterday, yes we won but at no point did we look in control and during the second half there was a spell were Peterboro took over, we needed fresh impetus from the bench, we were looking tired and there for the taking. Peterboro can count themselves very very unlucky that we scored straight after they equalised and in the last minutes we didn’t concede a pen, yes the man who handled the ball in our area was wearing sky blue and Clinton headed one off the line. In those brief passages of play Coleman hangs on to his job.

The teamsheet was, IMO, correct, every single player was playing in the position they were signed to play in, the biggest question mark was whether or not Coleman had the bollocks to drop his golden boy, but yes the joy of Clintons omission warmed the alcohol fazed head. The team finally looked like they had a plan and the return of Bell cannot have come to soon for Coleman, however his idiotic plan to sign 4 defenders on loan, two left backs, yet go into the season with only one right winger must be called into question. Not many managers out there have three left backs on the books and only one player to play in each wide midfield position and while the injuries have taken their toll the build up of Colemans squad is at the root cause of some of our problems.

After many months it would be churlish not to congratulate the manager on his 7th home league victory of 2009, but this result will mean fuck all if this isn’t the followed up by more victories, because while the Newcastle game can be discounted so can this one and to beat the bottom side in the division, aided by good fortune, is a positive start it is not even half way to appeasing this particular supporter. We will continue to go and there will be no Coleman out campaign but when it comes to the crunch, remember that we got a bit lucky to end the draught but how we progress from here is under close scrutiny.

In short. We won but take no comfort in the way we won or where we go from here. Peterboro are the poorest team we will play this season and IMO if we played them at their place next week I have no confidence we would beat them again. They were the right team to play for Coleman but a defeat and poor showing next week and all this is forgotten as blip more than a recovery.

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Portsmouth ticket details.

By GMKonline.com

The Sky Blues travel to Fratton Park for the 3rd Round FA Cup Tie versus Pompey on Saturday 2nd January Away season ticket holders and Private Seat Licence holders for the 2009/10 season have been able to grab theirs from 10 am on Thursday, December 10 Season ticket holders for 2009/10 with an away ticket sales record will be able to purchase tickets from 9am on Monday, December 14 and then ….

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2009/10 season ticket holders will be able to snap up their tickets from 10am on Wednesday, December 16 with any remaining tickets going on general sale on Friday, December 18 at 10am.

Prices for the clash are £25 for adults, £15 for senior citizens, young people aged between 17 and 21 and students with a valid NUS card.

Tickets will be £6 for children aged 16 or under (ID may be requested for this age group).

Please note one ticket will be available per season ticket holder.

Concessionary season ticket holders cannot purchase adult tickets.

Tickets are available in person at the CCFC Ticket Office at the Ricoh Arena only (i.e. not City Central or other outlets), by phone 0844 873 1883 (option 2) or online at ccfc.co.uk

*Above dates and kick off times are subject to change if the tie is selected for television coverage.

(Reproduced with the kind permission of CCFC)

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I HAVE A DREAM!

By The Tactics Truck

Roared Ray Ranson on December 15, 2007, the ink still drying on Coventry City's dramatic takeover. And so it came to pass. It was all a dream. It appears that the net £20 million was not going to be invested into the club as promised afterall , the club was not going to challenge for promotion, half of the stadium was not going to be secured.

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After the years of drifting along deep in debt, living from one second rate centre forward played out wide to the next, we dared to dream that day, dared to genuinely believe a brighter future lay ahead.

But the timing, as so often in the club's history, appears to have proven disastrous. Perhaps only a football club that opened a Premiership quality ground five years late - when it was no longer in the Premiership - could complete a takeover a mere months before recession bit the nation. The true impact of the downturn on SISU is unknown, but it can surely be judged accurately enough by the lack of investment in the playing squad, and the standard of player sold on for huge profit.

You wonder if it could all have been so different. In January 2009, had we speculated and put £3 million into the playing squad (like Stoke did in mid season the year they were promoted) could we have carried on the great form at the time, fought our way into the play-offs, done a Burnley?

But you sense no one truly believed anyway.

You sense our problems run deeper than current form, deeper than the manager, deeper perhaps than even SISU. Have we ever really believed, fans or bosses, that we can achieve something? Did we, during the 60's, treat success with delight and disbelief or confirmation that we deserved it?

On Saturday, as we played Peterborough, many thousands of City supporters sat at home. People who have Sky Blue blood coursing through their veins however much they wish they could sometimes relinquish the feeling. People who, when any remote modicum of success is achieved, suddenly appear again to boost numbers and swell coffers. I queued to get in against Newcastle, I strolled in virtually alone against Posh.

Should we blame these people?

No?

Is it understandable?

Yes.

Would their extra support right now improve our situation?

Almost certainly.

Maybe the 'thrilling' signings Ranson talked of in the summer would actually have come off with a few more season tickets sold. Who knows. As it is, the vicious cycle (lack of money - lack of quality signings - poor form - dwindling crowds) continues apace.

Yet I still hear the anger, the annoyance, the frustration, in my own dad's voice when he phones most weeks, Cov's form our first talking point, our main term of reference. A season ticket holder in the 60's, now a once or twice a season visitor, he has lost none of the passion for the club. For him read about 10,000 other supporters in Coventry who would come close to filling the ground that's we're mocked for as being too big for us.

The central point that no one seems to address is just what is it about Coventry City Football Club that breeds failure? No other league club has been without a cup final, play off campaign or promotion in a dozen or so years. How can a malaise lasting so long be overcome?

How can the endless string of promising managers (chewed up and spit out by our poisoned chalice) be halted?

The answer, surely, is money.

And sadly, we'll need quite a lot of it.

That is the way the modern football world is. Nothing sustainable can be achieved without it. And this applies to us fans too, in greater numbers, paying money to go and watch. I'm going to force my dad to get to a few more games. Why not work on your lapsed Cov supporting friends and family too?

Footnote:

I expected this piece to be a major rant at SISU and Ranson, yet it became, almost to my surprise, a call for fans to take responsibility too.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

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'Meet the new boss. Same as the old boss'.

By Steve Oakes

Our ninth season in the Championship and it feels just like being in the Premiership, but for all the wrong reasons. Hovering above the relegation zone, lucky reprieves on the last day of the season, the odd cup run. Beating some good teams, losing to some poor ones, getting a right thumping once a year. Not much hope, plenty of mediocrity, heaps of despair.

This isn't a call for Coleman to go, it's a lament for our lovely club. No answers, just a wistful moan.

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I'd guess there's something seriously wrong that's ingrained in the inner culture of the club that means it goes wrong whatever anybody tries. Would a new manager fare any better? It seems doubtful; we've had eight since going down, not including the six caretakers, and I find it difficult to find any discernable difference between their achievements whether they were established names, club heroes, up-and-comers or just monkey-faced, monkey-brained eejits. Might Eric Black have made it work if he hadn't been so shabbily ejected? Perhaps. Perhaps not.

My real lament is of nothing changing and nothing happening. I sat in the North Stand amongst the Villans watching us go down all those years ago and thought 'ah well, it was bound to happen one day and at least now we'll go into games with confidence, we'll win more than we lose, we'll have some trips to Wembley for the play-offs and we'll probably be back this year or next'. But no, it's just like it was before. We haven't been in sniffing distance of the play-offs all this time, let alone the automatic spots, and the feeling of dread before matches is just the same as it was and we're still battling relegation.

Look at our finishing positions in the Championship - 20, 12, 19, 8, 17, 21, 17. Shocking.

Just what is it that causes such (alleged) division and misery amongst the playing staff? I was there at the Valley in 2008 as well, when we needed to win to stay up but couldn't even muster a half-hearted attempt to play like a team that had to get a result. My Charlton-supporting mate had been asking me beforehand how come we were in the position we were in with the squad we had. After fifteen minutes he turned to me aghast and whispered 'oh my god, you're shit!'. And he was right. We were and we still are.

Any positives from the last eight years? Anyone? Oh yes, we've got a lovely new stadium (and I do think it's lovely when I'm sitting in it) with toilet blocks that don't have enough space to let people get to them at half time (a clean sheet of paper and you mucked up the toilets - well done, boys) and that's miles from anywhere without parking or a decent public transport plan to service it. Miss the first set of buses back to the centre and you're in for a long wait while they come back, people. And if you think I'm getting misty-eyed about strolling down Far Gosford Street then you're right because it certainly beats a trek down Rowley's Green Lane.

So here we go again. In a relegation battle with fans starting to call for the manager's head and in a dismal state following the still-unexplained-and-never-likely-to-be financial shenanigans of former regimes and without owning our own ground or even making any revenue from the one we use. For me then, the experience of supporting Coventry City Football Club remains much the same as it did before relegation. But what choice do I or any of you have? People sometimes ask me why I support Coventry (accident of birth, since you ask) but even in the midst of all this palaver the question I want to shoot back is 'why don't you?'. It's the best club in the world and I genuinely can't understand why anybody would want to support anybody else, it's surely just a matter of time before we reawaken and march on to world domination, isn't it?

But it looks like we'll keep on being fooled again for a while yet.

PUSB.

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The Christmas Present?

By Smiles.

Dismissed as a mean-spirited, miserly old man Sunshine lay in bed early Christmas Eve morning, having a Dickens of a job to find motivation for the haul down the M6 to his place of work. His clerk, Joe Cratchit, stood stooped in the anteroom because Sunshine refused to spend money on heating coals for a fire.

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Sunshine's niece, Sweet Sue, paid her uncle a visit and invited him to her annual Christmas party. Two portly gentlemen from the City have also dropped by to ask Sunshine for a contribution to their charity. SAD old Sunshine reacts to the holiday visitors with some bitterness and venom, spitting out an angry 'Bah! Humbug!' in response to his nieces speculative 'Merry Christmas!'

Lulling into slumber, his dream sleep was all of a sudden interrupted by a sullen figure who stepped out of the shadows looking haggard and pallid to proclaim: ‘Sunshine, I am the spirit of the City conscious. As punishment for my greedy and self-serving life my spirit has been condemned to wander the Earth weighted down with heavy chains’ The old son of Robin advised he and his brother Richie had hoped to save him from the same fate as they, and that that three spirits would visit over the next three nights. Thinking he’d quite like a drop of JD, or the like, Sunshine collapsed, once again, into a deep sleep.

Awakening moments before the arrival of the Ghost of Christmas Past, he was presented with a strange phantom with a brightly glowing nose. Who slurred in a balck country burr, ‘Come with me.’ Smelling strangely of liquerer and strawberrys, he followed his host trotting into the land of post-Harrods shopping, he witnessed the poor and meek SBA ladden with debt and doubt, not two farthings to rub together, in a cold snowswept Highfield hinterland, lacking Christmas cheer. Talk was of breaking out the Davenport and selling off the Kirkland to ‘make ends meet’, whilst up in the boardroom the chincking of glasses and muffled laughter could be heard, all the way to the bank, as expensive cars trundled away into the night led by the red-nosed dear.

Sunshine, deeply moved, shed tears of regret before the phantom returned him to his bed and as instantly as he had appeared he was gone and Sunshine noticed a dark, hooded figure looming towards him: The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. The majestic giant clad in a dark black weave lead Sunshine through the streets of Coventry to unveil Christmas as it will happen that coming year. Guided through a sequence of mysterious scenes relating to an unnamed man's recent death, he saw businessmen discussing a dead man's riches, vagabonds trading his personal effects for cash, and the SBA expressing relief at the passing of their unforgiving ‘creditor’. Talk was of Crown Jewels being sold and property left unpurchased, in the chill of the winter wind.

Anxiously Sunshine begged to know the name of the dead man, and whilst pleading with the ghost he found himself in a churchyard, as the spirit pointed to a grave. Shocked to read his own name he implored the spirit to alter his fate, promising to renounce insensitive, avaricious ways and to honor Christmas with all his heart and whoosh he suddenly found himself safely tucked up back in bed to Christmas Present!

Jumping up with glee, a swift whiz down the motorway with Best intentions in mind his handsfree mobile dexterously dialled the magic digits and deals were done in moments to seal his fate, whilst time moved on as fresh as the driven snow under the wheels of his top of the range motor, and they where gone, Westward.

Arriving at the ground on Boxing Day, Sunshine found the jovial gathering delightful and pleaded with the missing spirit to stay until the very end of the festivities. As the day passes, the spirit reappeared visibly aged, and becoming noticeably older with every breath of the unfolding event. Toward the end of the day, he showed Sunshine two starved children, Ignorance and Want living under his coat clad in new Sky Blue kits with the names of their idols, pressed into the backs of the wragged shirt in cracked lettering clearly wilting under the burden of solace. The spirit vanished instantly as Sunshine noticed a further dark, hooded figure coming toward him, sickle in hand, as the year end loomed eeriely in the distance.

‘No need to fear old year’, beamed Sunshine, his face cast in shadow with a devious scowl (like something of the night) beseaching all and sundry before him. In a calm, deadly, cold sentence he declared, ‘All is well. They’ve been sold down the Sowe, moved on to ‘balance the books’ you know, I can change the course of history with my deeds, surely even you didn’t expect a happy ending to this story, you old fools, did you? Bah Humbug! And he too was gone, caught up in a swirl of his own mortality to write yarns and memoirs of his time with mortals, too feeble to mention.

Compliments of the season to you all…

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A shortened version of this article appears in today’s Fanzone feature in The Coventry Telegraph.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

If you would like to reply to this article, add a report, review or express a view on any topical Sky Blue issue on GMK open access articles, just email it to:
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Have your say on GMK! GMK Prints open Access Articles from any contributor.

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09/10 GMK PL Week 17 Game 21

By Smiles

At last a win and a Ricoh hattrick! The Sky Blues take 3 points for the first time in 10 games, Freddie scores more and more and we go home, at least marginally, happier than we’ve been for a while. How predictable was that? How did you do?

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(This weekend game vs Plymouth (A))

(Last weekends game vs Peterboro (H))

To follow: (The Rules)

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Here’s this weeks fixtures for you to predict.

Game 22: (Kick off deadline to post by: 3:00pm)
Predict the outcome of:

Plymouth v Coventry:
First Goal Coventry Scorer:
Crowd:

Predict the outcome of the following games (3:00pm unless stated):
Home (H), Away (A) or Draw (D), (NO SCORES, you HAVE TO POST H / D or A):

Saturday 19th December 2009:

Blackpool vs West Brom :
Bristol C vs Reading :
C Palace vs Barnsley :
Cardiff vs Leicester :
Derby vs Doncaster :
Nottm Forest vs Preston - 17:20 :
Peterborough vs Watford :
Plymouth vs Coventry :
QPR vs Sheff Utd :
Scunthorpe vs Ipswich :
Sheff Weds vs Swansea :

Sunday 20th December:

Newcastle vs Middlesbro - 13:00 :

Cheers Smiles.

Coventry City Results Prediction League
All Change

Sky_Blue_Up_North (+4) stays top in his own right on 62 points whilst in 2nd MrTickle (+3) now lags a point behind with 61 points. Turk1965 (+1) drops further behind in 3rd with 58 points. LordSummerisle (+/-0) is stuck in 4th still on 56 points as the top 4 is whittled down, now 2 points behind is SteveC189 (+2), on 54, as the top 5, indeed the top 8 is unchanged.

SundayRef (+3) stays 6th 53 points ahead of Perdomo (+1) in 7th equal with Oblong (+2) both on 51 points, AndrewBrown (+4) barges into the top 10 in 9th on 50 points as HK_BlueSkies (+/-0) drops as place from 9th to 10th to head a duo on 49 points with Tisza (+3) tucked in behind.

Outside the top 10 is SkyBlueNemo (+/-0) in 12th on 48 points, followed by Danny (+/-0) dropping a place on 46 points and SkyBlueExile (+2) still in 14th.

Up two places to 15th is Torchie (+3) equal with another riser BerksSkyBlue, (+4), up from 20th to 16th both on 45 points.

Another riser is QPRSkyBlue (+2) up a place to 17th on 44 points followed by the falling Vicar_In _A _Tutu, (+/-0) on 43 points down from 15th.

A trio of 42 pointers spreads from 19th to 21st starting with SkyBlueBertie (+/-0) Blaggy (+/-0) and Neil10 (+5) who moves up from 25th.

No-one dropped out of the top 20 this week.

Everyone else follows….

The gap from 1st to 10th is now 13 points (+3) & 1st to 20th 20 (+3).

Here’s the updated league.

The top 25 on the front page has also been updated.

If the board is down for any reason or you cannot post email me your predictions: gmkadmin@hotmail.co.uk

For a reminder on how to score points again check the rules on the home page on the blue bar, when I’ve worked out how to do it, I will get around to this honest!

Championship Results Prediction League
No cock ups I know of this week!

SkyBlueNemo (+7) stays top on 145 as KeanoNo1 (+7) makes the most of a bad week for the rest going 2nd from 5th. BerksSkyBlue (+5) moves down to 3rd from 7th on 138 with Blaggy (+5) staying 4th equal with RickyCCFC (+4) down from 3rd to 5th both on 137.

The top 5 open up a gap on the rest as in 6th is still QPRSkyBlue (+6) ten points behind on 127 followed by Edgy (+8) on 126. Perdomo (+6) drops from 7th to 8th on 124 points equal with Tisza (+6) a place behind. A good week for ME, equal top scoring with (+9) puts me in the top 10 in 10th on 123 points.

Outside of the top ten in 11th is Neil10 (+4) dropping one place, followed by Sky_Blue_Up_North, (+7) up one place to 12th on 120 points. BlindFaith (+/-0) misses their predictions and stays on 118 points equal with SBGus (+6) up a place to 14th. AndrewBrown (+6) drops a place to 15th on 116.

In 16th is Danny (+9) on 115 followed by Turk1965 (+4) on 113. The final three in the top 20 are CharlesMore (+7) in 18th, Oblong (+2) and Lagger (+/-0).

No-one dropped out of the top 20 this week.

So with 31 players (+5) this week 1st to 10th is a gap of 22 points (+2) & 1st to 20th is now 38 points (+2)

The average points rose from 5.23 to 5.93 (-+0.70) and overall total up from 136 to 184 (48).

There were 15 points (-2) to go for this and me and my lad Dan were top scorers with 9 points no double digit returns this week.

Here's the table after week 17, Game 21:

After the Plymouth game we’ll review all three tables after 22 games, almost half way through the season.

Any issues then please e-mail me at the usual address!

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Match Preview: Plymouth v Sky Blues.

By Smiles.

The Sky Blues travel Westward to fellow strugglers Plymouth for another relegation six pointer. The longest league trip City currently have to make, on a cold weekend just before Christmas, to ground we get little from, hardly warms the cockles, but to avoid defeat is a must - at down at heel Argyle.

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THE ARGYLE Vs THE SKY BLUES

Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag and smile, smile, smile!

This weeks bag of ready made excuses are as follows: Coleman is expecting a tough encounter when his side travel to Plymouth on Saturday: 'I certainly hope we play better down there than we did last year. That was a particularly poor afternoon for us. It's a hard place to go, (to the leagues lowest scorers) a long way from home, but if you pull a result out of the bag it makes it all better”.

'The lads have been a different class recently. They've worked hard, trained hard and there has been a good team spirit, so we will need to show all those qualities if we want to bring something back from Plymouth. Paul Mariner has come in and taken charge of Plymouth as well and nine times out of 10 that can give a bit of a spark to a team, but we just have to go down there and concentrate on ourselves and what we are capable of doing.'

Meanwhile under speculation Aron Gunnarsson commented: 'It's a six-point game for us to be honest. They're below us, it's going to be the same against them as it was against Peterborough. Three points on Saturday was brilliant for us and we just have to kick on.We just had a stinker there (at Plymouth last season) but hopefully we'll be up for it on Saturday because we desperately need three points, especially playing against teams who are below us. They're struggling at the moment and they are going to be coming into that game the same as us, it's a six-pointer for them to get up there. It should be a good game.'

GAME ON – THIS WEEKENDS FIXTURES

TEAM NEWS
Chris Coleman has a doubt over on-loan defender Richard Wood for the trip to Plymouth. The Sheffield Wednesday loanee is back in training following an ankle injury but it is not yet known whether he will be included.

Sammy Clingan (broken toe) trained last week before being given a late cameo appearance in last weekend's 3-2 victory over Peterborough. But if he is involved at Home Park, he is unlikely to start and would have to make do with a place on the bench. Goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopoulos (knock) is doubtful but right-back Jordan Clarke remains unavailable due to a split in a knee ligament.

Marcus Hall (calf), Ben Turner (ankle) and Isaac Osbourne (knee) also all remain on the sidelines.

Sky Blues from: Westwood, van Aanholt, Barnett, Wright, Bell,Wood, Eastwood, McIndoe, Cork, Gunnarsson, Madine, Morrison, Best Cranie, McPake, Ireland, Grandison, Ward, Hussey, Cain, Clingan.

THE OPPOSITION
The fires may be burning at Home Park after the lowly Championship club were announced as a potential world cup game host, should England’s latest bid be successful, but as for the club itself, they’re struggling. Low gates and league position mean that the UK’s most southern most club could return from whence they came after not realising the dream of progressing to the top tier for the first time in their history.

Former England striker Paul Mariner has taken over from Paul Sturrock as manager after the Parkinsons suffering Scot, currently in his second spell at Home Park, was removed to take up a business-support role. Mariner who started his successful playing career with Argyle in 1973, has been back at the club for the last two months working as Sturrock's assistant. Plymouth are currently second bottom in the Championship table, are six points adrift of safety and have lost their last four games. Chairman Sir Roy Gardner said: 'The board has decided to make this move following the continuing poor set of result. We are convinced we have the capability to improve our performance and remain in the Championship.'

Mariner admits he will be nervous when he takes charge of his first home game this weekend. The former England striker believes he is capable of helping the Pilgrims to climb up the Championship table: 'I will have butterflies on Saturday - that's a certainty. It is special that it was this club that gave me the chance in professional football, and I was 20 when they gave me the chance, so I thought it had passed me by. This club has given me another opportunity in management, so it's an incredible feeling for me. I am very proud. We want to get fans back into this club. We are under no illusions that we have a lot of work to do and we're not in a great position, but we feel good about it.' Argyle confirmed the appointment of John Carver as assistant manager to Mariner. The former Newcastle and Leeds coach, 44, started work with Mariner on Thursday and was officially unveiled at a noon press call. He has recently been head coach of Canuckianianianian Major League amateurs FC Toronto, (whoever the fook they are).

Argyle are another club with challenges after Plymouth executive director Keith Todd has confirmed the Championship strugglers have been hit by a transfer embargo - but expects the matter to be resolved before the January window opens.

The Football League has imposed the punishment because of unpaid debts although Todd insists the club will not be facing administration and the ban was put in place on a technicality because of a delay in paying creditors: 'There is a temporary one (embargo) in place that will be cleared by the end of December so we'll be in the transfer market in January. It will all be cleared. It is in relation to an historic matter that will be cleared this month. It's not a problem.'

Plymouth are boosted by the return of on-loan Vile defender Shane Lowry who was suspended for Argyle's 2-0 defeat at Preston, when fit-again summer signing Reda Johnson was recalled for his second first-team start of the season. The Benin international played alongside Kari Arnason in the centre of Argyle's back four, but Lowry is likely to come back in against the Sky Blues.

Midfielder Jim Paterson is a major doubt after suffering a recurrence of his hamstring injury while playing for the reserves in midweek. Mariner is also waiting on the fitness of loanees Darcy Blake and David Gray, who are struggling with respective heel and hamstring injuries. New Zealand target man Rory Fallon (ankle) is another player who could miss out.

Plymouth from: Larrieu, Sawyer, Paterson, Johnson, Judge, Mackie, Clark, Fletcher, Duguid, Arnason, Blake, Noone, Fallon, Folly, Letheren, Gow, Barnes, Joe Mason, Lowry.

INS AND OUTS

In: Carl Fletcher, (C Palace), Bradley Wright-Phillips, (Southampton), Kari Arnason, (Aarhaus), Reda Johnson (Amiens), Alan Gow (Rangers), Kyle Letheren (Barnsley).

On Loan Alan Judge (Blackburn), Cillian Sheridan (Celtic), Darcy Blake (Cardiff) Shane Lowry (Vile) David Gray (Manure).

Out: Jermaine Easter & Matthias Doumbe (MK Dons), Emile Mpenza (FC Sion), Graham Stack, (Hibs).

Out On Loan Yannick Bolasie(Barnet), Jason Puncheon, (MK Dons), Damien McCrory, (Grimsby), George Donnelly, (Luton), Simon Walton, (Chester), Luke Summerfield, (Orient), Marcel Seip, (Blackpool),

Released Dan Smith.

DANGERMEN

A very low scoring bunch. Pick of the crop is Jamie Mackie with 4 league goals from 19 appearances.

Rory Fallen & Alan Judge have 3 each.

Last seasons highest scorer Paul Gallagher is now at Leicester.

FORM
Sky Blues - 19th, The Championship: 22 points from 21 games.

Plymouth - 23rd, The Championship: 15 points from 20 games.

Plymouth has the worst attack in the league this season with 16 goals scored, 8 less than The Sky Blues

The Argyle have the 17th best defence in The Championship with 32 goals conceded, 1 better The Sky Blues

Last 8 League Games:

VISIT THE RIVALS

THE REF

We’ve seen the prolific card waving man in the middle once already this season & it isn’t just yellows that come out of the pocket!

Mr K P Stroud (Hampshire)

Games across all leagues & competitions this season:

Games across all leagues & competitions last season:

Last City game Officiated in: Coventry vs West Brom: 24/10/09

Result: 0-0.

Performance: Only one mention in Ian’s report: But on the stroke of half time City could have conceded a penalty when Thomas appeared to be tripped by Martin Cranie. There seemed to be contact, albeit minimal, and referee Stroud’s decision was to book the West Brom man for diving….7/10

PREVIOUS
The Sky Blues last faced Plymouth at Home Park on Saturday 11th April 2009 recording a 0-4 loss. Clotted creams. The Sky Blues shambles ambled into Devon and believed that just turning up would be enough, to beat a battling Plymouth side again scraping for their Championship lives. Four poorly conceeded goals in a 22 minute period of collective inadequacy handed The Pilgrims a welcome win and well deserved lifeline. This begged the question have we really moved on that much in 12 months since THAT Charlton game?

Chris Coleman: 'I'd like to apologise to our fans for making the trip down to Plymouth, taking time off over the Easter weekend to watch that nonsense. I’m embarrassed, the first 45 minutes was terrible, some horrendous performances it’s unacceptable, a decent following traveling a long way on a bank holiday weekend, I feel bad for our fans. They turned up for us - we didn’t turn up for them”.

“I never really saw that performance coming. After 25 minutes in the first half I've got to hold my hands up and say I don't know what we were thinking or doing. But there were some bad individual errors.

We went to Palace on Tuesday night and should have won, and we went about our business in the right way. Then today we saw a complete reversal of that. We came here against a team battling against relegation, but we can’t plan for individual errors and we had 2 or 3 stinking performances today and then it’s ran through the team & I’m very embarrassed. We conceded a goal on Tuesday night through an individual error and today we concede two or three through the same and it’s unacceptable. Forget about the younger players argument as a team we let every one down today. Forget the second half. The game was done by then - it was over at half-time. It was an unacceptable performance by us”.

We lost at Charlton last game of the season last year but forget about that this is a different team, we don’t get three points through winning the second half it was getting worse in the final 20 minutes in the first. I am not happy about losing 4-0 or the fashion we conceded the goals. Andy Marshall did well in the second half, credit to Andy for that he’s a top lad, he came on and committed himself very well, probably our man of the match”.

'It's something we need to sit down and talk about. We have another game on Monday so it will be interesting to see what performance we give then. We are looking at six first team players out and we have lost Aron Gunnarsson after 25 minutes - but that's not the reason we lost 4-0. We lost 4-0 because too many people didn't do their jobs. We can’t shake things up for Charlton, the younger academy lads may not be ready for that, the lads will be tired after losing 4-0 but we have to be up for it on Monday”.

Paul Sturrock: 'I knew we had something like this in us,' Sturrock said. 'We have had home games where we have hit posts and bars and had goals disallowed.

'Something that I did not expect was to be 4-0 up at half-time. We have got a home game plan and the boys have worked very hard at it.

'Today all their hard work and endeavour paid off.'

Sky Blues: Westwood (Marshall 50), Osbourne, Dann, Turner, Fox, Gunnarsson (Thornton 29), Beuzelin, Doyle, Eastwood, Morrison, Simpson.

Subs Not Used: Hall, Ward, Cain.

Booked: Dann, Doyle, Morrison, Fox.

Goals: None.

HISTORY
City and Argyle have spent their long footballing histories mainly avoiding each other!

This is only the Sky Blues' sixth league trip to Home Park since August 1966, when the Jules Rimet trophy was still warm from being clutched by Bobby Moore and co.

Previous to the last seasons trip to Home Park our last game ended in its own inevitable style with City failing to win, something they’ve not achieved in the league since 1965/6 (only 7 league fixtures ago). A 16th minute Lee Martin goal was enough for Argyle to take all 3 points.

The game prior to that, City played against The Pilgrims in Devon, (The first after Micky Adams departure & featured on Sky Tv), was on the 22nd January 2007. The Sky Blues recorded a 3-2 loss. Kevin Gallen opened the scoring in the 18th minute, with Birchill getting one back four minutes later only for City to give the usual response as Buzsaky got one back before half time and Hayles added another after the break. Mifsud scored a spectacular 2nd with 20 to go but the Sky Blues couldn’t find an equaliser before the end. 2005/6 we succumbed to a Vincent Pericard hatrick at a wet and foggy Home Park with a Dennis Wise consolation goal our solitary reply.

In the first visit back in 2004/5 we concocted a 1-1 draw when referee Lee Probert added over 5 minutes extra time, in which Argyle scored, in virtually the last kick of the game in the 6th minute of added play!

The previous City league outing also ended in defeat, 4-2, but City's 'recent' (i.e. post-Second World War – before The Championship) history at Argyle was excellent, with four wins out of the first ten visits and, if you include the 3-1 FA Cup win in 1996, and six out of the last 14.

The last eight meetings in this fixture have finished thus:

Full league Away record against Plymouth is as follows:

Overall record against Argyle Home & Away in all competitions is as follows:

The full detail of that can be seen here:

HOW TO GET THERE
Plymouth Argyle Football Club Ltd play at Home Park, Plymouth, Devon PL2 3DQ, 01752 562 561 (To get there print off the map on the link below!).

From The Football Ground Guide: Take the M5 to the South West and at the end of the motorway continue onto the A38 (The ground is well signposted from the outskirts of Plymouth on the A38). On entering Plymouth, turn left onto the A386 (towards Plymouth). When this road splits into two, keep on the left hand side (again sign posted Plymouth) and after about a mile you will see the ground on your left. The ground is well signposted 'Plymouth Argyle Home Park' on the way into Plymouth.

There is quite a large car park at the ground, which is free. It is operated on a 'first in before the game, first out after the game basis'. If you are last in, then on average it takes around half an hour to clear. The car park is normally full by 2.30pm on matchdays. There is some street parking if you drive past the ground, heading away from the city centre.

WERE TO DRINK
According to our local correspondent, Coops, our favoured watering hole - The Penny Come Quick - near the railway station is no more, which is a shame, so the consensus of opinion is, if you get there early enough, Wetherspoons is the best if you’re close by. Better still get down the Barbican and then a cab to the ground…:

The Britannia Inn, 1, Wolseley Rd, Plymouth, Devon PL2 3AA, Tel: 01752 607 596

You can find a map of how to get there here: (click the logo)

AMAZING FACTS
Plymouth are the Southern most club in the current football league professional structure.

They were founded in 1886 as ‘Argyle’ Football Club.

Poor performance on the pitch led to it going out of existence in 1894 before being resurrected in 1897. In 1898 it became one part of a general sports club, the Argyle Athletic Club.

The club adopted its current name when it became fully professional in 1903 joining the Southern League.

Plymouths ‘nickname’ - The Pilgrims - is derived from the Pilgrim Fathers who sailed from the southern shores in 1620 to settle ‘The New World’ America. The stepping stone ashore in the new territory port was named ‘Plymouth Rock’.

The Club Crest illustrates an image of The Mayflower, the boat that took them there.

Plymouth have played at Home Park since 1st August 1900.

Their highest ever goal scorer goes by the charming name of ‘Jack Cock’, (I kid you not), who scored: 32 in the 1925/26 season in Division 3 South.

Plymouth are one of only two clubs in the Football League to play in a principally green home strip. The other is ‘local’ rival Yeovil Town.

Every away game is a haul for the Pilgrims as last season there closest ‘Derby’ game was Bristol City, a mere 116 miles away!

Plymouth have never played in the top flight of English football.

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The GMK Match Report: Plymouth v Sky Blues.

By Javed Peacevale

The Sky Blues win at Home Park and create a number of firsts on top of a much awaited win in Devon after 49 years, its also their first back-to-back wins of the season and scoring lock out, as Freddie nets again and a single goal is enough to bring 3 points back to the midlands.

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Saturday 19th December 2009 – 3.00 pm Home Park.

TEAM CHANGES

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To follow

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1st Half.

To follow

Half Time

Half time: Plymouth 0-0 > Coventry.

2nd Half

To follow

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AFTER GAME QUOTES
Chris Coleman:

'It was very important for us to get back-to-back victories, especially as we have come to Plymouth and won in their back yard. They are in and around us in the league. You look at this fixture and it doesn't matter what time of the year it is, where they are in the league or where you are, it's always a hard game.”

'Once or twice this season I have sat here and not been very giving about my players but I have got to say today I thought they were tremendous.”

'We deserved the three points. Overall it was a great team performance and Freddy scored again.'

Paul Mariner:

“The board have told me the [transfer] embargo will be lifted. It's pretty obvious we need reinforcements. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see it.'

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HOW THEY LINED UP
Sky Blues: Westwood ,Barnett ,Cranie ,McPake (Ward ,73 ) ,Van Aanholt ,Bell ,McIndoe ,Cork ,Gunnarsson ,Eastwood (Morrison ,84 ) ,Best (Madine ,89)

Subs Not Used: Turner,Ireland,Hussey,Jeffers,.

Booked: Gunnarsson.

Goals: Eastwood (72).

Plymouth: Larrieu ,Gray ,Johnson ,Lowry ,Judge (Gow ,85 ) ,Mackie ,Clark (Noone ,66 ) ,Fletcher ,Duguid ,Arnason ,Fallon

Subs Not Used: Folly,Letheren,Sawyer,Barnes,Joe Mason,

Booked: None.

Goals: None.

Att: 8347

Ref: Keith Stroud (Hampshire). 7/10

Man of The Match: : McPake.

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Sky Blues sign Deegan

By Ian Palmer

Coventry City has moved to bolster its midfield with the signing of Gary Deegan from Irish Premier Division champions Bohemians.

The 22-year-old has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract, and will be eligible to play from 4th January, 2010. Reports suggest that no fee is involved in the transfer as the player’s contract had expired.

Deegan was a key figure in Bohemian’s 2009 Champions League campaign, and was also voted onto the 2009 PFAI team of the year. He scored five goals in 34 appearences for the club.

Chris Coleman expressed his pleasure at sealing the deal to the official Coventry website.

“We are delighted to have secured Gary’s signature and we believe we have acquired, not only a very good technical footballer, but also a very tenacious and hard-working one as well who will complement the players we already have here.

“There were a number of other clubs interested in Gary’s services so it was important we moved quickly and I’m very much looking forward to working with him when he becomes eligible for us in the New Year.”

09/10 GMK PL Week 18, Game 22.

By Smiles

Do not let it be unsaid, that last weekends result at Plymouth was a very good one. It ticked all the boxes and turned around some bad history in positive fashion. Many of us were not expecting much from the South West and the 3 points returned were welcome points well made. Freddie scored gain as City secured back to back wins for the first time this season, despite GMK posters predicting City wins, week in, week out. Predictable? How did you do?

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(This weekends game vs Doncaster (H))

(Mondays game vs Notts Forest (A))

(Last weekends game vs Plymouth (A))

To follow: (The Rules)

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Here’s this weeks fixtures for you to predict.

Game 23: (Kick off deadline to post by: 3:00pm)
Predict the outcome of:

Coventry v Doncaster:
First Goal Coventry Scorer:
Crowd:

Predict the outcome of the following games (3:00pm unless stated):
Home (H), Away (A) or Draw (D), (NO SCORES, you HAVE TO POST H / D or A):

Saturday 26th December 2009:

C Palace vs Ipswich -13:00 :
Cardiff vs Plymouth -13:00 :
Coventry vs Doncaster:
Derby vs Blackpool :
Leicester vs Sheff Utd -18:00 :
Middlesbro vs Scunthorpe:
Preston vs Barnsley :
QPR vs Bristol C -13:00 :
Reading vs Swansea :
Sheff Wed vs Newcastle - 12:45:
Watford vs Nottm Forest - 12:00:
West Brom vs Peterborough :

Cheers Smiles.

Coventry City Results Prediction League
New leader alert!

MrTickle (+6) is now ontop with 67 points after narrowly avoiding a perfect 10. His 6 points knocks Sky_Blue_Up_North (+2) back into 2nd on 64 points whilst Turk1965 (+2) stays tucked in behind in 3rd with 60 points. SteveC189 (+4), moves upto 4th on 58, as LordSummerisle (+/-0) drops down to 5th still on 56 as the personell in the top 5 stays unchanged.

AndrewBrown’s (+4) upward trajectory continues moving from 9th to 6th on 54 points largely due to SundayRef (+/-0) drawing a blank who stays 6th 53 points now equal with Perdomo (+1) in 8th with HK_BlueSkies (+2) up from10th to 9th as Tisza (+4) climbs into the top 10 in his own right to complete the quartet.

Oblong (+/-0) misses a prediction to drop out of the top 10 and stay on 51 points in 11th as two climbers stay two points behind, with SkyBlueBertie (+7) up from 19th & BerksSkyBlue, (+4), up from 16th tied on 49 points. SkyBlueNemo (+/-0) drops two places from 12th to 14th on 48 points, ahead of another quartet two points behind on 46, headed by Danny (+/-0) down from 13th, Torchie (+1) down one place, SkyBlueExile (+2) & QPRSkyBlue (+2) down a place to 18th.

Neil10 (+3) moves upto 19th from 21st on 45 points with Edgy (+5) the main mover coming back into the top 20 up 6 places to 20th.

Dropping out of the top 20 are Vicar_In _A _Tutu, (+/-0) still on 43 points & Blaggy (+/-0) back from 20th to 24th.

Everyone else follows….

The gap from 1st to 10th is now 14 points (+1) & 1st to 20th 23 (+3).

Here’s the updated league.

The top 25 on the front page has also been updated.

If the board is down for any reason or you cannot post email me your predictions: gmkadmin@hotmail.co.uk

For a reminder on how to score points again check the rules on the home page on the blue bar, when I’ve asked Moz how to do it, I will get around to this honest!

Championship Results Prediction League
Again, no cock ups I know of this week, but 3 postponements with predictions wiped like the games.

SkyBlueNemo (+7) stays top on 145 despite not predicting, as BerksSkyBlue (+7) makes the most of the lull to go equal top from 3rd to 2nd on the same number of points. KeanoNo1 (+4) drops to 3rd from 2nd 2 points behind on 143 just ahead of a duo making up the top 5 on 141 Blaggy (+4) & RickyCCFC (+4) still in 4th & 5th.

Also stuck in last weeks places are QPRSkyBlue (+7) on 134 followed by Edgy (+6) on 132 now joined by Tisza (+8) on the same number of points. I (+6) move upto 9th from 10th as Perdomo (+4) drops from 9th to 10th on 128 points one point behind to make up the top 10.

Outside of the top ten it’s all change too, moving upto in 11th is BlindFaith (+8) on 126 as Sky_Blue_Up_North, (+6) stays in 12th on the same score. SBGus (+7) moves up one to 13th a point behind, Neil10 (+4) drops three places to 14th, AndrewBrown (+5) stays 15th on 121.

In 16th Turk1965 (+6) on 119 followed by a trio all on 115, four points behind. Lagger (+8) has a good week to move into 17th from 20th Danny (+/-0) misses out and drops to 18th from 16th and finally despite CharlesMore scoring (+6) he drops to 19th. A bit of a gap opens to 20th as SundayRef (+6) creeps in on 109.

Dropping out of the top 20 this week. Is Oblong (+/-0) who goes from 19th to 21st .

So with 28 players (-3) this week 1st to 10th is a gap of 17 points (-5) & 1st to 20th is now 36 points (+2)

The average points dropped from 5.93 to 5.82 (-0.11) despite fewer (-3) games and overall total down from 184 to 163 (-21).

There were 12 points (-3) to go for this and anyone with 8 points was a top scorer so no double digit returns this week.

Here's the table after week 18, Game 22:

Full Season End of Championship Season Table Predictor
So after most teams had played 22 games, not easy to do or judge with the recent postponements, we have our 2nd look at the final table prediction as the teams stood around ½ of the way through the season.

As the table fluctuates so do the positions and our new leader (Edgy) was 19th last time. Indeed of our old top 3 only one remains our old leader, Turk1965, now in 3rd.

So as the Boxing Day game, if of course it goes ahead, marking the official half way point of the Sky Blues season, here’s the table as it stands.

To see how the leader made his points see here.

Its only the final table that counts come may. As we know from last season everything can change in 11 games, the next time we’ll look at this will be after City play their 33rd fixture, and without any postponements or additional cup ties, that will be against Crystal Palace on the 20th of February 2010.

Any issues then please e-mail me at the usual address!

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Smiles, Moz, Knowl, Ian, Mel and Javed would all like to take the time to wish everyone who plays, coaches, manages, works, supports, directs and owns Coventry City Football Club, or just post & reads our humble little website a very Merry Christmas!

Merry Xmas from GMK!

By Smiles

Everyone at GMK would like to wish our contributors & readers a very Merry Xmas Smiles & the wider GMK contributors send our compliments of the season to you all!

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We’ll be in The Cherry Tree Club tomorrow if you fancy a pint of festive spirit!

Merry Christmas, one and all!

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If you would like to reply to this article, add a report, review or express a view on any topical Sky Blue issue on GMK open access articles, just email it to:
gmkadmin@hotmail.co.uk

Have your say on GMK! GMK Prints open Access Articles from any contributor.

The floor is yours; open access on GMK, (normal editorial rights apply) and you can get on your soapbox about whatever you want, any opinion & any hue of the Sky Blue Rainbow!

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

Match Preview: Sky Blues v Doncaster Rovers.

By Smiles.

Festive greetings! On paper a Boxing Day clash against Doncaster may not look one of the most attractive fixtures, however Sean O’Driscolls side will be a tough proposition to meet, having lost only one of their last six games and kept 5 clean sheets.

The game marks the halfway point of the season and is as good an indicator to whether Citys recent uplift in form is a temporary blip on an indication of an overall, longer lasting improvement that could see a corner turned.

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THE SKY BLUES Vs ROVERS

Donnys mid table position is a credit to the Yorkshire sides manager who, after surviving their first season in the 2nd tier, has a settled side even after losing two of the clubs’ ‘biggest players’ in close season for decent funds, spending little and bringing in fewer.

The Sky Blues will be looking for their first 3 wins in a row in the league since October 2007 when City beat Colchester at home and Stoke & QPR away under Ian Dowie, with the West Ham League Cup defeat at The Ricoh thrown in between.

GAME ON – THIS WEEKENDS FIXTURES

TEAM NEWS
Chris Coleman will have to check on the fitness of Richard Wood ahead of The Sky Blues Boxing Day clash at home to Doncaster. The on-loan from Sheffield Wednesday centre-back has been recently with a foot injury and although returning to training in the week, he was not quite ready to feature in last Saturday`s 1-0 victory at Plymouth.

Super Freddy Eastwood seems certain to continue up front having netted the winner against the Pilgrims - his fourth in the last two games - to help City to back-to-back wins.

The Sky Blues will be looking to make it nine points from nine at home to Rovers and climb further away from the relegation zone closer to their Yorkshire mid table rivals.

Sammy Clingan is doubtful to continue his rehabilitation from a broken toe, and maybe rested if not 100% with a possible place on the bench, however defenders Marcus Hall (calf), Ben Turner (ankle) Jordan Clarke (knee) and midfielder Isaac Osbourne (knee) join goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopoulos likely remaining on the sidelines.

Irish Midfielder Gary Deegan does not link up with the club until January 4 despite signing a deal to move from Irish Premier Division champions Bohemians. Steven Wright returns from suspension.

Sky Blues from: Westwood, van Aanholt, Barnett, Wright, Bell, Wood, Eastwood, McIndoe, Cork, Gunnarsson, Madine, Morrison, Best Cranie, McPake, Ireland, Grandison, Ward, Hussey, Cain, Clingan.

THE OPPOSITION
Donny have consolidated well on last years first season in the 2nd tier of English football, Rovers were a less than fancied side last season and indeed spent a lot of time at the foot of the table, but a fine battling spirit saw them pull away from trouble with an 8 game unbeaten run that finally saw them finish 14th in the Championship in their first season in the Championship.

After losing influential midfield Keith Wellens, to the crisp munchers down the wrong end of the M69, and not really spending much of that cash and a bit more from the sale of Matthew Mills to Reading, the Vikings are still considered to be very inexperienced side at this level, which showed last season as one of their worst runs in their history. However a combative, never-say-die attitude saw them through at the seasons end, in the same way they endeared themselves to many in beating Leeds in the previous seasons play offs

The high profile departures saw criticism by some Rovers supporters, but a club as limited in resources as Donny it was inevitable that ‘bigger’ clubs would run the rule over Rovers better players. Indeed there has been rumours of City interest in captain Brian Stock, which – has yet – to come to any conclusion as well as clubs looking to O’Driscoll who has not only secured success and consolidated, on meagre resources, but gotten the unfashionable South Yorkshire club playing attractive football that has attracted a fair few admirers.

A key player in Donnys success this season has been the form, and goals, of loanee Billy Sharp. Doncaster chairman John Ryan has revealed Rovers will try and sign the striker on a permanent basis at the end of the season, however that move may be too late with the transfer window about to open next month, particularly if a ‘bigger club’ come in with an offer The Blades could not refuse, that turns Sharp’s head.

The Sheffield United striker is proving to be a big hit during his loan spell at the Keepmoat Stadium, and scored his eighth goal in as many games last weekend. Sharp, who has been linked with a move to Barnsley in January, is due to stay with Rovers until next May. Chairman Ryan commented: 'He has a loan deal until the summer and does not have to go to any other club if he does not want to. He has assured me that he wants to stay here and will make a decision on his next move in the summer. That is excellent news for Doncaster Rovers and we will definitely throw our hat into the ring again at the end of the season.'

Sharp has indicated himself that he is keen for a deal to go ahead: “I've signed until the end of the season and I want to see that out. Sheffield United can accept offers but I've got to accept terms. I'm happy here; I've got my career back on track and I've got a smile on my face. I'm enjoying it and when that happens I play my best football. I am a Sheffield United fan through and through and I'd love to be doing what I am doing here for Sheffield United. But I'm giving 110 per cent to Doncaster at the moment and I am loving it.'

Ryan has high hopes for Rovers but has told stay-away fans 'it's not beyond the realms of possibility' for Doncaster to reach the Premier League. Rovers currently stand within four points of a play-off place on the back of four straight league wins, however Ryan is frustrated at the fall in average gates at the Keepmoat Stadium this season: 'We have been playing some sublime football all season and it has certainly started to win us some plaudits and justifiably so. Should we do the business at Coventry on Boxing Day and we take maximum points on Monday then we are not only in the mix for the play-offs at the halfway stage in the season, but also in a damn sight better position than at this time last year”.

'It has been disappointing to see our home gates down by 2,000 a game this time when we are playing ever so well and obviously with the results aiming for a little more than consolidation. It is every fans dream for their team to do well and have major aims and when you have seen what Hull City and Burnley have achieved then its not beyond the realms of possibility for us to emulate them in times to come.'

O'Driscoll could welcome the return of two key players from long term injury for the game with the Sky Blues in the form of defender Sean McDaid who could make his first appearance in over 20 months at Coventry on Boxing Day, and Captain Brian Stock could also make a surprise return to the squad after spending the last three months on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

McDaid has been out of action since April 2008 after dislocating his knee and endured further complications last season that required surgery. He is expected to return to the bench, as is midfielder Stock, who won his first cap for Wales before having ankle surgery in September.

O'Driscoll has no new injury or suspension worries, but midfielder Martin Woods remains sidelined with groin trouble, while another long-term absentee, Steve Brooker, is not yet ready to return from an ankle injury of his own.

Doncaster from: Sullivan, Chambers, Shackell, O'Connor, Roberts, Gillett, Wilson , Coppinger, Oster, Hayter, Sharp, Guy, Shiels, Hird, Spicer, Smith, Webster, Clarke, McDaid, Stock.

INS AND OUTS
In: John Oster(Crystal Palace).

On Loan Jason Shackell (Wolves), Billy Sharp, (Sheff Utd).

Out: Gareth Taylor, (Wrexham), Tomi Ameobi (Forest Green), Gordon Greer, (Swindon), Jason Price (Millwall), Ritchie Wellens, (Leicester), Matthew Mills (Reading), Darren Byfield (Oldham).

Out On Loan Ben Smith (Morecombe), Walde Fairhurst, (Shrewsbury) Paul Heffernan, (Oldham).

Released None.

DANGERMEN
Loanee Billy Sharp has 10 league goals from 15 (1) starts and is supported by 3 players on 4 goals. Midfielder Martin Woods from 18 full appearances, James Haytor from 12 (5) and Irish forward Dean Shields from 16 (3).

Last seasons top scorer, Paul Heffernan, is now on loan at Oldham.

FORM
Sky Blues - 17th, The Championship: 25 points from 22 games.

Doncaster - 11th, The Championship: 30 points from 22 games.

Donny has the 10th best attack in the league this season with 29 goals scored, 4 more than The Sky Blues

Rovers have the 9th best defence in The Championship with 26 goals conceded, 7 better The Sky Blues

Last 8 League Games:

THE REF
The man in the middle today is the man who was ref for the Palace ‘goal that never was’ game at Ashton Gate and last was seen for us as ref at the corresponding fixture at the Keepmoat against Donny last season. He hasn’t shown a single red card yet this term

Mr R L Shoebridge (Derbyshire).

Games across all leagues & competitions this season:

Games across all leagues & competitions last season:

Last City game Officiated in: Doncaster v Sky Blues 24/10/2009

Result: 1-0.

Performance: A minute later and Fox was stuck stationary misreading Mifsud headed knock back and as the Sky Blue defence looked fragile under the growing Rovers menace they were relived that Mr Shoebridge had spotted an offence that stemmed the Rovers attacking flow. The Derbyshire officials’ record shows that he’s not particular card happy, but the number of free-kicks award in the first quarter of an hour for niggly offences tended to break up any chance of flowing football that either side might have been inclined to attempt, with Coppinger becoming the main outlet of the Rover right…. All the late play in the half was going the Sky Blues way as Dann connected with another Fox corner and Stock cleared off the line before Mr Shoebridge signalled a minutes extra time…. Beuzelin produced a nice ball out to Fox on the left and as O’Connor put the ball out Fox reacted badly to the throw being given against him and violently threw the ball to the ground. Mr. Shoebridge gave the young City left back a good talking to in a decision that would have normally seen a player booked for dissent….. Lockwood replaced Taylor on 81 minutes before Beuzelin combined well with Doyle for the Irishman to spray the ball left to McKenzie who found his progress blocked on the edge of the box. As the City player went down Mr. Shoebridge blotted his otherwise good copybook by amazingly giving the decision against the Sky Blue player in a decision that left me speechless!…7/10

PREVIOUS
The Sky Blues last faced Doncaster was at the Ricoh on Saturday 21st March, 2009 recording a 1-0 win thanks to a David Bell wonder goal, a soaring 45-yard strike which was enough to secure City's first win in five games against plucky Doncaster on Legends' Day at the Ricoh. Chris Coleman had, for a while, been urging his players to 'win ugly', and this was certainly not an attractive victory. It was, nevertheless, an important one as it stemmed City's flow of defeats and allowed them to navigate through the two-week international break without any chatter about relegation.

Chris Coleman was glowing in his praise for Bell, 'It was a fantastic piece of awareness from Bell and the strike was perfect. As soon as it left his foot, it was a goal. I don't think there are too many players on the pitch that could have done that.

'We have 50 points now and we have two games in hand on some of the teams above us.

'We have to keep grinding out results if we have to because it is all about how high we can finish.'

Sean O’Driscoll mused: 'It is difficult to win in this division, especially when you concede poor goals, and that was a poor goal from our point of view. It was a great finish but a poor goal for us.”

'Neil Sullivan's experience speaks for itself, he's 39 years old and I'm not going to teach him to suck eggs.”

'He's tried to clear the ball further up the pitch because of Gunnarsson's long throw but in hindsight he should probably have stuck it into row Z and defended the next attack.'

Sky Blues: Westwood, Wright, Dann, Turner, Hall, Henderson (Simpson 85), Gunnarsson, Beuzelin (Osbourne 79), Bell, Eastwood (Best 63), Morrison

Subs Not Used: Marshall, Ward

Booked: Henderson, Wright, Morrison

Goals: Bell 20

HISTORY
As mentioned above, there is little, if any history between the two sides due to us both, mainly, playing in different leagues in our histories.

Prior to last season the last time the Sky Blues played this fixture in any league was 58 years ago when Doncaster left Highfield Road with both points after a 2-1 win in 1951/52 in the old 2nd Division, when City were under Harry Storer for the 2nd time in their history.

The only 6 meetings in this fixture have finished thus:

Full league Home record against Donny is as follows:

Overall record against Rovers Home & Away in all competitions is as follows:

The full detail of that can be seen here:

AMAZING FACTS
Doncaster Rovers were formed in 1879 and played at The Intake Stadium from 1st August 1879 to 31st July 1916.

At the resumption of League Football in 1919 the club moved to the Bentthorpe Ground until 1922

In 1938 the capacity of Belle Vue was increased to 40,000 and it was in 1948 that the stadium recorded its highest attendance of 37,099 against Hull City,

Doncaster Rovers hold the record for most league wins and most losses in a season: 33 wins in a 1946/47 but 34 defeats in 1997/98.

Doncaster is the only team to win the Fourth Division/Third Division (fourth level) championship more than twice (three times in 1966, 1969, and 2004).

Doncaster were the last team to win the Division Three before it was renamed League Two.

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Player Ratings and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

By Knowl.

Only a day late but Santa delivered the only present most of us badly wanted, a victory. However, this wasn’t any old victory this was a pretty convincing victory.

Three wins on the bounce. Two clean sheets on the bounce. An unchanged first team for two games on the bounce, including, obviously, a settled back four and two wide players for a run of games everything I expect Coleman was hoping for in his bid to reverse the form over October, November and early December.

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Saturday 26th December – 15.00pm Ricoh Arena

Three Parish Notices.

Firstly,without sounding to much like Scrooge, once again I thought it was a game of two distinct halves, with Donny shading the first half 60/40, even though I thought we were as likely to score, and I was impressed with the way Donny pressured high up the pitch and seemed to swamp the midfield. The second half swung in our favour, but IMO, we controlled the game more than Donny did in the first and I though we were in significant control, say 70/30. Of the pleasing aspects in the second half were the number of player who could have got on the score sheet and opened their accounts for the season. As mentioned above, it was very pleasing to prefix the match day ritual of reading out the team with the words “same as last time”, and lets hope this continuity breeds confidence and we continue to improve.

Secondly at half time Jez came over and stated his thoughts, as is his whim, he thought that when we put moves together we look better than we have for a long time, and we agreed. However, IMO we resembled the pilot episode of a comedy, when it clicked we looked very good, when it didn’t we looked a bit of a mess and you wondered if we had the ability to pull it all together to make it a lasting watch. There have been spells in most games where we have put a move together and you have thought, we could do something here, but these moments were so fleeting they were often lost amongst the crap. In the second half we looked like a unit, in the first half we had a massive gap between the strikers and the midfield, we were either forced on the defensive or we took that position up as a default position when we are under a slight bit of pressure. In the second half that gap was filled by Cork, and boy does he look good when he is on the front foot, but his job is made easier when he doesn’t have to look up to know he has options right and left.

Lastly, three minor points, A) why did the ref see a foul in every collision in the first half but the same things were passing without a blow on the whistle in the second? B) How the bleeding hell was there only 1 minute of injury time at the end of the first half, surely there should have been more? Yet the second half didn’t kick off until 1606? C) Why the fuck were the players fighting over who took the pen? These things should be decided prekick-off, it shouldn’t be a case of who grabs the ball first takes the pen, it should be a case of the person most likely to score takes the bloody thing.

HOW THEY LINED UP

Coventry: Westwood, Craine, Van Aanholt, Barnett, McPake (C), (Wood 79) Bell, Cork, Gunnarsson, McIndoe, Eastwood, (Madine 80), Best, (Morrison 80).

Subs Not Used: Ireland, Ward, Wright, Clingan.

Booked: None.

Sent Off: None.

Goals: Morrison 85.

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Westwood - 7. No real outstanding saves or any moments of inspiration, but that’s good isn’t it. A goalkeeper is only as good as the amount of work he has to do and it is credit to the defense that Westie had bugger all todo.

Craine - 7. Solid, reliable, secure and strong. Craine has made the right back berth his own and do to the strength in the centre of defence it may be in this position that Craine becomes a mainstay. His reading of the game and positioning is very important when playing alongside a player who has missed a lot of football over the last year and Craine was often seen sweeping in and behind McPake when required, but he never intruded on his captains areas when he wasn’t required and he played some nice balls into Bell. As he gets more games with Bell I would be expected a better understanding to develop as they are both good footballers with good balling brains.

Van Aanholt - 6. In the first half Donny really stretched the game and when he is up against a wide player who hugs the touchline PVA can be caught under the ball and he can lose his marker quite easily. Going forward he offers a direct approach, not as in lumping the ball but in running at the space in front of him, and will always look to release the ball forward quickly. He needs to improve defensively because he is still look frail and the system Donny played exposed him at will in the first half. However, it was a great cross in for Eastwoods header that hit the post but he needs to whip the ball in more often.

Barnett - 7. It is never easy playing against a lone striker, especially one who is small and not a big physical presence as you have to be wary of the space and Donny don’t match power with power. Barnett coped very well with the style of threat Donny offered and he read the balls through with an ease I doubted he possessed. A couple of touches in the oppositions box showed what technique he has but defensively he still doesn’t look as assured when he has to command the high ball.

McPake - 7. A whole hearted display by the returning Scot. Being handed the captains armband shows the faith that Coleman has in him, McPake reminds me of Colin Hawkins, his main theory is why take a second touch when the big wellie will find the crowd quicker? He throws himself at headers, tackles and blocks and what is there not to like? A no nonsense centre back in the old skool mode, but the jury is out as to whether he will be as effective against two interchanging strikers.

Bell - 8. What impresses me most about Bell is his ability to both retain the ball and get over his cross. He reads the game in a way that his distinct lack of pace isn’t an issue. The way he manipulates his body to control the ball, and create space is a lesson to the JSBs and the way he always manages to get the ball into the danger zone, with either foot, is going to reap rewards. The left hand side currently links up better that the right but if Best, Bell and Craine continue to try and they all fit and in the side sooner or later it is going to click.

Cork - 7. When we get on top, as we did in the second half, it is currently down to how Cork goes about his game, in the first half he was on the back foot and he was never in the positions to link with Eastwood or Best. He still works tirelessly but it tends to be a lot of chasing shadows, however, put him on the front foot, give him the ball facing their goal on or around the half way line and he will get us moving, his touch and quick feet get him out of trouble and he is prepared to take the ball under pressure and play quick football. I would prefer it if he got in the box more as he should be getting between 5 and 10 goals a season but when he is paired with Clingan he will improve again.

Gunnar - 6. Another improved performance but still lacking his all round game of last season. He never seems to dominant proceedings like he did last season. Is suffering more than Cork from a lack of Clingan and will be replaced when Clingan is fit. His long throws are woeful, they seem to be aimed at the first players chest, to what aim I have no idea. Got in a couple of decent blocks and never shirks his defensive duties but is still below par.

McIndoe - 7. The smile on McIndoes face now Bell is back must nearly be as large as Colemans. Allowed to play his own game without the responsibility of being the only wide player on the pitch, the opposition are now spread thinner than ever before and McIndoes probing movement and running is creating space for Eastwood and Cork to profit from. The more games this attacking 5 get the more McIndoe is going to create and the two times he broke into the box to get on the end of moves nearly provided us with a goal, however, if I had one criticism, and I do, it would be, aim across the fucking goal instead of going for the near post from such a tight angle.

Eastwood - 7. A great header last week on the south coast was matched by a great header in the first half yesterday, it was so good we all went, we were all convinced that he has bagged another but alas the ball hit the post and bounced out. If Best has been a bit less selfish Eastwood wonderful positioning would have been rewarded with a few more opportunities. A couple of wonderful cross field passes, and a beautiful through ball that led to the first pen, were indications of the confidence flowing through his veins and with the compact midfield and defence that Donny play there wasn’t the space through the middle that Bell and McIndoe were enjoying out wide but Eastwood continued to work hard but was correctly taken off as it just wasn’t going to be his day.

Best - 7. The lad is going through a dry spell and he is trying everything in his power to end it. In the first half he made a cracking run into the box and collected Eastwoods only to be bundled over and win the first pen, which he appeared to hit with the outside of his right foot and missed. In the second half he took a punt into the box on his chest and from an acute angle he struck a thunderous shot that Sullivan did very well to push round the post. He led the line very well and his control of some of our lesser passes was nice to see. Yes he was selfish at times but no more selfish than others have been and in the past he has been accused of not being goal hungry, I think it’s a nice change in the last year.

Subs.

Clinton - Scored the second pen, ok his celebration was a bit OTT, to the point it was more laughable than anything else, but I’m glad he is back on the goal trail.

Madine - Made more of an impact than Morrison in footballing terms and he is beginning to make things happen when he comes on. Make no mistake he is a handful for tired defenders and without a needless push he may well of broken his Coventry duck.

Wood - I‘m sure he did something.

The Manager

Coleman - 7. Is beginning to get his players back and the importance of players such as Bell must not be understated, we are a team with balance and we can resemble a coherent unit at times. We do have some intelligent footballers in the side and man for man the current midfield and strikers must be the most pleasing on the eye for a long time.

Donny play a pressing game which we failed to negate or deal with in the first half but we matched and counteracted this in the second half. When you start your attacks in your own half, with 8 of the outfield players behind the ball, it makes life a lot harder, however, by being on the front foot, by being positive and by allowing your team a bit more freedom, is this the reason behind the fact that Coleman has started to stand by the bench and not bark instructions all the time? We can progress. We do have the players who can think for themselves and can hurt the opposition, so lets play with a little less fear and a lot more freedom.

In short. Three wins on the bounce a deserved victory at that. We need a reserve wide player or two in Jan and we need to retain Best but if we keep the current crop of players fit we should have a better second half of the season than first half.

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The GMK Match Report: Sky Blues v Doncaster

By Ian Palmer

A late penalty from Clinton Morrison was enough to earn City all three points against in-form Doncaster, and ensure that 19,000 City fans went home to their turkey leftovers with festive smiles on their faces.

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Saturday 26th December 2009 – 15:00 – The Ricoh Arena

TEAM CHANGES

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

City were unchanged from the side that beat Plymouth.

Richard Wood and Sammy Clingan had recovered enough from their respective injuries to earn places on the bench.

Stephen Wright returned from suspension, but he too had to settle for a place on the bench. James McPake continued his captain’s duties.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

1st Half
Leon Best’s first half penalty miss looked like it might signal an afternoon of frustration for the City, but a strong second half performance and a penalty-taking lesson from Morrison took the Sky Blues to their third win in a row.

Rovers lined up in a 4-5-1 formation in an attempt to choke City’s midfield threat. That tactic looked to be paying dividends when Dean Shiels burst through from midfield and fired a shot which Keiren Westwood saved well with his legs.

Freddy Eastwood is City’s man on form, and he spread a delicious cross-field ball to McIndoe on the left. The Scot laid the ball back to Patrick van Aanholt whose right-foot cross picked out Freddy Eastwood in the area. Eastwood’s glancing header beat Neil Sullivan but came back off the post.

After City had put the ball out to allow an injured Doncaster player to get treatment, the referee ordered a drop ball and indicated to Leon Best that it would be polite if he knocked the ball back to Sullivan. Best, from 50 yards, hoofed one over the goalkeeper’s head and pinged it right off the bar to the outrage of the Doncaster fans and players. Best just shrugged his shoulders and got on with the game.

As the half wore on Doncaster increased their dominance in possesion, but they carved out few chances. A dangerous cross from James Chambers from the byline that missed everyone was the best of them. James McPake in particular ensured that City’s rearguard wasn’t to be breached with some determined no-fuss defending.

Then City were gifted an opportunity to take the lead. Eastwood chipped a lovely ball into the penalty area for Best. The big man stumbled before regaining his balance and nicking the ball past the onrushing Sullivan. The goalkeeper clipped Best, who cartwheeled before hitting the ground. The referee didn’t hesitate to award a penalty.

Best stepped up himself but cannoned his spot kick off the top of the post.

Minutes later Best had the opportunity to make amends for his miss. A long Aron Gunnarsson throw was flicked on by Leon Barnett. The ball fell kindly for Best inside the six-yard box, but still angry from his penalty failure, the striker blasted the ball high over the crossbar.

Half Time
Coventry 0-0 Doncaster

2nd Half
Coventry started the second half in the lively manner in which they finished the first. Best controlled a McIndoe cross on his chest and fired in a measured volley that Sullivan had to fling himself at to tip round the post. From David Bell’s corner, Barnett headed over.

Then Doncaster put together a move that should have yielded the equaliser. Jamie Coppinger broke down the right and played the ball into Billy Sharpe. The in-form striker miscontrolled the ball but managed to lay it off to Shiels in space inside the penalty area, but his effort was poor and sailed over the crossbar.

This chance seemed to signal an increase in tempo for City’s play, and after some nice passing interchanges between Cork, Eastwood, and McIndoe, the ball came to Gunnarsson who curled a long range effort just wide of the post.

Doncaster brought on James Hayter for Shiels and reverted to 4-4-2 in an attempt to regain control of the game and break the deadlock.

Sharpe sent a scuffed shot Westwood’s way which the keeper dealt with comfortably, before McIndoe sent an angled shot against the outside of the post at the other end. Gunnarsson had picked him out, and he, along with his counterpart Jack Cork, were now dominating midfield.

With ten minutes left to play, and City fans wondering if all their team’s pressure was ever going to yield a goal, Coleman swapped his strikers. Best and Eastwood made way for Clinton Morrison and Gary Madine. It didn’t take long for the new boys to make an impact.

A cross from the right from Cork was heading for Madine in the area, but the big on-loan striker was clearly being held by Donny defender Chambers and referee Shoebridge once again pointed to the spot.

No one was going to stop Morrison from taking the penalty, and he showed Best how it’s done by cooly dispatching the ball low into the corner to give City the lead with just five minutes remaining. Sullivan was off his line and still chirping at the referee about the spotting of the ball, but Morrison ignored all that and bagged his first goal for 13 games.

City brought all their players back as Rovers lay siege on the Coventry goal for the final minutes. Coppinger had an ambitious penalty claim turned down after he was felled in the area.

Four nervous minutes of stoppage time were what lay between City and the win. That passage was almost made smoother when Bell crossed low for Morrison in the area, but his shot was well saved with his legs by Sullivan.

Doncaster were unable to carve out any further chances and City reaped the rewards of an excellent second half display to notch their third win in a row.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

AFTER GAME QUOTES
Chris Coleman:

'It would have been a travesty if we didn't win. We were the better team.

'There were spells in the first half when Doncaster played some lovely football but we were patient and had good chances.

'That's our third win on the bounce and that's been thoroughly deserved because the players have been tremendous. They have stuck together.

'I was delighted for Clinton. It's not easy when you haven't scored for some time.

'But as soon as the penalty was was given, I knew there was only one man who was going to take it.'

Sean O’Driscoll:

'I thought the first one was a penalty - I would have expected it if it was our striker.

'We got a bit of luck with the miss but the second penalty was a soft decision to say the least.

'I've seen it on the monitors and I have already clipped four or five incidents that are exactly the same. Why one is a penalty and another isn't, I don't understand. You just want a bit of consistency.

'I thought we were organised and disciplined and never really looked in danger of conceding apart from their long throws which are effective even if they are unattractive to watch.'

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HOW THEY LINED UP
Sky Blues: Westwood, Cranie, Barnett, McPake (Wood 78), van Aanhlt, Bell, Cork, Gunnarsson, McIndoe, Best (Morrison 80), Eastwood (Madine 80)

Subs Not Used: Ireland, Ward, Wright, Clingan

Booked: None

Goals: Morrison 85 (pen)

Doncaster: Sullivan, Chambers, O’Connor, Shackell, Roberts (Guy 87), Coppinger, Gillett, Wilson (Spicer 87), Oster, Shiels (Hayter 66), Sharpe

Subs Not Used: Smith, Stock, Hird, Webster

Booked: None

Att: 19,221

Ref: R. Shoebridge

Man of The Match: : McPake – he may have only been able to last seventy-seven minutes, but his performance is still deserving of the MotM award.

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09/10 GMK PL Week 19, Game 23.

By Smiles

The Sky Blues record three back-to-back wins in the league for the first time since October 2007, a second in a row blank sheet, the first at home since West Brom in October of this year, and their first in the league since August. All this against a side with a record second to none over the last four games who have been adept at a few shut outs themselves as the league programme reaches its half way point. Predictable? How did you do?

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

(Mondays game vs Notts Forest (A))

(Last weekends game vs Doncaster (H))

To follow: (The Rules)

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

Here’s this weeks fixtures for you to predict.

Game 24: (Kick off deadline to post by: 3:00pm)
Predict the outcome of:

Notts Forest v Coventry:
First Goal Coventry Scorer:
Crowd:

Predict the outcome of the following games (3:00pm unless stated):
Home (H), Away (A) or Draw (D), (NO SCORES, you HAVE TO POST H / D or A):

Monday 28th December 2009:

Barnsley vs Middlesbro :
Blackpool vs Sheff Wed :
Bristol C vs Watford :
Doncaster vs Leicester :
Ipswich vs QPR :
Newcastle vs Derby 17:20:
Nottm Forest vs Coventry:
Peterborough vs Cardiff :
Plymouth vs Reading :
Scunthorpe vs West Brom :
Sheff Utd vs Preston :
Swansea vs C Palace :

Cheers Smiles.

Coventry City Results Prediction League
New leader alert!

MrTickle (+7) consolidates his hold on the top spot to go out alone with 74 points after narrowly avoiding a perfect 10 again. Sky_Blue_Up_North (+2) stays 2nd now even further back on 66 points whilst Turk1965 (+2) stays tucked in behind still in 3rd with 62 points. Infact the top 5 places stays static which means SteveC189 (+2), is still in 4th on 60, as LordSummerisle (+/-0) misses out again 5th still on 56 as the personell in the top 5 stays unchanged for a 2nd week.

Joining him in 5th also on 56 points are Perdomo (+3) upto 6th from 8th and AndrewBrown’s (+2) down from 6th to 7th. That knocks SundayRef (+2) back to 8th on 55 points still with HK_BlueSkies (+2) and Tisza (+2) stuck in 9th & 10th to complete the top 10.

No-one drops out of the top ten this week and 10-to-20 shuffles a little with no-one dropping out here either.

Still in 11th is Oblong (+2) on 53 points. BerksSkyBlue, (+3) moves up one place to 12th on 51 points. Two points stays SkyBlueBertie (+/-0) on 49 equal with the rising Danny (+3). A point behind them on 48 are SkyBlueNemo (+/-0) and QPRSkyBlue (+2) up from 18th to 16th. A trio on 47 points fill 17th to 19th SkyBlueExile (+1), Neil10 (+2) and Edgy (+3). Making up the top 20 is Torchie (+/-0) down four places to 20th.

Everyone else follows….

The gap from 1st to 10th is now 19 points (+5) & 1st to 20th 28 (+5).

Here’s the updated league.

The top 25 on the front page has also been updated.

If the board is down for any reason or you cannot post email me your predictions: gmkadmin@hotmail.co.uk

For a reminder on how to score points again check the rules on the home page on the blue bar, when I’ve asked Moz how to do it, I will get around to this honest!

Championship Results Prediction League
1 postponement (-2) this week with predictions wiped like the game.

We have a ‘new’ leader here in the form of BerksSkyBlue (+4) on 149 as neither of the tied top two from last week particularly covers themselves in glory with SkyBlueNemo (+3) goes 2nd on 148, now equal with RickyCCFC (+7) doing better to climb to 3rd from 5th. In 4th is KeanoNo1 (+2) 3 points behind and missing a great chance to make up ground as in 5th Blaggy (+1) manages to do even worse, as the top 5 predictors shuffle the pack.

Four points behind with 138 area a climbing duo in the form of Edgy (+6) Tisza (+4) up from 7th & 8th to 6th & 7th respectively. QPRSkyBlue (+3) misses the chance to make up ground and drops from 6th to 8th on 137. I’m (+5) still in 9th 3 points behind as BlindFaith (+7) jumps to 10th from 11th on the same number of points, 133, as Sky_Blue_Up_North, (+7) also up a place.

In 12th is a trio on 131 headed by the dropping Perdomo (+3) down from 10th and is joined by SBGus (+6) & Neil10 (+7) stuck solid in 13th & 14th. In fact everyone from 13th to 19th is a non mover this week so top scorer AndrewBrown (+8) stays 15th on 129, in 16th is Turk1965 (+4) on 123 followed Lagger (+5) Danny (+3) & CharlesMore (+3) in 19th. Finally in 20th is riser Oblong (+7) back in the top 20 on 115.

Dropping out of the top 20 this week is SundayRef (+2) who falls from 20th to 22nd.

So with 30 players (+2) this week 1st to 10th is now a gap of 16 points (-1) & 1st to 20th is now 34 points (-2)

The average points dropped from 5.82 to 4.86 (-0.95) despite more (+2) games and the overall total was down from 163 to 146 (-17).

There were 13 points (+1) to go for this and anyone with 8 points was a top scorer so no double digit returns this week.

Here's the table after week 19, Game 23:

Any issues then please e-mail me at the usual address!

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Match Preview: Notts Forest v Sky Blues.

By Smiles.

The Sky Blues go to high flying Forest looking for their first four game winning sequence since 2002/3 (December 2002) looking to emulate the festive wins against Stoke, Wolves, Derby & Reading under Gary McAllister. The biggest challenge of the festive period sees Forest on a formidable run of their own, where something, somewhere, for someone, in wintertime is going to give!

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THE SKY BLUES Vs THE TREES

Chris Coleman is relishing this afternoons game with 3rd placed Forest and has already indicated that there will be changes to his team as they go looking for 4th win on the bounce: “It will be a good atmosphere because they’re a big, big club with a lot of expectancy on them. I love games like that. The question now is where do we want to take it? We have got 28 points and are two wins away from the top six and a couple of points from the top half, but we are only nine points away from the bottom three as well”

'Are we happy winning three on the bounce and then falling away again, or do we want to take it on, so it will be interesting to see what happens. The confidence will be there at Nottingham but it will be a question of whether their legs will be there. I can change a couple but not as many as I would like.I have got to put out the physically strongest team I can to match up against Forest.”

'I will look at all the data and see who is ready and who is not and see what we have got. But whoever we put out we will be ready. I know Forest are playing well and have invested a lot of money in the team and they are right up there so we will be up against it. But, we they will be up against it as well and if we keep doing what we’re doing we will ask them one or two questions as well.”

As the transfer window looms, the Sky Blues have been linked with Stockport midfielder Chris Baker. The Edgeley Park teamhave been in administration since April this year and there are fears the club could be wound up next month. That has led to speculation that exits are on the cards in January and Baker, who joined from Morecambe in the summer of 2007, looks set to be the first player out of the door.

Stockport boss Gary Ablett commented: 'Until the takeover happens we will have to work with what we've got and people are coming in for our better players. It looks like we're going to lose Carl Baker to Coventry - it's disappointing but we've just got to get on with it.'

GAME ON – THIS WEEKS FIXTURES

TEAM NEWS
Richard Wood could return to The Sky Blues starting line-up for the trip to Nottingham Forest. The centre-half has been sidelined recently with an ankle injury but came on as a late substitute for James McPake in the 1-0 victory over Doncaster on Boxing Day.

Chris Coleman revealed after the game that McPake was suffering from cramp in his calf and it remains to be seen whether he will be fit to feature at the City Ground, despite his man of the match performance against Donny.

Freddy Eastwood may miss out after playing 80 minutes against Doncaster despite struggling with an illness. Clinton Morrison is likely to be handed a start should Coleman decide to hand Eastwood a rest after the City striker hit the winning penalty at the weekend.
Sammy Clingan is set to be named among the substitutes, again, against his former club as he continues his rehabilitation from a broken toe.But defenders Marcus Hall (calf), Ben Turner (ankle), Jordan Clarke (knee), midfielder Isaac Osbourne (knee) and goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopoulos are all set to remain on the sidelines.

Sky Blues from: Westwood, van Aanholt, Barnett, Wright, Bell, Wood, Eastwood, McIndoe, Cork, Gunnarsson, Madine, Morrison, Best, Cranie, McPake, Ireland, Grandison, Ward, Hussey, Cain, Clingan.

THE OPPOSITION
What else can you say about Forest and their amazing run, other than having spent all that money, you would have expected it, wouldn’t you? Having lost two games in September, back to back, both 0-1, both to Lancashire sides, both at home, Blackpool in the league and then Blackburn in the cup, Forest have been on a mazy run to 3rd place in the table, P 15 W 9 D 6 L0.

Strength in depth has been the byword for Billy Davies side, as much as big wage bill for a club who very recently suffered as many financial ills as the Sky Blues. Now talk is of promotion and a new stadium for the once famous club.

I must admit to having a dislike of the Nottingham club, a bit of a billy big bollocks side for me, arrogant fans, horrible stewards, a lingering threat of violence at their cramped ground, not so much as a tried potato on the shoulder, more of a complete chip shop!

Definitely Notts Forest for me, simple pleasures.

Forest may be on a 15-match unbeaten run but former Sky Blue striker Dele Adebola, now at the City Ground admits that the players are playing with a bit of fear. Adebola returned to the starting line-up in the last two matches and admits he has been motivated by the desire to keep the run going: 'It is a fantastic run. The onus is on the players who have the shirt to keep the run going. And I do think everyone is playing with a little bit of fear. We look like a team that does not want to be beaten; that is disappointed if we even pick up draws. We want to win every game we play.

He added: 'It will be a downer if it happens and the players do not want to be in the team that eventually loses. But we will do at some point. It is just down to us to make sure that we go out and give 100% at the very least.'

Although achieving at Forest, Billy Davies has not been short of speculation of late, the club have recently described reports that they have refused two rival Championship clubs permission to talk to their manager as 'nonsense'. A national newspaper claimed that QPR and Sheffield United want the Scot, whose record in the second tier is exemplary having guided Preston to the play-offs and got Derby promoted to the Premier League. However, a Forest spokesman stated that there had been no contact with either club. Davies took over at the City Ground in January and saved the club from relegation last season. In his first full campaign at the helm Forest currently lie 3rd in the Championship table.

Davies himself is keeping his feet on the ground despite his teams success, having done it all before, whilst spending another fortune at Direby, Davies admitted: 'We are far from the finished article. We have a lot of hard work ahead of us, a lot of tough games and times to come but I am delighted with the way we are developing.'

Adding: 'There is a fantastic mentality in the dressing room - a great mix of youth and experience - but nobody is getting carried away. Promotion has not been spoken of because everyone knows that we are work in progress and I stand by what I said that the aim for us is to have a strong mid-table finish. I don't listen to anybody - I stick by what I believe is the right team to win the game of football. It's all about doing the right thing for the right reason.'

Forest have been selected as a candidate host city for England's 2018 World Cup bid. England 2018 deputy chairman Lord Mawhinney announced the successful candidates which included Milton Keynes, Plymouth and several venues yet to be built - including Forest`s proposed new stadium.

“The Reds” plan to build a 45,000 all-seater stadium in the Gamston area of Nottingham, less than a mile from their current City Ground home, which was a venue in Euro ’96. Forest chief executive Mark Arthur commented: 'We are delighted and relieved that the city has cleared the first hurdle. It is important now that we work closely with other candidate host cities to ensure that England`s bid is as good as it can be and stands up to FIFA`s stringent criteria.'

Forest will hope to have Wes Morgan available for today’s game after the defender missed the goalless draw at Watford with a bout of tonsilitis. If he does not recover in time, Reds boss Billy Davies will stick with Luke Chambers alongside Kelvin Wilson at the heart of the back four.

Radoslaw Majewski and Nathan Tyson provide options in midfield should Davies want to freshen things up, while strikers Dexter Blackstock and Robert Earnshaw will also be hoping for recalls after only featuring as subs at the weekend. Guy Moussi has missed the last six matches with an ankle problem and the French midfielder continues to struggle.

Forest from: Camp, Chambers, Wilson, Gunter, Shorey, Cohen, Anderson, Tyson , McKenna, McGugan, Adebola, Blackstock, McGoldrick, Earnshaw, Smith, Lynch, Perch, MorganMajewski.

INS AND OUTS

In: David McGoldrick, (Southampton), Paul Anderson, (Liverpool), Dele Adebola, (Bristol City), Lee Camp & Dexter Blackstock (QPR), Chris Gunter (Tottenham), Paul McKenna (Stoke), Joel Lynch (Brighton).

On Loan Radoslaw Majewski (Groclin Grodzisk), Nicky Shorey (Vile).

Out: Ian Breckin, (Chesterfield), Richard Tait (Tamworth), Emile Sinclair & Hamza Bencherif (Maccclesfield).

Out On Loan Joe Heath (Lincoln), Brendan Moloney, (Notts County), Shane Redmond, (Burton), James Reid & Mark Byrne, (Rushden), Matt Thornhill & Arron Davies (Brighton).

Released Paddy Gamble, Tom Sharpe, Ryan Whitehurst, Adam Newbold, Karl Darlow & Mark Byrne.

DANGERMEN

Robert Earnshaw is leading scorer with 6 league goals in 6 (8) appearances. He’s backed by Dexter Blackstock with 5 from 12 (6). Forest spread their goals around the squad evenly with 3 players, (including former Sky Blue Dele Adebola) on 3 goals a piece and another 3 with 2.

Earnshaw was last years top scorer with 12 from 26 (6) with Joe Garner chipping in 7 from 19 (9).

FORM

Sky Blues - 16th The Championship: 28 points from 23 games.

Forest - 3rd, The Championship: 40 points from 23 games.

Forest has the 8th best attack in the league this season with 32 goals scored, 6 better than The Sky Blues

The Trees have the 2nd best defence in The Championship with 18 goals conceded, 15 better The Sky Blues

Last 8 League Games:

VISIT THE RIVALS

THE REF
The man in the middle today took most of last year off and hasn’t been a ref at one of our games since that glorious night at The Hawthorns in December 2007.

Mr M Clattenberg (Tyne & Wear)

Games across all leagues & competitions this season:

Games across all leagues & competitions last season:

Last City game Officiated in: WBA v Sky Blues 04/12/2007

Result: 2-4.

Performance: In the 25th minute a Baggies effort which had blatantly been controlled in the area by a handball, was lofted upto Tabb who was felled in full flow by Greening which should have earnt him a yellow, but Mr Clattenburg decided a stern word was enough as the home crowd barracked Tabb as he lay receiving treatment. Ward dispatched the resulting free-kick back upfield in a sporting gesture that, incredibly, received more boos…. As Mr Clattenberg added 2 minutes of ET the Sky Blues had contained the Baggies to a number of unsuccessfully executed corners and a few wild stabs at goal as the boos rained in as the half was bought to an end…… Albion skipper Jonathan Greening became the first player to be yellow card for a crude challenge with a deliberate trip on Mifsud. Robinson was look to escape a booking for a blatant nudge on Tabb in the West Brom box to throw the diminutive midfielder off the ball and then Robinson was needlessly booked for dissent, to earn his first yellow card, after The Sky Blues were awarded a free-kick moments later…. Albion now looked the more likely team to snatch the three points but they were reduced to 10 men with 20 minutes remaining as Robinson picked up a second yellow card for chopping down Mifsud again, as he left the field to a number of ‘cheerios!… Keily was lucky to stay on the pitch himself when he collected the ball outside of his area under immense pressure from Mifsud who was favourite to get to the ball first & round the keeper into an empty net, but despite being the last man & denying Mifsud a clear goal scoring opportunity he was shown a yellow card as the SBA reminded Mr Clatternburg that ‘he did not know what he was doing’….5/10

PREVIOUS
The Sky Blues last faced Forest at the City on Saturday 18th April 2009 recording a 1-0 loss. The Sky Blues fell to a sucker punch straight after half time. Coventry NIL. Yep again. Another defeat, another blank against a desperate Forest side. City had not scored now for 329 minutes and failed to find the back of the net in 13 games this season, Southampton apart, not scoring more than two in any league game. Goals = points, simple as.

Chris Coleman: “We defended for the goal poorly, we were asleep after dominating the first half were we should have scored we couldn’t break them down. But we were playing round pegs in square holes, but we should have done better.”

“Freddie is a better player than we are seeing, I’ve seen in him training banging them in, but on another day he would have scored. We warned them at half time that Forest would come out strong and be in our faces but one of my players switched off and the ball is in our net. We fell asleep on the edge on the box, no papering over the cracks, we just defended it badly and paid the price for it.”

'We were deflated by the goal but we should have been ahead in the first half when we created chances but didn't take any of them. We’ve lost a number of players, a lot of bodies to miss, we’ve lost the shape of the team and we’re back to square one, but that’s not why we lost the game through playing people out of position, we gifted them a goal, simple as that.”

“Scotty Dann will not play again this season, that’s another gone. I’m not worried about anyone else, we still need a point, we need to match two decent 45 minutes worth, not one, a game is won over 90 minutes.”

“Our fans were superb again today, in the 2nd half we lost concentration, if we’re trying to scrimp and scrap for points it shows we’re not good enough across the pitch and that’s what happened. But the game today summed up our season - some good, some bad - we should have done better with the chances we created. Largely it was all us. But I don't want to finish the season without putting an end to the run that we are in.'

Billy Davies: 'We let ourselves down in the first half by being nervous in our play but we showed a great appetite to win the game in the second half and I thought we deserved the three points.”

'They are maturing with every game and they now know how to get 1-0 wins, which is very important.

'By getting the win we've brought a number of other teams into the reckoning at the foot of the table but we've just got to take care of what is in front of us.'

Sky Blues: Westwood, Osbourne, Ward, Dann (Turner 69), Fox, Eastwood, Beuzelin, Gunnarsson, Doyle, Simpson (Cain 75), Morrison.

Subs Not Used: Marshall, Hall, Walker.

Booked: Doyle, Osbourne.

Goals: None.

HISTORY
Although our overall record against Forest is not that good, recently (in the last 20 years), it’s actually very credible at the City ground.

In 14 meetings from 1988-89 we’ve won 4, drawn 4 and lost 6 and are actually 50/50 in the last 8.

It’s had been that long since we played this shower you could almost forget they were famous. Once. After spending the 3 seasons back in the 3rd tier they were back promising bigger things, and failing. Prior to their eventual bounce back we visited them in August of 2004 when a nifty 4-1 helped the season start quite nicely an Andy Morrell double either side of half time was added to by on loan Johnson and Stephen Hughes before Forests Johnson, (David) scored a consolation.

The team that day was:

Sky Blues: Shearer, Carey, Shaw, Davenport, Staunton , Barrett, (McSheffrey, 81) , Sherwood, Hughes, Doyle, Johnson, (Suffo, 62), Morrell, (Bjarni Gudjonsson,62)

Subs not used: Whing, Marriott.

The season before that meeting was in 2004 when we also won in a smash and grab 1-0 win thanks to a Patrick Suffo 4th minute effort in 2003/4 and ‘credible’ 1-1 draw when ‘Jesus loves you’ Sara scored with Citys only real effort of the game on 87 minutes when we were battered for most of the game as Morten Hyldgaard produced wonders in the Sky Blues goal. City ended the game with 10 men as Gary Calderwell got sent off in the last minute.

The last eight meetings in this fixture have finished thus:

Full league Away record against Forest is as follows:

Overall record against The Tricky Trees Home & Away in all competitions is as follows:

The full detail of that can be seen here:

HOW TO GET THERE
Nottingham Forest F.C play at City Ground, Pavilion Rd, West Bridgford, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire NG2 5FJ, Tel: 0115 982 4444 (To get there print off the map on the link below!).

Going there leave the M1 at Junction 24 and take the A453 towards Nottingham. Then take the A52 East towards Grantham and then onto the A6011 into Nottingham. The ground is situated by the A6011. There is an alternative route to the ground from the South; Leave the M1 at Junction 21a (Leicester East) and follow the A46 dual carriageway towards Newark. After around 20 miles take the A606 towards Nottingham. At the first roundabout that is the junction with the A52, take the 4th exit onto the A52, signposted towards Grantham. At the next roundabout turn left onto the A6011 towards Nottingham. The ground is about a mile down this road.

Alternatively head for the M1 via Junction 25 when leaving after the game. Follow the A52 (Derby) signs and join the motorway at J25 . This applies to fans who are heading either North or South on the M1 . Although the route planners and Sat Navs say head for M1 Junction 24 , the A453 is notoriously bad for traffic and it can take up to an hour to get to Junction 24 . Although a slightly longer journey, when travelling south, getting to Junction 25 will take 20 minutes at the most and it is only five minutes down to Junction 24 once on the motorway'.

There is a large car park at the ground, otherwise there is some street parking to be had. The council operate a car park on match days on the Victoria Embankment, located near to the cricket ground. They charge £3 but it is only a two minute walk to the stadium'. It’s worth bearing in mind that as the one end of the ground backs onto the River Trent, you cannot drive around it, so it is probably best to park at first available opportunity, or you may find yourself crossing the River Trent and having to comeback on yourself again.

WERE TO DRINK
Our old watering hole at the cricket club is now, apparently, home fans only as are the bulk of the pubs around the ground. Friendly fookers. So apart from trying the club at the far superior Notts County Ground, just down the road, the football ground guide suggested the following: If you are arriving by train and have a bit of time on your hands, then I would suggest that you check out the ‘Olde Trip To Jerusalem’. This historic pub dates back to the 12th century and some of the rooms are ‘cave like’ having been carved out of the rock that Nottingham Castle is situated upon. Add real ale, food and a small beer garden, then it is certainly worth a visit. It is about a five minute walk away from the train station. As you come out of the station turn right. At the top of the road turn left and then take the second right into Castle Road. Just tucked away on the left is the pub.

Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem, Brewhouse Yard, Castle Rd, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire NG1 6AD, Tel: 0115 947 3171

You can find a map of how to get there,

AMAZING FACTS
It is generally accepted that Forest were formed in 1865 from a Shinny team who wanted to take up the new game of football.(Shinny or shinney was an early form of hockey). They named themselves Forest after the Forest Recreation or (racecourse) Ground (local opinion is divided on this point), which was the field they first played on.

Harry Radford was the first recognised manager between 1889-97, followed by Haslam (1897-1909), then Earp until 1912, and Masters between 1912-25. Forest have had some famous names as managers over the years, including Johnny Carey, Dave Mackay, Stuart Pearce, Ron Atkinson, and most famous of them all 'Old Big Head' Brian Clough.

The City Ground is Forest's 7th home, after various moves around sites near the City. Forest have been at their present home since 1900.

The club first played at Forest Racecourse from 1865-79, then The Meadows until 1880, followed by a spell at Trent Bridge until 1882, then Parkside (1882-85), Gregory (1885-90), Town Ground (1890-98), and then the City Ground. Forest were first elected into the League in 1892.

Nottingham Forest are the only team to have won the European Cup more times than their domestic title.

Forest hold claim to a number of footballing innovations. Forest captain Sam Weller Widdowson is credited for inventing shinpads, after cutting down some cricket pads and wearing them on the outside of his stockings in 1874.[12] It was another 100 years before the FA made shinpads a compulsory piece of equipment for professional footballers.

Another notable feature of the modern game was introduced in a game between Forest and Sheffield Norfolk . Previously the referees had used a flag system to signal, it was in this game that the whistle was first used, and Sam Widdowson's feedback helped ensure that this became the standard.

After solid crossbars were introduced, it was again at Forest that nets were first attached to goals to catch the ball after a goal was scored. Amazingly the referee on the day was the previously mentioned Sam Weller Widdowson, who gave his approval to the FA.

Forest are the only club to be drawn to play in all four Home Nations in the FA Cup. In 1885, they lost a semi-final replay to Queen's Park in Edinburgh, Scotland. Linfield was due to be played in a replay in Belfast, Ireland in 1888 before scratching. The fourth nation was completed when Cardiff City were played in 1922 in Cardiff, Wales.

Most modern stadiums have Forest to thank for the lettering spelling out club names in the seats - the Executive Stand (now the Brian Clough Stand) was the first stand to have this feature, when it was built in the early 1980s.

Nottingham Forest hold numerous English football records. These include paying the first £1 million fee for a footballer (Trevor Francis). Brian Clough, then Forest manager, notes in his autobiography that the agreed fee was actually £999,999, but taxes took it above the £1million mark.

Forest are also the only team to have won the European Cup and then been relegated to the third tier of domestic football.

Notts County's Meadow Lane and Nottingham Forest's City Ground are the two closest league football grounds in England - just 245 yards (224 m) apart.

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The GMK Match Report: Notts Forest v Sky Blues.

By Javed Peacevale

The Sky Blues end the year with a spirited loss against a side surely to figure in the end of season play-offs. Billy Davies may think that his team ‘are not ready’ for that challenge but as they extend their amazing unbeaten run, ending the Sky Blues own, he had some kind words to say about City’s performance which may have marked the end of a number of current Sky Blues players City careers.

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Monday 28th December 2009 – 3.00 pm The City Ground.

TEAM CHANGES

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As predicted James McPake made way for Wood in the centre of the City defence and Morrison for Eastwood upfront, in the only changes to both the team and the squad that beat Doncaster on Boxing Day.

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1st Half.
The Sky Blues started brightly ensuring the hosts didn’t rest on their laurels with Leon Best playing against his home town club, Best heading down into the path of Michael McIndoe in the area as early as the 2nd minute for the chance to be wasted and then supplied Aron Gunnarsson who dragged a long range effort wide a minute later.

After soaking up the initial pressure Forest had the ball in the back of the net after ten minutes when Nathan Tyson blasted a shot from in from just 15 yards out into the roof of Westwood's net only to have played pulled back and the effort ruled out for offside. Not to be outdone The Sky Blues should have taken the lead after 10 minutes but Leon Best mis-timed a header of his own from David Bell`s cross.

Tyson was forced to defend a minute later as Morrison's low cross forced the Forest winger to head behind his own net. The rejuvenated Morrison was then as unlucky as Best was earlier as he nearly got onto the end of a similar cross from Michael McIndoe in the 14th minute, making contact with the ball only to see it pop over Lee Camp's crossbar.

At the other end, Kelvin Wilson went close with a header before Kieran Westwood came to City’s rescue in the 22nd minute when the dangerous Earnshaw turned Wood before firing from 20 yards forcing the Republic of Ireland international to tip the effort over his bar.

City we’re giving as good as they got in a fairly even paced first period and Best had another half chance with ten minutes of the first period when keeper Camp split a long range shot which trickled through his legs rolling out, narrowly, for a City corner.

But Sky Blues hopes of ending the half on a high were dashed with just 3 minutes to go as Forest went ahead following a quick break led by Radoslaw Majewski. The chance actually came via a Sky Blues corner as the Pole collected the ball and raced downfield. Finding Earnshaw with a perfectly-weighted pass and the Welsh international expertly lifted the ball over the advancing Westwood to chip over the Irish International Keeper who had come off his line to ground at the striker's feet.

So despite a reasonable first period City had been sunk by a sucker punch just before the break and were unfortunate to go in one down at the break.

Half Time
Half time: Notts Forest 1-0 Coventry.

2nd Half
If the first period had been ran at an even tempo then the 2nd started more a paced as City looked to pull a goal back and Forest to extend their lead.

A brilliant save from Lee Camp kept Forest ahead to deny Clinton Morrison at the start of the second half just keeping Forest in front as Patrick van Aanholt's shot rebounded off Wes Morgan straight into Morrison's path and his following shot was then turned away for a corner by the Forest 'keeper.

Forest were not to be outdone, as City battled for the equalizer, Forest came close to doubling their lead, just two minutes later when Wilson again got to the Coventry dead ball line and cut back for Blackstock, fortunately for City the pass was played just too far behind the striker in the six-yard box as City escaped.

But all the warning signs were there for City as the powerful Forest side upped the ante as the Sky Blues increasingly came under the cosh. Tyson had a chance to make it 2-0 soon afterwards but he dragged his shot wide from a good position inside the box.

After those lucky escapes the Sky Blues created a couple of chances of their own with McIndoe going close a minute later as Morrison teed him up on the edge of the Forest box the City winger's shot curled around the grateful Camp's near post. Tehn Gunnarsson forced a desperate stop out of Morgan five minutes after the hour with a low shot from a tight angle.

That was enough for the Forest manager and Nathan Tyson was replaced by McCleary just past the hour as Billy Davies made his first change of the game. Coleman reacted as David Bell was replaced by Freddie Eastwood on 64 minutes as Coleman went for a more attacking option to save something from the game.

The largely ineffective Cork made way for Clingan on 70 minutes as the influential City midfielder came on to face his former club. Then former Sky Blue Dele Adebola was welcomed warmly by both sets of supporters as he replaced the tiring Earnshaw with almost a quarter of an hour to go.

The changes proved decisive for Forest as Blackstock did finally double the Reds' advantage with just 12 minutes remaining. Dele Adebola did well down the forest left-hand side of the box just inside the 6 yard box, bludgeoning in his characteristic style to the line and then cutting back the ball for his strike partner to shoot past Westwood.

Coleman’s final change saw Leon Best leave the field for what may have been the final appearance of his City career to be replaced by Madine. Sub Clingan caused some consternation in his former clubs box on 79 minutes as his corner flashed across the six-yard area but missed the vital final touch in a game of disappointing set pieces for the Sky Blues

With 5 minutes to go Majewski made way for McGugan in the final substitution of the game as Adebola went close to a third goal in the final minute but his shot from the edge of the area just cleared the crossbar.

The win ensured that Forest ended 2009 unbeaten in 16 games - the club's longest run without defeat in the league since the Brian Clough era, when they went on a record-breaking 42-game unbeaten streak between November 1977 and November 1978.

The Sky Blues ended 2009 beaten but not bowed as recent performances have shown we’ve enough in the locker to offer a challenge that should see us secure a safe mid table berth. However to achieve the heights that Forest are scaling will need some further investment that it appears that SISU are unwilling, or unable, to provide and another few rounds of transfer window wheeling and dealing look on the cards to supply the lack of class City have to finish off games like Mondays, when we created chances but didn’t convert them.

Westwood handed his jersey to supporters at the end of the game and you have to wonder whether it will just be him that misses next weeks game at Pompey as City may be tempted not to cup – tie any potential transfer departures, Best wait and see!

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

AFTER GAME QUOTES
Chris Coleman:

'We have played one of the best and strongest teams in the Championship today and we have made them work very hard for their victory.”

'When you have two games in quick succession and the second is away to Forest, it doesn't come much harder. We didn't have the luxury of freshening things up and I think fatigue played a part in us conceding the first goal.”

'The second was a fantastic strike and killed us off but until that stage we were very much in the game and capable of getting something from it. At the end of the day we have given a good account of ourselves and I am more than happy with the performance of the players.'

Billy Davies:

“We have a 'we' mentality at this football club - not 'me' - and the players we have here all deserve credit for the job they're doing.”

'It's been necessary to rotate to keep players as fresh as possible over the holiday period.”

'But the players who have come in have done wonderfully well.'

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

HOW THEY LINED UP
Sky Blues: Westwood, Barnett, Cranie, Wood, Van Aanholt, Bell, (Eastwood,64) , McIndoe, Cork, (Clingan,70), Gunnarsson, Morrison, Best. (Madine,83).

Subs Not Used: Ward, McPake, Ireland, Wright,

Booked: None.

Goals: None.

Forest: Camp, Morgan, Wilson, Gunter, Shorey, Tyson, (McCleary, 62),Cohen, McKenna, Majewski, (McGugan,84), Blackstock, Earnshaw, (Adebola,74).

Subs Not Used: Smith, Chambers, McGoldrick, Anderson,

Booked: Tyson

Goals: Earnshaw, 42 Blackstock, 78.

Att: 28,608.

Ref: Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear). 7/10

Man of The Match: : Van Aanholt.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

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09/10 GMK PL Week 19, Game 24.

By Smiles.

The Sky Blues recent, and decent, run comes to an end against the Tricky Trees – those of spending loadsa money, (they can’t afford?) fame, in a closer than at first inspection Predictable? How did you do?

PLEASE NOTE: IN A DEPARTURE FROM THE LAST FEW SEASONS, WE ARE DOING A LIMITED NUMBER OF FA CUP PREDICTORS THIS SEASON, STARTING SATURDAY. (However these are catch up predictions for a limited number of posters only).

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

(The Next league game vs Barnsley (H) 8th January 2010)

(Saturday’s game vs Portsmouth (A)) PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A CATCH UP GAME AND IS LIMITED TO CERTAIN PLAYERS ONLY

(Mondays game vs Notts Forest (A))

To follow: (The Rules)

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

Here’s this weeks fixtures for, a limited number of, you to predict.

This is a bonus game to make up for those who missed the Cov v Middlesboro & Watford v Cov games due to site problems when we were up and down more than Leicester City's league status.

It is for the following predictors only: Andrew Brown, BigBen, BlindFaith, CCSBA, GubbaLookAlike, HK-BlueSkies, KeanoNo1, DimiTheGreat, Lagger, LordSummerisle, Pegasus87, Oblong, RossMorley, Sky_Blue_Up_North, SkyBlue87, SkyBlueBertie, SkyBlueExile, SternsLovChild, Vicar_In_A_Tutu, WarwickHunt, Wils, (or anyone who has joined since and would like to catch up games they may have missed).

Bonus Game: (Kick off deadline to post by: 3:00pm)
Predict the outcome of:

Portsmouth v Coventry:
First Goal Coventry Scorer:
Crowd:

Predict the outcome of the following games (3:00pm unless stated):
Home (H), Away (A) or Draw (D), (NO SCORES, you HAVE TO POST H / D or A):

Saturday 2nd January 2010, FA Cup 3rd round:

Aston Villa v Blackburn:
Blackpool v Ipswich:
Brentford v Doncaster:
Bristol City v Cardiff:
Huddersfield v West Brom:
Leicester v Swansea:
Nottm Forest v Birmingham:
Plymouth v Newcastle:
Portsmouth v Coventry:
Scunthorpe v Barnsley :
Sheff Wed v Crystal Palace:
Wigan v Hull:

Cheers Smiles.

Coventry City Results Prediction League
Another new leader alert!

Sky_Blue_Up_North (+9) is a number of 9 point players who correctly predicted a 2-0 loss but were out on the crowd to miss the perfect 10. He moves upto 1st from 2nd now making up the gap, now on 75 points. Meanwhile last weeks leader, MrTickle, draws a blank (+/-0) to drop from the top spot and go 2nd, still, with 74 points. Last weeks 3rd Turk1965 (+3) stays tucked in behind, still in 3rd, with 65 points followed by SteveC189 (+3), still in 4th on 63, Perdomo (+5) moves upto 5th from 6th on 61 points.

Now in 6th on 60 points is SundayRef (+5) from 8th equal with HK_BlueSkies (+5) who moves up with him from 9th to 7th. In 8th is Tisza (+3) moving upwards from 10th
Which means the missing in action LordSummerisle (+/-0) misses out again and drops from 5th to 9th still on 56 level with AndrewBrown’s (+/-0) down from 7th to 10th to complete the top 10.

No-one drops out of the top ten this week.

Still in 11th is Oblong (+2) on 55 points but bounding up to join him is Blindfaith (+9) on 54 points nudging aside BerksSkyBlue, (+2) who moves back down one place to 13th from 12th on 53 points. Another riser is CCSBA (+9) upto 14th from 26th on 52 points level with Danny (+3) in 15th.

Two points behind him are QPRSkyBlue (+2) and Neil10 (+3) both on 50 points followed by SkyBlueBertie (+/-0) on 49 equal with Edgy (+2). Finally the duo making up the top 20 points scorers are VicarInATutu (+3) nudging into the top 20 and SkyBlueNemo (+/-0) both on 48 points.

Dropping out of the top 20 are SkyBlueExile (+/-0) from 17th to 23rd and Torchie (+/-0) down four places from 20th to 24th.

Everyone else follows….

The gap from 1st to 10th is still 19 points (+/-0) & 1st to 20th 27 (-1).

Here’s the updated league.

The top 25 on the front page has also been updated.

If the board is down for any reason or you cannot post email me your predictions: gmkadmin@hotmail.co.uk

For a reminder on how to score points again check the rules on the home page on the blue bar, when I’ve asked Moz how to do it, I will get around to this honest!

Championship Results Prediction League
2 postponements (+1) this week with predictions wiped out like the fixture.

The top 5 stays the same here with BerksSkyBlue (+5) still top on 154 with SkyBlueNemo (+4) 2nd on 152, staying equal with RickyCCFC (+4) in3rd . In 4th is KeanoNo1 (+5) now 2 points behind followed by Blaggy (+2) doing only marginally better than last week.

Closing the gap in 6th is Tisza (+5) up from 7th followed by a duo of Edgy (+4) in 7th & QPRSkyBlue (+5) in 8th both on 142 points. I’m (+7) still in 9th edging closer a point behind as BlindFaith (+5) stays 10th.

In 11th in their own right is Sky_Blue_Up_North, (+4) on 137, up 2 places is Neil10 (+5) in 12th from 14th on 136, followed by a duo on 134 two points behind, (Perdomo (+3) & AndrewBrown (+6).

In 15th is SBGus (+/-0) followed by a trio of non movers from 16-18th Turk1965 (+4) on 127 followed Lagger (+4) & Danny (+4). The last 2 places are taken by a duo on 121 points swapping places, firstly Oblong (+7) & then CharlesMore (+3).

No-one drops out of the top 20 this week.

So with 32 players (+2) this week 1st to 10th is still a gap of 16 points (+/-0) & 1st to 20th is now 33 points (-1)

The average points dropped from 4.86 to 4.62 (-0.24) despite more (+2) playing and the overall total was up, just from 146 to 148 (+2).

There were a mere 11 points (-2) to go for this week and anyone with 7 points was a top scorer so no double digit returns this week.

Here's the table after week 19, Game 24:

Any issues then please e-mail me at the usual address!

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

Have an article to publish?

Have your say on GMK! GMK Prints open Access Articles from any contributor.

Mail us at:

To every reprobate who has viewed, read, contributed, been featured in, talked about, posted or commented on, posted upon, speculated with, slagged, praised, (a rarity I know) or even just as a passing whim thought of, on our humble little website, we’d like to wish you a happy new year – except Leicester City, nah not really…..

Happy New Year from GMK!

By Smiles.

Raise a cup of kindness to you all, (yes even you Robbie Savage, well, perhaps not!) as we see out the old and cheer in the new in the passing of the year.

Smiles, Moz, Knowl, Ian, Mel and Javed would all like to take the time to wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp,
And surely I'll be mine,
And we'll tak a cup o kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

We twa hae run about the braes,
And pou'd the gowans fine,
But we've wander'd monie a weary fit,
Sin auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidl'd in the burn
Frae morning sun till dine,
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin auld lang syne.

And there's a hand my trusty fiere,
And gie's a hand o thine,
And we'll tak a right guid-willie waught,
For auld lang syne

And all that bollox, innit, and ting.

PUSB

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

If you would like to reply to this article, add a report, review or express a view on any topical Sky Blue issue on GMK open access articles, just email it to:
gmkadmin@hotmail.co.uk

Have your say on GMK! GMK Prints open Access Articles from any contributor.

The floor is yours; open access on GMK, (normal editorial rights apply) and you can get on your soapbox about whatever you want, any opinion & any hue of the Sky Blue Rainbow!

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

Sky Blues seal Hussey and Wood deals

By Ian Palmer.

Coventry City has marked the opening of the January transfer window with the permanent signings of Chris Hussey and Richard Wood for undisclosed fees.

Hussey and Wood were previously on loan to the Sky Blues from AFC Wimbledon and Sheffield Wednesday respectively, but chairman Ray Ranson has now moved to make the additions permanent. Both have signed three-and-a-half year deals.

Although Hussey has yet to start a game for City, he has impressed in four substitute appearances. Chris Coleman revealed to the club’s official website that Hussey’s cameo performances have not gone unnoticed.

“We bought Chris Hussey as one for the future because he is, in my opinion, the best left-back in the conference.

“In the short time he has been here, we have already had three or four enquiries from other clubs asking if we will let him out on loan, and we have told them ‘no’.

“In Chris we have got someone who we feel is going to turn into a very good player. It’s all in front of him, and we are looking forward to continually working with him.”

Richard Wood has made four starts as captain for Coventry, one substitute appearance, and scored one goal since arriving on loan in November.

Coleman also spoke of his admiration for the 24-year-old centre-back.

“Richard Wood has always been a target for me ever since I arrived at Coventry, so I am delighted we now have him.

“I think he is one of the best defenders in the Championship as his performances for us to date have shown.”

With Patrick van Aanholt returning to Chelsea after his loan period, and West Brom’s refusal to let Leon Barnett participate in FA Cup matches, both Hussey and Wood are in-line to make starts in Saturdays match against Portsmouth.

Player Ratings and Nothing Upfront

By Knowl

A fair result, when assessing the game with sky blue glasses on, out of a game which fizzed by at a high tempo with sporadic moments of ability and, considering how quickly the game went by, very few notable moments. Pompey are no advert for the Prem, with very few moments of controlled play and only the one player who looked top quality, to be fair Boateng was the best player on the pitch, they are there for the taking in the replay.

May I extend a thank you to the fan in the Coventry invaded pub who had a ticket for sale, that made our lives a lot easier and I hope you enjoyed your day.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______________________________

Saturday 2nd January – 15.00pm Fratton Park

Three Parish Notices.

Firstly, Pompey are in a bad way on and off the pitch but the only team that deserved to win yesterday were not the plucky underdogs, they had the only player who could boss a game and they missed more than enough chances to bury us. However, we had 10 players who could be extremely happy with their work rate and contribution to a hard fought draw. Not all of those players played well but none of them deserved to be on a losing side and a draw was just rewards for them. The other two will be discussed later and it could be argued it wasn’t their fault but their impacts on the game were negligible at best. After a scrappy but frenzied first half hour in which the ball resembled a hot potato to get rid of ASAP, Pompey finally showed a little composure to build a decent attack which resulted in a decent chance, from that missed chance we punted the ball, it bobbled around a bit, Gunnar fed Bell and the right winger found his first goal of the season and Covs first goal of the decade. Sorry that was a little disparaging, Bell struck the ball sweetly into the far corner from an acute angle 25 yards from goal, in to the only part of the goal the keeper couldn’t reach and the pillar prevented me from seeing.

Secondly from that bright moment we only had two more shots on goal of note in the remaining hour and its far to say that our strikers were given an unthankful task that I’m not thanking them for. Everyone who reads these things will be a Cov fan who has watched the partnership of Clinton and Freddie and will know certain truths, a) they are shit at dealing with the long ball, Clinton jumps into the opposition and Eastwood doesn’t even do that much, b) they don’t stand anywhere near each other when they have the ball so they have no easy outlet, c) they are not quick, d) they don’t worry defenders if we don’t get the ball into the oppositions box, e) and most crucially, they both play better alongside a target man, or in our case Best. So Coleman, was Best dropped because, 1) you didn’t want to use him and cuptie him possibly dropping value, 2) he hasn’t been playing well, 3) you aren’t taking the cup as seriously as the league, 4) you wanted to waste everyones time by seeing if Clinton and Freddie can play together in a game where we will spend a lot of time just clearing our lines? I know people don’t rate Best but your wrong, without him we are a much poorer side who are even less effective and barring a wonder strike by Bell we would never have scored. We showed more penetration in the 10 or so minutes Best was on than we did all game and it took until the 81st minute for us to win our first long ball.

Lastly, Pompeys goal was very soft but apart from that the defensive unit was solid enough and the midfield all played well. There were positives to take out of the game and the January signings need to be a left back, if Coleman doesn’t rate Hussey buy in someone you do rate to play left back, a wide player with pace and a direct replacement in attributes wise for Best if your not going to sign Madine and then we should be okay until the summer.

HOW THEY LINED UP

Coventry: Westwood (Konstantopoulos 45), Wright (c), Craine, Wood, McPake, Bell, Clingan, Gunnarsson, McIndoe, Eastwood, Morrison (Best 74)

Subs Not Used: Ward, Hall, Hussey, Grandison, Jeffers

Booked: Wright, Wood

Sent Off:

Goals: Bell, 30

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______________________________

Westwood - 8 Three top class saves kept us in it during the first half, but he could do nothing with the goal. Needed to vary his distribution as the long balls to the strikers wasn’t working, but like his replacement at half time he did as much as anyone to earn a draw.

Dimi - 8 Two top class saves in the second half kept us in the tie and the returning Greek looked as solid as his team mate had in the first half. His distribution was a little less accurate but that helped us win throw-ins in dangerous areas, why he had to come on I don’t know and its not easy to enter a game at half time for a keeper but he did us proud.

Wright - 6 An improvement on his previous performances and he seemed more focused on his area than on current form. When Pompey looked their most dangerous it was often down his side and some of his clearances left a lot to be desired, also for a man of such experience it is very frustrated watching him be as casual with his distribution as he is, take time man for fucks sake. But, to use a Dowieism, he put in a shift and was resolute in his defensive display.

Craine - 7 Shifted to left back to accommodate the returning Wright and to replace the departed PVA. After a nervous looking start where Pompey used the fact he was on his weaker side to their advantage, eg, running at him to the byline knowing he couldn’t stick out a leg and be confident in doing so, and he lost his man or failed to communicate at least that Boateng was free for the goal, however, he grew into the role and by the middle of the second half he was master of his surroundings, winning tackles and even venturing forward to assist McIndoe. Has the distribution of a good player and is up there for player of December due to his consistent performances regardless of his position along the back line.

McPake - 8 Look up the term “no nonsense centre back” in the dictionary and there is picture of Brian Kilcline, soon the picture of James McPake will be inserted alongside it. If it’s there to kick it he will, if it is there to header it he will head it. He is the sort of defender we need at times and he is becoming a sort of cult hero. However, any old idiot can throw themselves at the ball, what really stood out was the sort of run not seen since Big Mo was here, the sort of charge that confuses the opposition because suddenly they are being run at by the centre half and McPake even had the ability to feed the ball through to Clinton, unfortunately for all of us the ball hit Clintons ankles and thus lost the momentum needed to get in front of him so his shot could be got away before the defender could cover and Clinton cleared the bar during the defender challenge.

Wood - 7 Not as all action as McPake but he did his job solid enough. Now a fully fledged member of the Sky Blue squad Wood needs to settle quickly because he is under pressure to keep his place and for my money he needs to show a little more than he is at the moment. With Pompey playing a 433 formation Wood needed to take more control of his area as he wasn’t really marking anyone and while that is a difficult skill he needed to be more commanding, and like Craine questions have to be asked about what he was doing for the goal.

Bell - 7 Not his best game since his return but once again he showed his ability to hold the ball and feed his team mates with accurate and correctly weighted ball. A wonder strike for the goal is pleasing to see and he now needs to build on that for the remainder of the season as goals from midfield are a scarcity for us at the moment. Didn’t close down the Pompey players as quickly as I would have liked at times and made some strange defensive decisions but there is no doubt we are stronger and better with the ball when he is around.

Clingan - 7 Picks up some strange positions on the pitch and often found space to play on the left wing. His cross field passes to Bell will reap greater rewards against sides slower to react and his return may have been the reason that Gunnar gave his best all round performance for many a month. Like Bell not a great game but that was because we never really got into a groove for any length of time and due to the tempo encouraged by Pompey the game was never slowed to the pace Clingan finds his most effective. But after a long time out it was good to see him back and comfortable in his game.

Gunnar - 8 Ran his heart out and was more like the player of last season. When he keeps things simple he has an easy way of playing the game and he very rarely gives the ball away, he did do some odd things that didn’t work but I don’t think we wont him to lose that from his game. A rampaging run into the box in the first half illustrated the freedom he is allowed by the returning Clingan and without the shackles of looking behind for cover he worked tirelessly to put Pompey under pressure higher up the pitch.

McIndoe - 7 Like Bell it wasn’t the game for him to shine as an attacking force but he tracked back and helped make the left hand side the more secure defensively of the two. With no Best in the side we never started any attacks in the Pompey half so until the last 15 he was getting the ball to deep and with no one to link with from behind and Eastwood having a particularly ineffective game McIndoe was often isolated and he was finding his only outlet balls to be backwards inside to Gunnar or Clingan.

Eastwood - 5 There is no reason to be coy about it, the guy did nothing, yes he harried a bit and yes the balls to them were poor but alongside Clinton he was never really in the game. However, he gets bumped a little for his last 15 performance, or post the introduction of Best, when either of them would have been more involves. We won our first flick on in the 81st minute and to Eastwoods credit he picked up the flick on and tried to force something to happen, he even started to go wide and link with McIndoe but was too little too late.

Morrison - 5 Made three clearances, which got gradually less effective but at least he did something in the first half. Had the shot presented to him by McPake in the second but that was it. Not his fault maybe but like Eastwood you have to offer something when you are on the pitch and I wouldn’t have been overly cruel in giving them both a 4 but they were not at fault altogether.

Subs

Best - Won a header, skinned Kaboul and basically made us an attacking threat at last.

The Manager

Coleman - 6 If you have two left backs on the bench, why the fuck have two right backs on the pitch? If you knew that PVA was going back to Chelsea why the fuck haven’t you given Huessy more minutes so his first start wouldn’t have been in the cup against Prem opposition? Why the fuck did you make us suffer the woeful Clinton - Eastwood partnership again, it doesn’t fucking work?

It wasn’t a difficult line up to get right yet we managed to get through the game, when Best doesn’t start in games where the opposition are as good or better than us we have no plan A and we struggle to get a foothold in the oppositions half. The back four and midfield all like they knew their jobs and they should be congratulated but until we make ourselves slightly more attacking and start to defend a little higher up the pitch our strikers will continue to feed of scrapes. Now I know that there were going to be periods when we were under the cosh but Pompey are in a right old state at the moment and the ground was less than half full and we made up over a quarter of the gate, we should have been given something to cheer, something top bring us into play but we never really got going ourselves and, lets be honest between me and you, we could of lost that match but we were never going to win it, that game could have been there for the taking and we can beat them in the replay but we have to be a little less cautious and a little more confident to play our own way.

In short. The fact that either of our keepers could be MOTM and all our defenders outshone our strikers says a lot. Pompey are an ugly team to watch, in pretty ugly surroundings, but a draw was the most we deserved and there are still a lot more questions than answers when it comes to team selection.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______________________________

Something to contribute or Going To the Game?
Do you go to the game?

Want to write a match report or preview to this or any other game?

Have an article to publish?

Have your say on GMK!

Mail us at:

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______________________________

Sky Blues to play, to play, Sunderland!

By Smiles.

Coventry City will face Steve Bruce’s Sunderland at home in the 4th Round of the FA Cup, should they beat Portsmouth in their 3rd Round Replay on Tuesday, 12 January.

Bruce is a popular figure with the Sky Blues support for his fair and even handed dealings in the transfer market in recent years.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

The reward for any victory over Premiership Portsmouth will be a home tie against another Premiership club in the form of Steve Bruce’s Sunderland on Saturday, 23 January, (subject to Television scheduling)

The tie raises the tantalizing prospect of an SBA inspection of Bruce’s proposed move for City keeper Kieran Westwood

Bruce endeared himself to the Sky Blue faithful in the manner of his pursuit of Gary McSheffrey whilst Manager of Birmingham City

“Slim”, Steve Bruce.

The Full draw 4th round draw:

Southampton v Ipswich,
Reading/Liverpool v Burnley,
Millwall/Derby v Brentford/Doncaster,
Bristol City/Cardiff v Leicester,
Stoke v Arsenal,
Notts County/Forest Green v Wigan,
Scunthorpe v Man City,
West Brom v Plymouth/Newcastle,
Everton v Nottm Forest/Birmingham,
Accrington/Gillingham v Fulham,
Bolton v Sheff Utd/QPR,
Portsmouth/Coventry v Sunderland,
Preston v Chelsea,
Aston Villa v Brighton,
Wolves v Crystal Palace,
Tottenham v Leeds,

The tie is subject to City beating Portsmouth in a 3rd round replay scheduled for a week on Tuesday at The Ricoh.

Replays:

Tuesday, 12 January 2010

Accrington Stanley v Gillingham, R3, 19:45,
Birmingham v Nottm Forest, R3R, 19:45,
Brentford v Doncaster, R3, 19:45,
Bristol City v Cardiff, R3, 19:45,
Coventry v Portsmouth, R3R, 19:45,
Derby v Millwall, R3R, 19:45,
Notts County v Forest Green, R3, 19:45,
QPR v Sheff Utd, R3R, 19:45

Wednesday, 13 January 2010

Liverpool v Reading, R3R, 20:00,
Newcastle v Plymouth, R3R, 19:45,

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

If you would like to reply to this article, add a report, review or express a view on any topical Sky Blue issue on GMK open access articles, just email it to:
gmkadmin@hotmail.co.uk

Have your say on GMK! GMK Prints open Access Articles from any contributor.

The floor is yours; open access on GMK, (normal editorial rights apply) and you can get on your soapbox about whatever you want, any opinion & any hue of the Sky Blue Rainbow!

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

09/10 GMK PL Week 19, Game 24.

By Smiles.

GAME TO PREDICT TONIGHT! Designed to be a one off, this game was a catch up opportunity for the GMK PL players who missed a game earlier in the season when we had site troubles and was a limited player prediction. The trip down to Premiership Pompey ended in a 1-1 draw, so for thiose who needed to catch up, did it help? Predictable? How did you do?

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

( Barnsley (H) 8th January 2010)

(Saturday’s game vs Portsmouth (A)) PLEASE NOTE THIS WAS A CATCH UP GAME AND WAS LIMITED TO CERTAIN PLAYERS ONLY

To follow: (The Rules)

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

The weather is starting to play havoc with the fixture list, and there’s already been fixtures called off for this weekend, so if a game goes because of the weather your prediction is void. I may do another catch up predictor for the mid week cup games for those have – for whatever reason – not predicted both the full number of Sky Blue league fixtures played after Saturday & whatever the full number of league fixtures played after Sunday.

I will, as much as possible try to keep up with rearranged fixtures, but if for any reason I miss one, in the past we credit that result and points to whoever predicted the rest of the fixtures we publish for predictions in that week. I.E. if yer not in that weeks predictions list, you get still get nowt!

Here’s this weeks fixtures for, a limited number of, you to predict.

Coventry v Barnsley:
First Goal Coventry Scorer:
Crowd:

Predict the outcome of the following games (3:00pm unless stated):
Home (H), Away (A) or Draw (D), (NO SCORES, you HAVE TO POST H / D or A):

Friday, 8 January 2010:

West Brom v Nottm Forest, 19:45:

Saturday, 9 January 2010:

Cardiff v Blackpool:
Coventry v Barnsley:
Crystal Palace v Bristol City:
Derby v Scunthorpe:
Middlesbrough v Swansea:
Preston v Doncaster: (already postponed)
QPR v Plymouth:
Reading v Newcastle:
Sheff Wed v Peterborough: (already postponed)
Watford v Sheff Utd: (already postponed)

Sunday, 10 January 2010:

Leicester v Ipswich:

Tuesday, 12 January 2010:

Plymouth v Barnsley:

Cheers Smiles.

Coventry City Results Prediction League
For the purposes of this report only the following players posted predictions Vicar_In_A_Tutu , RossMorley, SkyBlueExile Lagger, Sky_Blue_Up_North, Blind_Faith, OBLONG, andy94, WarwickHunt, Keano_No1, DandyDesmond, SkyBlueBertie, HK_BlueSkies, SternsLovChild.

,

Sky_Blue_Up_North (+2) uses his catch up game to take his total at the top to 77 points, MrTickle,(+/-0) is not in stays 2nd, still, with 74 points. HK_BlueSkies (+7) is our biggest beneficiary and moves upto 3rd from 7th with 63 points and still has a game to catch up!

Last weeks 3rd Turk1965 (+/-0) therefore drops to 4th still with 65 points as everyone else drops a place down to the 7th that HKSB came from! He’s followed by SteveC189 (+/-0) on 63, Perdomo (+/-0) 61 & SundayRef (+/-0) on 60.

In 8th is still Tisza (+/-0) on 58 points. Another game playing riser is OBLONG (+2) moving up to 9th from 11th 57 points and the weeks biggest riser SkyBlueBertie another (+7) moving from 18th to 10th on 56 points, which means the missing in action LordSummerisle (+/-0) misses out again and drops from 9th to 11th still on 56 level with Blind_Faith (+2) who actually stays still in 12th meaning AndrewBrown’s (+/-0) is down from 10th to 13th also on 56 points to complete the top 10 points scorers..

As a result of that tie in 10th no-one drops out of the top ten this week.

So, outside of that , BerksSkyBlue, (+/-0) who moves back down one place to 14th from 13th on 53 points. Followed by another 2 down one place and not predicting CCSBA (+/-0) on 52 points level with Danny (+/-0) in 16th.

Vicar_In_A_Tutu , (+2) moves upto 17th from 20th on 50 points equal with last weeks 16th down to 18th, QPRSkyBlue (+/-0) and also down two places Neil10 (+/-0) also both still on 50 points. Making up the top 20 is SkyBlueExile (+ 2) on 49 points equal with Edgy (+/-0). Despite all that going on, no-one actually dropped out of the top 20.

The rest of our predictors this week, (all outside the top 20) scored as follows:

RossMorley, (+2) Lagger, (+4) Andy94, (+0), WarwickHunt, (+2) Keano_No1 - only does the league predictions, DandyDesmond (+0) & SternsLovChild (+2).

Everyone else follows….

The gap from 1st to 10th is now 219 points (+2) & 1st to 20th 28 (+1).

Here’s the updated league.

The top 25 on the front page has also been updated.

If the board is down for any reason or you cannot post email me your predictions: gmkadmin@hotmail.co.uk

For a reminder on how to score points again check the rules on the home page on the blue bar, when I’ve asked Moz how to do it, I will get around to this honest!

Championship Results Prediction League
2 postponements (+/-0), again, this week with predictions wiped out like the fixture which meant there was just a lesser chance of catching up.

However, that didn’t stop Keano_No1 (+7) grabbing the top spot up from 4th to 1st now on 157 points.

That moved the top 3 down a place with BerksSkyBlue (+/-0) 2nd on 154 with SkyBlueNemo (+/-0) 3rd on 152, staying equal with RickyCCFC (+/-0) in 4th. Someone else taking advantage is Blind_Faith (+8) up to 5th from 10th on 146 points.

So, dropping out of the top 5 as result is Blaggy (+/-0) as last weeks 6th to 9th also moves down one too. Tisza (+/-0) on 143 followed by a duo of Edgy (+/-0) QPRSkyBlue (+/-0) on 142 points, then ME (+/-0) on 141 in 10th.

Sky_Blue_Up_North, (+2) stays 11th on 139, as its as you were down to 15th with Neil10 (+/-0) in 12th on 136, followed by a duo on 134 two points behind, Perdomo (+/-0) & AndrewBrown (+/-0) & in 15th is SBGus (+/-0) on 131.

Two further predictors add points in their bonus week to make up from missing out earlier in Lagger (+6) up one place on 130 & Oblong (+6) on 127 up from 19th. This knocks, Turk1965 (+/-0) also on 127 back from 16th to 18th followed & Danny (+/-0) down one to 19th still with 122 points. The last place in the top 20 is taken up by CharlesMore (+/-0) on 121

No-one drops out of the top 20 this week.

So with 13 players (-17) this week 1st to 10th is still a gap of 16 points (+/-0) & 1st to 20th is now 36 points (+3)

The average points rose from 4.62 to 5.38 (+0.78) despite less playing and the overall total was, obviously, down just from 148 to 70 (-78).

There were 13 points (+2) to go for this week & no double digit returns this week.

Here's the table after week 19, Game 24:

Any issues then please e-mail me at the usual address!

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The announcement came as Police at Stoney Stanton Road deplored people not to travel on Coventry roads unless absolutely necessary as they were ‘perilous’.

City clinch Baker deal

By Ian Palmer

Coventry City has completed the signing of Carl Baker from Stockport County an undisclosed fee.

The Sky Blues beat off competition from a number of clubs to tie the midfielder to a two-and-a-half year deal. An option is in place for a further 12 month contract.

Baker has been in fine form for County this season, scoring 13 goals in 24 appearances. Speaking to the club’s official website, City manager Chris Coleman expressed his delight at the signing.

“We have been looking at him for some time now and I know one or two others have also been tracking him.

“He will be a very good addition to the squad along with those we have already made this transfer window.

Baker should be in the squad for Saturday’s Ricoh Arena clash against Barnsley, but that is subject to clearance from the Football League.

Barnsley Game ON (as it stands at 10am Saturday!)

By Smiles

The Sky Blues Championship fixture against Barnsley at The Ricoh today has been declared on after an official announcement by Anthony Mundy on Malcolm Boyden’s radio programme on BBC C&W.

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45 tons of salt have been used to ensure the walks up to the ground remain in fine fettle.

As far as CCFC were concerned the game was declared on 'as it stands' even although there was a small amount of snow at 5am this morning, teams were out clearing what had settled to ensure the club could convince the Police and health and safety officials everything was safe around the ground, despite warnings not to travel. In the Stadium, the underground heating has been on maximum for the last few days and will even remain on during the game!

The Sky Blues official website declared:

City are offering die hard footy fans the chance to experience some football this weekend by coming down to the Ricoh Arena

The recent cold snap has dented many fixture lists this weekend with a number of games in all of the English leagues including the Championship and Premier League forced off because of snow and ice.

But the Sky Blues clash with Barnsley is still on and the Ricoh Arena is on hand to provide Championship football to fans who would have otherwise missed out

Head groundsman John Ledwidge and his team have been working round the clock to ensure the pitch at the Ricoh is playable for the Championship fixture.

The undersoil heating means there is no problem with the pitch - where the Sky Blues players have been training this week - and work has also been taking place to clear the paths and car-parks surrounding the venue

Anthony Mundy, facilities director at the Ricoh Arena, said supporters should allow themselves plenty of time to get to the ground for the 3pm kick-off.

'We have had a few telephone calls from supporters asking if the game is going ahead,' he said

The ground staff have been working on the pitch and the undersoil heating has been switched on for the last few days so we don't expect any problems.

'We have been concentrating on clearing the main access routes with a gritting programme throughout the cold spell and we are confident that barring any significant changes in the weather conditions that the match will take place.

We would encourage supporters to give themselves extra time for their journeys and turn up as early as possible so that everyone is here to cheer the team from the first whistle

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If you would like to reply to this article, add a report, review or express a view on any topical Sky Blue issue on GMK open access articles, just email it to:
gmkadmin@hotmail.co.uk

Have your say on GMK! GMK Prints open Access Articles from any contributor.

The floor is yours; open access on GMK, (normal editorial rights apply) and you can get on your soapbox about whatever you want, any opinion & any hue of the Sky Blue Rainbow!

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Match Preview: Sky Blues v Barnsley.

By Smiles.

The Sky Blues face their favourite foes as only one of five, as I write, games to survive in the top two tiers of English football this weekend because of the wintery weather. In a game that will attract its fair share of neutrals, the Tykes will look to build on their 8 game unbeaten run and a 1-1 draw at the Ricoh last season that bought to and end an amazing sequence of Sky Blue success.

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THE SKY BLUES Vs THE TYKES

Chris Coleman has already been busy in the transfer market buying in rather than letting go, as many (including me), predicted, and looks to add to that to firm up moves for loanees Barnett & Madine.

Coleman told the Coventry Telegraph: 'We are trying to get Leon. We would like to do something. We have had some conversations with West Brom and I have spoken to Leon as well and if we can reach an agreement it will be a real good signing for us. I think he's keen to come. He wants to play football and he's enjoyed his time here. But if there is a club bigger than us they might come in and nick him.'

On Madine he commented: 'We want to do something and I had a meeting with the chairman this week and he's speaking with Carlisle to hopefully make that a permanent move.'

Coleman’s newly bolstered team will have to had made good use of this weeks training on the undersoil heated pitch at the Ricoh as the Tykes look to end a run of unsuccessful visits that goes back to 1923.

Although the Tykes are unbeaten in eight matches they have had fewer attempts on goal this season than any other team in the division as City look to defend a record that sees them the only team not to have conceded a goal in the last five minutes of a Championship game this season and a record of not having lost in 10 league games against the Tykes. barnsley are two placea and two points above City with 2 games in hand...

GAME ON – THIS WEEKENDS FIXTURES

TEAM NEWS
New signings Carl Baker and Gary Deegan will be hoping to make their Coventry debuts against The Tykes. The midfield pair sealed their moves from Stockport & Bohemians this week and both are likely to be included in Chris Coleman's matchday 18, although a starting berth is unlikely for one as the Irishman settles into English football, but Baker may feature, even although signing later - with the departure of Jack Cork back to Chelsea.

Goalkeeper Keiren Westwood has recovered from the sickness bug that forced him off at half-time in last weekend's FA Cup draw at Portsmouth and he should be okay to take his place. Coleman welcomes back on-loan defender Leon Barnett and striker Gary Madine after they were denied permission to play against Pompey.

Another change will see a new left back after Van Aanholt also returned south with either Hussey or Cranie will take his place in a squad that now firmly with Coleman’s stamp of authority on it, as it is rumoured that Elliot Ward is about to join Southampton on loan.

Long-term absentees Ben Turner, Jordan Clarke and Isaac Osbourne returned to training last month but are still not quite match fit enough to be considered. If selected, Michael McIndoe will be playing against his former club.

Sky Blues from: Westwood, Barnett, Wright, Bell, Wood, Eastwood, McIndoe, Gunnarsson, Madine, Morrison, Best, Cranie, McPake, Ireland, Grandison, Hussey, Cain, Clingan, Deegan, Baker, Jeffers, Hall.

THE OPPOSITION
A season of change in Barnsley this year.

Last term was another struggle for the Tykes without a cup run this time to bolster the faithful. The Yorkshire club finished two places and 6 points above the relegation zone, (2 points behind City), after being knocked out at the first attempt in both cups by Crewe and then West Ham.

Predicted by many to struggle again this season incomings to add to a squad that contains ex-Sky Blues Luke Steele and Martin Devaney, were rare. Manager Simon Davey admitted he had been frustrated by the lack of activity in the transfer market this summer. Onome Sodje was the Tykes' only close season signing coming into late July.

After a predictably poor start, including the usual home loss against The Sky Blues, Davey paid the price at the end of August and made way for Mark Robins who joined a week later after a successful two and half year stint at Yorkshire rivals Rotherham.

Robins is now enjoying a better record than his predessor, with an 8 game unbeaten run before today of 4 wins and 4 draws, against some of the bigger names in the division.

Midfielder Hugo Colace insists his teamates are not getting carried away by the resurgence they are enjoying under Mark Robins. Colace scored the winner against Middlesbrough on Monday which propelled the Tykes to 15th in the Championship. However, the Argentinian says that although the side were delighted with the result, their only focus is this weekend's FA Cup tie with Scunthorpe: 'It was a very good win on Monday and an important three points. 'When you look at the table now it's a very good win for us. I'm really happy for the team, but we are only looking game to game. For now it's just looking at the next game and nothing more.'

Robins has already started to slim down his squad, clearly having to sell before he buys, after Kayode Odejayi moved to Colchester. However, Odejayi has admitted that he would have been more than happy to stay at Barnsley. The 27-year-old turned his loan move with the Us into a permanent deal earlier this week and is now fully focused on the next chapter of his career: 'I didn't want to leave Barnsley ideally, I would have loved to have stayed at the club and fought for my place, but a new manager (Mark Robins) came in and I wasn't part of his plans. Unfortunately I didn't score enough goals, but the move to Colchester has done me the world of good. I couldn't really have asked for a better start. I've managed to score quite a few goals and the team is doing really well.'

The former Manchester united player has made full use of the loan system and Stoke have agreed to extend the loan deals of both Ryan Shotton and Carl Dickinson until the end of the season. Centre-half Shotton and full-back Dickinson have spent the last three months at Oakwell, but both initial deals expired on Boxing Day. Shotton, 21, and Dickinson, 22, have both been virtual ever-presents in Tykes manager Mark Robins' starting line-up since arriving at Oakwell in September.

Robins could be tempted to make one or two changes for the game today as he has no new injury or suspension worries, and the luxury of choosing from a full-strength squad, but admitted his players had under-performed when going down at Scunthorpe last weekend in the FA Cup. Robins has plenty of options with the likes of Jon Macken, Iain Hume, Adam Hammill, Jamal Campbell-Ryce and Darren Moore all starting on the substitutes' bench at Glanford Park. He Commented: 'People have to be on their toes at the moment because there are a lot of other players at the club tugging at the shirt to take it from them.' Julian Gray could play against former team, and make his 200th club career start, as well as former City Keeper Luke Steele.

Barnsley from: Steele, Foster, Dickinson, Hassell, Shotton, Butterfield, Hammill, De Silva, Campbell-Ryce, Hallfredsson, Colace, Gray, Macken, Bogdanovic Kozluk, Moore, Preece, Hume.

INS AND OUTS
In: Onome Sodje, (York), David Preece, (OB Odense), Adam Hammill, (Liverpool), Andy Gray (Charlton), Julian Gray (Fulham).

On Loan Emil Hallfredsson, (Lyn Oslo). Nathan Doyle, (Hull), Ryan Shotton & Carl Dickinson, (Stoke),

Out: Diego Leon, (Las Palmas), Kyle Letheren, (Plymouth), Kayode Odejayi, (Colchester).

Out On Loan Martin Devaney, (MK Dons), Simon Heslop, (Kettering), Onome Sodje, (Oxford).

Released Marciano Van Homoet, Istvan Ferenczi, Andy Johnson, Dennis Souza Guedes.

DANGERMEN
Barnsley have three players on 4 league goals this season with D Bogdanovic having played 10 (4), Scot Andy Gray, no not that one, from the same and Scouse Adam Hammill from 16 (5). Jon Macken has 3 from 13 (3).

Macken was equal top scorer last season with 9 league goals from 37 (8) along with Jamel Campbell-Ryce 39 (1).

FORM
Sky Blues - 17th, The Championship: 28 points from 24 games.

Barnsley - 15th, The Championship: 30 points from 22 games.

Barnsley has the 11th best attack in the league this season with 29 goals scored, 3 more than The Sky Blues

The Tykes have the 15th best defence in The Championship with 34 goals conceded, 1 better The Sky Blues

Last 8 League Games:

THE REF
The man in the middle today hasn't taken a City game for some time….

Mr L Mason (Lancs)

Games across all leagues & competitions this season:

Games across all leagues & competitions last season:

Last City game Officiated in: Wolves Vs Coventry 17/10/2006

Result: 1-0.

Performance: The shot shy Sky Blues fail to turn possession, and particularly set pieces, in to goals in a poor performance at Molineux. The Sky Blues were rarely in it, in a game that saw City finish with four strikers on the pitch but still not convincingly test Wolves keeper Michael Oakes.…. With City offering nothing convincing in reply other than wasted midfield possession & dire set pieces which failed to clear the first defender, the Sky Blues looked marooned in the first half that lacked any great passion or striking desire and were booed off at half-time as I heard a supporter ask a copper where he could report a robbery. The interested constable replied ‘here mate why?’ to which the cheery City fan replied, ‘well I paid £27 to watch this…..’ Not mentioned 6/10

PREVIOUS
The Sky Blues last faced Barnsley at the Ricoh Tuesday 21st April, 2009 in an evening game recording a 1-1 draw thanks to a fortunate stoppage time penalty despatched by Elliott Ward that stole a point for Coventry against an embattled Barnsley side. Deep into stoppage time Freddy Eastwood's volley, after a cracking pass from Cain, cannoned off Robert Kozluk. The referee was unmoved, but the linesman signalled. After consultation the referee pointed to the spot and Ward lashed home an equalizer.

It was harsh on Barnsley, and Kozluk in particular, who would have felt that even if the ball had struck his hand, it could not have been deliberate, such was the velocity of Eastwood's shot. After the game Kozluk was adamant that the ball had hit him in the ribs. There was some relief for a disjointed Coventry, but heartbreak for Barnsley who remained in a perilous position, one that we can remember all too well.

Chris Coleman, was quite empathic: 'It's harsh for Simon, we have all been there. It will be a tough one for him to swallow I imagine. He is good enough to keep Barnsley up in the league and he is big enough to take any criticism. There was no lack of effort tonight. We kept going and kept going and we got a point.'

Simon Davey: 'I thought we did enough to win and take the three points. We had some great chances and got our goal early and when we needed to defend we defended. It's cruel. We have got to make sure the result and the lateness of the penalty does not affect us. We know what we've got to do to make sure of our status.'

Sky Blues: Westwood, Osbourne, Ward, Turner, Hall, Gunnarsson, Beuzelin (Cain 74), Doyle, Eastwood, Simpson

Subs Not Used: Marshall, Grandison, Walker, Wynter

Booked: Simpson, Ward

Goals: Ward 90+4 pen

HISTORY
We have a VERY good record against Barnsley at home. Prior to last seasons draw City twice put four goals past the Tykes.

Lastly on 2nd February 2008 recording an emphatic 4-0 home win against a poor Yorkshire side, both on and off the pitch, with 3 2nd half goals, for our first League victory in 2008, indeed our first 3 points in five games since beating Ipswich in December. It was good to be back! Goals came from Best 37 & 84 minutes, Gray 70, Tabb 75.

Before that thumping the Sky Blues put another 4 past them again in 06/07 winning 4-1 this time with 3 1st half goals from Tabb, Mifsud and Adebola, and Dele getting a 2nd in the 2nd half and Tykes sub Hassell getting a consolation ten minutes before the end.

The instance prior to that the last time Tykes travelled to Coventry was to Highfield Road in February 2002 when the Sky Blues were being managed under The Legend and City earnt yet another 4-0 win with goals from Chippo, Thompson (2) and Mills. A certain Tim Flowers was in goal that day too!

Previous to those games in the Championship, the only encounter between the clubs in the modern era in Coventry was the Premiership clash of the 1997/98 season when a 89th minute Dion Dublin penalty was enough to give City a 1-0 win, that bought to an end a 33-year absence of fixtures between the two sides.

You have to go back to August 1923 for the last time Barnsley won in Coventry at Highfield Road - a 3-2 triumph that is one of only two defeats City have suffered at home to the Tykes - the other was in the previous season.

Of the 17 encounters since 1923, City have won 11 and drawn 6. The biggest wins have all been by 4 goals, the earliest was a 4-0 thumping in 1948 although there was a 5-2 victory as recently as 1960.

The last eight meetings in this fixture have finished thus:

Full league Home record against Barnsley is as follows:

Overall record against Barnsley Home & Away in all competitions is as follows:

The full detail of that can be seen here:

AMAZING FACTS
The Reverend Tiverton Preedy formed the club in 1892, which was originally named Barnsley St. Peters, but was eventually renamed to Barnsley in 1897.

Barnsley have spent more time than any other club in the 2nd tier of English football…

It was Barnsley who lost out when Arsenal ’bought’ their way into the new Division 1 after the end of the 1st world war.

At the end of the 1996-97 season Barnsley reached the top tier of English football for the first time in their history. However, they were relegated the following season.

Barnsley had the distinction of playing in the last play-off final at Wembley before the stadium was closed for redevelopment.

Barnsley is actually mentioned in the Doomsday book and was originally named Berneslai.

Ken Loach filmed ‘Kes’ in and around Barnsley.

Stirling Prize winner Will Alsop wanted to reinvent Barnsley as a Tuscan hill town - complete with town walls with towers, oh yes indeed

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The GMK Match Report: Sky Blues v Barnsley

By Ian Palmer.
Substitute Clinton Morrison’s stoppage time header sealed all three points for the Sky Blues and helped stave off a second half Barnsley fightback at a freezing cold Ricoh Arena.

Quick goals in succession from Freddy Eastwood and Sammy Clingan midway through the first half gave City a half-time lead, but Barnsley struck back in the second period though Jon Macken.

City held on for all three points, however, in a game in which for large periods they were not the better side, but subsequently leapfrog the Tykes in the table up to 14th place.

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Saturday 9th January, 2010 – 15:00 – The Ricoh Arena

TEAM CHANGES

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Richard Wood dropped to the bench, not quite fully fit, and was replaced by Leon Barnett.

Leon Best started ahead of Clinton Morrison who was named amongst the subsitutes.

Also on the bench were new signings Gary Deegan and Carl Barker.

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1st Half
This was one of only three Championship matchups to beat the freeze today, and for the first twenty minutes the City players looked like their feet were frozen as Barnsley dominated.

In the opening minute Barnsley won a corner which cued a goal-mouth scramble and a penalty appeal that referee Mason turned down. Thank goodness he got the major decisions right today, because the rest were rubbish.

Just three minutes later Daniel Bogdanovic floated a free-kick into the area which Stephen Foster got his head to. The ball looped over Westwood and hit the top of the bar, thankfully landing on top of the net rather than in it.

City’s defensive drowsiness was encapsulated in one comical moment when Martin Cranie sliced a clearence high into the air; Leon Barnett tried to volley clear again but missed the ball completely allowing it to bounce out for a corner. Things were not looking good at the back.

Keiren Westwood was called into action when he saved with his legs from the onrushing Bogdanovic who had beaten Cranie to the byline. This was all caused by another defensive slip-up from Barnett.

City then managed to carve out their first opportunity. Sammy Clingan’s cross was flicked on by the head of Aron Gunnarsson. The ball looked goal-bound, but was blocked by the head of Foster. Steel tried to punch away, but only managed to flick it on to Leon Best at the far post, but his volley on the turn went high when perhaps he ought to have left it for McIndoe in a better position.

Barnsley continued their pressure at the other end and Hugo Colace must have thought he’d opened the scoring when he volleyed from the edge of the area. He was denied by a fantastic save from Westwood, diving low to his left to clutch the ball and smother.

A minute later David Bell broke swiftly down the right. He fed the overlapping Stephen Wright who looped in a high cross to the far post where Freddy Eastwood rose majestically above Ryan Shotton and arced a pinpoint header past Steel and into the net to give City a lead they probably didn’t deserve.

Three minutes later Best did brilliantly to chase down a seemingly lost cause to win a corner off Darren Moore. Michael McIndoe’s corner was flicked on by Barnett and into the area steamed Sammy Clingan to rifle a leaping scissor-kick volley past a helpless Steel to double City’s lead. The ball was defelcted on its way in, but take nothing away from Clingan for a crackerjack of a volley.

Half Time

Coventry 2-0 Barnsley

2nd Half
Mark Robins rung the changes at half-time, bringing on Iain Hume and Adam Hammill for Bogdanovic and De Silva. It paid dividends almost immediately. Less than five minutes into the second half, Barnsely got a goal back.

Substitute Hammill fired a cross into the box and Wright did brilliantly to put a sliding block in on Jon Macken. The ball ended up with Hammill on the right once more, and this time Macken made no mistake, heading Hammill’s cross past Westwood to bring his team right back into the game.

Leon Best was having a mixed afternoon. Often brilliant, but sometimes showing the kind of attitude that would suggest he reckons he’s too bigger fish for this kind of pond. The latter was evident when a good City move ended with Best languidly side-footing a weak shot from a very tight angle that was straight at Steel. Controlling the ball and crossing would have been a far more sensible choice.

Half way through the second half, with Barnsley still in the ascendency, Chris Coleman brought on his two new signings Gary Deegan and Carl Barker.

Deegan immediately buzzed around midfield like an irritating fly, getting in people’s faces and using the ball well when he could get it. Baker’s first contribution was to put in a fizzing left-footed cross that only just eluded the Best inside the area.

A clash between Gunnarsson and Colace left the Icelandic man needing treatment, and he couldn’t continue (a dead leg was the post-game verdict). Clinton Morrison came on to replace him on the right of midfield.

With two minutes left Barnsley came oh so close to levelling. A long clearence from Steel found the impressive Hume who charged past two City defenders into the area. He curled a right-footed shot past Westwood, but also (thank goodness) past the far post.

The nerves amongst the shivering City supporters weren’t helped by the signalling of six minutes of stoppage time. With Barnsley still creating chances it looked like City were far from home and dry. But Clinton Morrison changed all that.

Baker got the ball on the left and cut in, making a charge for the penalty area. His shot was blocked, but as he fell to the ground he managed to poke the ball to Morrison whose shot brought a fantastic save from Steel. Best picked up the ball on the right and crossed for Morrison to head beyond the keeper this time to make the three points safe for City.

City may not have been the better team on the day, but they were clinical in front of goal. Barnsley couldn’t capiltalise on City’s defensive frailties and will no doubt feel frustrated to leave the Ricoh empty-handed.

But ultimately the highest praise must go to Coventy’s grounds manager John Ledwidge and all his staff for ensuring this game went ahead in the freezing condition to which so many other fixtures succumbed.

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AFTER GAME QUOTES
Chris Coleman:

'That's probably the worst we have played for six weeks and for the first 15 minutes we were nowhere near the pace.

'We went down the other end and scored two so at half-time we told them that we had to improve even though we were two-up. They scored and that made us nervous.

'Massive credit has to go to everyone who has worked through the night to get the game on - the groundsmen, the stewards - everybody. They have played a big part for us as did our supporters. Three points was their reward.'

Mark Robbins:

'Had we played in the second half how we did in the first half we would have won the game.

'We were on top for the first 25 minutes but then conceded a poor goal.

'We've thrown a away a big chance for three points but we can't complain too much because we've conceded three poor goals.'

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HOW THEY LINED UP
Sky Blues: Westwood, Wright, Barnett, McPake, Cranie, Bell (Baker 77), Gunnarsson (Morrison 84), Clingan, McIndoe (Deegan 71), Best, Eastwood

Subs Not Used: Konstantopoulos, Hussey, Madine, Wood

Booked: Eastwood

Goals: Eastwood 24, Clingan 27, Morrison 90

Barnesley: Steel, Shotton (Butterfield 85), Foster, Moore, Dickinson, De Silva (Hammill 45), Colace, Hassell, Macken, Bogdanovic (Hume 45)

Subs Not Used: Preece, Kozluk, Campbell-Ryce, Gray

Booked: Hassell, Shotton, Dickinson

Goals: Macken 49

Att: 15,031

Ref: L. Mason 6/10

Man of The Match: Stephen Wright – a gritty and determined performance by the captain, and a great run and cross for Eastwood’s opening goal.

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Player Ratings and Barnsley must f*%!king hate us.

By Knowl.

While its nice to finally be the bogey team, once more we left the Ricoh with a feeling of controlled rapture. We are making a habit of winning at home, that’s three on the bounce but as Joey pointed out, in that time we have only played well for 45 minutes of those games in total.

It must be stated that the grounds men and women did a magnificent job in getting the game on and it is testament to the club that they did all they could to make sure the surrounding areas were clear, most Prem games, including the Liverpool match today, are being called off for no good reason and when the managers complain about fixture congestion at the end of the season they will be getting no sympathy from me.

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Saturday 9th January – 15.00pm Ricoh Arena

Three Parish Notices.

Firstly, I understand that Wood was injured and I understand that Hussey isn’t ready, what I don’t understand is why we have had a left back since the middle of October and he hasn’t started yet? If we are looking long term, which we should be because this season may as well be written off as a learning season, then why not give Hussey 20 odd games to learn the trade and start next season as a fully fledged Championship player, also by playing Hussey we could have returned Craine to centre back and that would have saved us the pathetic performance by Barnett. Depressingly, and this hurts a lot, I’m going to use Birmingham City as a template to use, they are on their best run ever and how has this occurred? Continuity, the back 5 is settled, the midfield is settled and the strikers are settled. Now last night on CWR people wanted Best dropped or Eastwood dropped or rotation of the strikers, funny when Clinton was playing every game and being shit there was no talk of rotation then!! Eastwood and Best are our best partnership and should be start the next run of fixtures, we need to strike up partnerships throughout the team and that needs to start somewhere so why not start where we are strong?

Secondly a lot of players played badly and that is frustrating, Barnsley looked the better side, the more fluid side and even Sammy was gracious enough to admit it in his post match interview. Yes its nice to see us win, and its nice to see us win three on the bounce at home for the first time in nearly 3 years, but there has to be more from us. Now this may be seen as whinging especially after we scored three goals, however, there wasn’t much to take out of the game from an enjoyment point of view, yes the first goal involved a lovely bit of close control and awareness from Bell, the second was a great bit of technique from Clingan and the third was caused by a man running at the oppositions box for the first time in a long time, but that is it, on a highlights show those three pieces of skill would take 30 seconds and then the remaining 97minutes and 30 seconds were uninspiring. We tried to many 40 yards passes, we tried to many flicks and we tried to be clever way to often and it didn’t work and on another day this report would have been documenting a defeat.

Lastly, I know this is a long running issue with me but why are we so deep all the bloodly time? Yesterday, at one point, Barnsley had the ball in the middle of the pitch and were moving it towards our box, Clingan instead of pressuring the midfielder with the ball he dropped off to the point he was standing alongside McPake, we don’t do pressuring high up the pitch, we don’t do tough tackling and making other teams work hard to break through our midfield and we were, Gunnar aside, lightweight across midfield yesterday. Barnsley had the run of the midfield for long periods and that stats indicate we had equal possession just doesn’t seem right, however, Barnsley only had three decent chances, excluding the goal, to show for their performance which is a miracle when you consider how badly we played. Jimbo was right, we do have a new found resilience and we don’t buckle but a better team than Barnsly would have exploited our obvious weaknesses a far sight better than Barnsley did and even though we have turned our results round we are still along way of being a cohesive side who are remotely enjoyable to watch.

HOW THEY LINED UP

Coventry: Westwood, Wright (Cpt), Craine, Barnett, McPake Bell, (Baker 76), Clingan, Gunnarsson, (Morrison 84), McIndoe, (Deegan 71) Eastwood, Best.

Subs Not Used: Konstantopolous, Hussey, Wood, Madine.

Booked: Clinton (Honest).

Sent Off: None.

Goals: Eastwood, 24, Clingan, 27, Clinton 90+2

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Westie - 7 A great save in the first half, funny to watch the Barnsley fans all go up in unison only to realise that Westie had pulled out a magnificent save to keep it nil all. The lad never pushed the ball out of he can hold it and he would promote confidence in the defence if the defence didn’t worry him so much. Westie never flaps at corners because he very rarely comes for them, yesterday he went a wondering and that can only be caused by his total lack of belief in the debacle in front of him.

Wright - 7 Defensively solid and made some important blocks, starting in the first 5 minutes when McPake went for a ball that he should have left well alone. As the game went on he suddenly found himself alongside the footballing farce that was the Leon Barnett show and that seemed to focus the scouser even more. For the first time in a long time he was talking like a leader and if you ignore some woeful passes, which on this occasion we will because there are bigger fish to fry this morning, Wright was one of the players who played to somewhere near his potential.

Craine - 6 The reason that left backs are normally left footed is because it fucking helps him play the role, it means he can allow the ball to come across him and actually gives him more time to play the ball, when you play a right back at left back there is a tendency to attack a ball that would be comfortably dealt with by a player in his natural position. Craine air kicked, got in a muddle and looked like a guy who wasn’t at ease with the job at hand. Barnsley exploited this weakness and with a lost looking McIndoe in front of Craine, a disastrous Barnett inside of him, we were as weak on the left as we have been for a long time, with no penetration going forward and no strength at the back this was not good. Barnett got bumped to the right hand side of the defensive partnership but this didn’t really help. Not Craines fault but either Hussey should play or a left back should be signed.

McPake - 7 After a dodgy start James got into the flow of the game and was the more secure of the defensive partnership. He is a fighter as we all know and he made some cracking challenges, however, he needs to learn which balls to go for and which to leave, and he did get turned easily more than once but an extendable leg got him out of trouble more than once. Needs to play in a settled defence and needs to be saved from Barnett.

Barnett - 4 How big is Barnett? How much do you think he weighs? I’m guessing he is a 6.1 and about 11 stone, ok hardly the biggest or the heaviest, but after playing 10 games in the Prem and in a Championship winning side I was expecting a centre back who couldn’t be dominated by a Barnsley side without a reallbrute in their attacking line up. Barnett was consistently beaten in the air or out manoeuvred so he was in the wrong place to deal with the long ball. However, being crap in the air is one thing, not being able to clear your lines is another, why when Barnett clears the ball does the attack continue? He never finds touch, he never finds the half way line, he never finds a sky blue player and never seems in control over what the hell he is doing. The final nail in the woeful performance coffin was his “marking” for the goal, for fucksake Maken was unmarked in the six yard box, sorry he was marked but not goal side and not in anyway resembling defensive competence. The point where I would happily have punched him in a fit of anger was when he was easily out muscled and Hulme was sent through, thank god the exFesta player put his one on one past the post because Barnett would have needed to publicly apologise for ineptitude to escape with out his wiki page suffering an Henry moment.

Bell - 6 One bit of brilliance will not detract from a poor performance, but lets start with the bit of brilliance. Bell had two players against him and an overlapping Wright, now he could have tried to cross early but there was no guarantee that his cross would beat the first man and passing the ball to Wright wasn’t a good option as Wright was in a worse crossing position than he was, so Bell ran at two players and dragged them both out of position and with the third covering he played the ball delightfully into Wrights path as the full back attacked the line, an inch perfect cross later and we are all celebrating another Eastwood headed goal. That was that, Bell up to and after that incident was heavy legged, uninventive with his passing and a poor version of the Bell we are coming to expect.

Clingan - 5 The most angry I got all game, and I include all of Barnetts fucks up in this, was when McIndoe played the ball inside to Clingan, who was stood 20 yards in from the left touchline, McIndoe then ran to the left wing and awaited the ball as he was free and the full back was caught between closing down Clingan and McIndoe. Clingan then ran inside and decided to try a 40 yard sweeping ball to Bell, who had his full back in the way, the pass would have required inch perfect precision, it didn’t have it, it was easily intercepted. Fuck did that piss me off, but that summed Clingan up most of the day, why try the simple, easy, basic, safe but effective pass when the extreme would do? He pulled out of more challenges than any midfielder in recent times and his decision to drop back and mark McPake just showed how little energy he had. He may well have scored a great goal, did the deflection help?, does it matter?, but, never has Clingan been such a passenger and maybe his injury is effecting him more than we thought but he will need to improve if we are to get results in the more tougher games coming up.

Gunnar - 7 We gave him MOTM in the first five minutes and his performance never dropped, obviously loves playing with Clingan as his role is more defined. He gave the ball away a lot less than all those around him and he was closing the opposition down and making their lives ever so slightly more difficult than the other buggers around him. The added competition may be good for the lad, and lets hope he kicks on from here for the rest of the season.

McIndoe - 5 Since McIndoe signed he has very rarely tried to knock the ball past his man and get the other side, he doesn’t have any acceleration, so why bother? Yesterday he tried it about 5 times and failed every single time, he can create space and he can put over crosses and he does have good games but yesterday he was poor and I’m sure will be getting stick. The cheers when he was withdrawn were unfair but in a midfield collective who were all being easily out fought McIndoe was no worse than others but he was the only one who didn’t do something of note.

Best - 6 Won his headers, worked hard for periods and set up the clincher, for those reasons he doesn’t get a 5. Best did some lovely flicks, I mean they were brilliant pieces of skill, well they would have been if any of them had worked or been effective or actually aided the team. His attempted flick when we were down to ten men and we needed him to hold the ball was pathetic. I have been a big defender of Best and he will very difficult to replace but the chip on his shoulder seems to be weighing him and the side down at the moment.

Eastwood - 7 Great header for the goal and once more showed that if the team bother to give him the ball to feet or chest he will always control the ball and he will position his body in a way to get the ball out from under his feet and into play. Worked hard and gave his all in a game where the back up was poor and the team played with little ideas. Scored his only chance and deserves to stay in the side as he is a better player than Clinton and links better with Best.

Subs.

Degs - Looked okay but I’m not going to get over excited.

Baker - Ran at the opposition and created a goal well done son.

Super Subs

Clinton - Got booked for being a penis, I know its not been recorded anywhere but he was shown a yellow card. Scored the winner and showed that he is very effective coming off the bench, wink wink nudge nudge.

The Manager

Coleman - 6. Honest enough to admit we were shit and Barnsley didn’t deserve to go back up the M1 having been beaten. Needs to set his stall out slightly higher up the pitch, needs to work out why we are so ponderous at the start of games and needs to accept that Barnett is a shower of shite. Hussey deserves a chance because the alternatives aren’t playing well enough.

Made the right subs and can be credited with building a side with enough fight to win a game they had no right to win but Coleman knows that we need to improve on that if we are to continue our winning run.

In short. Mark Robbins said that his side can’t complain because his side gave a way three soft goals, we tried to give a way soft goals but Westie made one great save, they hit the bar and Hulme missed a sitter, so maybe we should be thankful that we took our chances and they missed theirs. Again, I know that we shouldn’t grumble because a win is a win but it isn’t a case of playing badly and winning, it’s a case of so many players looking off the pace and out of soughts and scrapping a win because the opposition were worse in the key area than we were. Oh and Barnett please fuck off.

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Match Preview: Sky Blues v Portsmouth.

By Smiles.

The Sky Blues take on troubled Pompey in a 3rd Round FA Cup replay at the Ricoh with the winner to take on Sunderland at home in the 4th round. With Chris Coleman’s City in rude form & a decent record against the South Coast Premiership side, anything can happen against a side cornered like a wild animal...

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THE SKY BLUES Vs POMPEY

The Sky Blues have confirmed that today’s FA Cup third round replay against Portsmouth will go ahead, despite further snowfall on Sunday, City are confident the surrounding areas will be ready for supporters to reach the Ricoh Arena for the 7.45pm kick-off. Anthony Mundy, Ricoh Arena facilities director at commented: 'The FA Cup tie against Portsmouth is definitely on unless there are any major changes to the weather – but that is not predicted. The grounds staff and stewards worked through the night on Friday to make sure the pitch was playable and the car-parks and pavements cleared. We have received numerous emails from supporters, and in particular disabled fans, praising our efforts to make the pathways as snow and frost free as possible”.

“These efforts will again be repeated today and tomorrow ahead of the game. The car-parks have been covered by the snow which fell on Sunday night but these will be gritted in time for kick-off. '

If the game’s anything about pride then Avram Grant’s team should be one that’s playing for all they’re worth, (literally), with the game one of three third round replays between a Premier League and a Championship club.

After taking 12 from the last 15 points in the Championship, and only marginally being beaten at form club Nottingham Forest, Coleman’s side stand a reasonable chance of progression, however the cash strapped Southerners may have other issues on their mind in the shop window season, that has seen the players paid late a number of times already and the club facing a winding up petition next month.

Chris Coleman admits the Championship is the Sky Blues priority and has insisted his players will have to play a lot better than they did against Barnsley on Saturday if they want to get through the replay: “Let’s go and turn Portsmouth over now, It has got to end on the night so let’s get into that, but we have to play better than we did on Saturday, that’s for certain because that was the worst we have played for six weeks”.

If an ounce of luck is a factor, let’s hope we didn’t use it all up on Saturday!

GAME ON – THIS WEEKS FIXTURES

TEAM NEWS
Although Chris Coleman has limited selection options ahead of the game he is very upbeat about the Sky Blues chances: 'We must continue to do what we have in the last few weeks. We have had a good tempo about us, enthusiasm, a bit of bite, we're scoring goals and we've been strong defensively. They will put a strong team out and they have good quality. We have to make sure we get into the game and start better than we did on Saturday because if we repeat the performance we won't be playing in the FA Cup after Tuesday night. Whatever team we field on Tuesday night will be able to get a result, if we perform well, apply ourselves and get a bit of luck.'

Coleman has an injury doubt over Aron Gunnarsson for the match as the Icelandic midfielder limped off late on in Saturday's win over Barnsley with a dead leg but Coleman is hopeful he will be fit after treatment. The Sky Blues will, however, will be without on-loan pair Leon Barnett and Gary Madine after they were denied permission to play in the competition by their parent clubs.

New signing Carl Baker made his Sky Blues debut against Barnsley but is cup-tied after already playing for Stockport in the competition, while Gary Deegan was not registered in time to play in the FA Cup.

Long-term absentees Ben Turner, Jordan Clarke and Isaac Osbourne returned to training last month but are still not match fit enough to be considered, with perhaps only a bench place a consideration. Martin Cranie looks certain to play against his old team, as Clinton Morrison needs to score just one more goal to reach150 in his club career.

Sky Blues from: Westwood, Ireland, Wright, Clarke, Cranie, Wynter, McPake, Turner, Grandison, Clarke, Hall, Cain, Osbourne, Bell, Clingan, Gunnarson, McIndoe, McKenzie, Eastwood, Morrison, Best, Konstantopoulos.

THE OPPOSITION
The phrase ‘crisis club’ seems to have been invented for Pompey, bottom of the league, struggling for cash, facing a winding up order from Customs and Exise and although the club is majority owned by the Al-Faraj family of Saudi Arabia, after a in, out, shake it all about relationship with middle eastern types with revolving door ownership, the standing joke is that the club have found the only sheiks with no money in the Gulf.

Added to that both French Club, Lens FC and the former owner Sasha Gaydamak are also owed significant sums of money which require immediate payment that has restricted the clubs players to be paid late three times this season already.

The head of the PFA, Gordon Taylor, has called on Portsmouth owner Ali Al Faraj to be 'up front' about the financial problems facing the club. Taylor has been in contact with Portsmouth this week over the latest delay in paying the December wages of staff at Fratton Park. The club have been kept afloat since October by Saudi owner Al Faraj, who has still to visit Fratton Park. Taylor commented: 'It's always a possibility when you see that clubs over-reach themselves. But you do like clubs to be in the ownership of people who are prepared to declare their interests and be up front about it and you want them to be football lovers involved for the right reasons. Now that may well be the case but there's a lack of evidence of that, not just at Portsmouth but with other clubs as well, so that gives you cause for concern.'

Portsmouth are challenging the winding-up petition served on them by HM Revenue and Customs before Christmas and will go to court on Wednesday to argue the VAT portion of their massive tax debt is too high by £7.5million. ‘ Executive director Mark Jacob, speaking on BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme claims the club were between £60million and £100million in debt were 'way off the mark' but refused to give a more realistic figure. Taylor, also speaking on the same programme, responded by summing up how the Pompey fans we talked to down there for the original tie by countering: 'Not even knowing the amount of money they're in debt pretty well summed up the situation that is causing a great deal of concern to the supporters and it's a club with a great past - and having said that they won the cup not too long ago It's in a mess and it's like the Oscar Wilde quote - once is unfortunate, twice looks like carelessness and we're into the third time they have been late with wages”.

'It's not what you expect of a Premier League club and that's why the Premier League is so concerned about the situation. I didn't think we'd have the danger of a club going into administration since Leeds hit the skids a few years ago, but of course it has happened and with this amount of money now it's a problem, there's no saying otherwise.'

Meanwhile Jacob has called for fans to lay off owner Ali Al Faraj as the club look to get themselves back onto a sound financial footing. The club are also currently subject to a transfer embargo because of unpaid fees. Some sections of the Pompey faithful have vented their frustrations after the FA Cup tie against City directly at the Saudi businessman, who took charge in October but has still to visit Fratton Park in person to watch the club's battle to get off the bottom of the Barclays Premier League or progress in the Cup. One wonders how any of the recent owners of the club passed a ‘fit and proper’ persons test!

More protests are planned for the home match against Birmingham at the weekend. However, Jacob has urged everyone to get behind Al Faraj, who stepped in to buy the south-coast club from Sulaiman Al Fahim and save them from administration. 'At the Arsenal game, there were chants which left Ahmed Al Faraj (the brother of Ali Al Faraj) - who watched the game on the Internet - most upset,' poor lamb. 'Mr Al Faraj feels supporters do not see - or haven't been told perhaps - what has happened since October and it was like a pressure cooker that had suddenly exploded. Then there was the protest after the Coventry game. Quite clearly that is the supporters' prerogative, but I was most upset and disappointed. I sincerely hope that does not happen again given the strides this club has achieved over the last few months.' Some may think that if that is the case then the club has been less than transparent about its position, given where Pompey find themselves in the league.

There has been some playing news for Pompey as Avram Grant has considered recalling David Nugent from his loan at Burnley as the possibility of the transfer embargo becoming prolonged looming at Fratton Park. The Premier League have imposed the player-registration freeze until they are happy with the club's finances and although there has been dialogue, Pompey have yet to provide sufficient assurances. The crisis has been highlighted by players not being paid on time three times this season - this month's salary was due on New Years' Eve, then on Tuesday but there was no confirmation of deposits being made by mid-afternoon the day after the revised deadline.

For those working under owner Ali Al Faraj, paying wages appears to be the short-term priority but getting the transfer embargo lifted looks just as important. Grant could recall Nugent if his options are limited. 'We are thinking about this. In the next few days we will know. It depends on many things. But it could happen.'

Portsmouth have not played since the first game on the 2nd of January and have lost seven of their last 11 league and cup games. Their most recent victory was 2-0, home to Liverpool, on 19 December. However, Pompey have kept clean sheets in six of their last nine matches in the FA Cup and have not been eliminated in the third round for seven years, since Manchester United knocked them out in 2003.

Grant will have to make do without Jamie O'Hara under the terms of his loan deal with Tottenham, however Spurs target David James could return from a calf problem and Aaron Mokoena is available after a one-match suspension and Nadir Belhadj, Hassan Yebda, Aruna Dindane and Kanu are representing their countries in the African Nations Cup.

Portsmouth from: Begovic, Finnan, Hreidarsson, Kaboul, Brown, Diop, Utaka,, Boateng, Hughes, Mullins, Wilson, Piquionne, Webber, Smith, Williamson, Vanden Borre, , James, Basinas, Ashdown, Mokoena.

INS AND OUTS

In: Aaron Mokoena, (Blackburn), Steve Finnan, (Espaniol), Tommy Smith & Mike Williamson (Watford), Michael Brown, (Wigan), Kevin Prince Boateng (Spurs), Tal Ben-Haim (M. Petah Tikva).

On Loan Frederic Piquionne (Luton), Anthony Vanden Borre (Genoa), Aruna Dindane (Lens), Jamie O'Hara (Spurs), Hassan Yebda, (Befica)

Out: Djimi Traore, (Monaco), Glen Johnson, (Liverpool), Andre Blackman, (Bristol), Sean Davis (Bolton), Peter Crouch, (Spurs), Glen Little (Sheff Utd), Martin Cranie, (Spurs) Sol Campbell (Notts County???), Sylvain Distin (Everton), Niko Kranjcar, (Spurs)

Out On Loan Callum Reynolds (Luton), Tom Kilbey & Marlon Pack, (Dag & Red), Matt Ritchie, (Notts County), Dave Nugent, (Burnley).

Released Lauren, Noe Pamarot, Jerome Thomas, Linvoy Primus.

DANGERMEN
With League top scorer Dindane away, it’s Botang & Kabal with 3 each along with loanee Piquionne. Goals have been somewhat light for pompey this season.

FORM

Sky Blues - 14th, The Championship: 31 points from 25 games.

Portsmouth - 20th, The Premiership: 14 points from 20 games.

Portsmouth has the 2nd worst attack in the league this season with 18 goals scored.

Pompey have the 11th best defence in The Premiership with 32 goals conceded.

Last 8 League Games:

Last 8 FA Cup Season Exits:

VISIT THE RIVALS

THE REF

The man in the middle tonight, is not one that Stephen Wright wanted to see again in a hurry....

Mr M J Jones (Chester)

Games across all leagues & competitions this season:

Games across all leagues & competitions last season:

Last City game Officiated in: QPR v Sky Blues 28/11/2009

Result: 2-2.

Performance: The Sky Blues produce a committed performance to battle a point at Loftus Road, where the ‘R’s have lost only once this season. Stephen Wright’s harsh sending off, for two yellows, and his subsequent act of petulance by throwing his captains armband at referee Jones, will see him miss an extra game and get a fine, after seeing red for an innocuous tackle, albeit from behind,…. 5/10

PREVIOUS

The Sky Blues last faced Pompey in Coventry at Highfield Road on Tuesday 18th March 2003 recording a 0-4 loss. City received a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of the First Division champions-elect Portsmouth as an early own goal from Gary Caldwell set the tone for City’s evening before strikes from Steve Stone, Kevin Harper added to ournight of woe. Paul Merson's second-half effort proved the icing on the cake as the Division One leaders moved a step closer to the top flight.

Sky Blues: Hyldgaard, Pead, Shaw, Davenport, Caldwell, Safri, Eustace, McAllister, Chippo, Joachim, Holdsworth.

Subs not used: Jansen, Debec, McSheffrey, Engonga, Whing.

HISTORY
The 1-1 draw in the original tie at Fratton Park was the first time the two clubs have met since Portsmouth's 4-0 victory at Highfield Road in March 2003 in the promotion-winning campaign to the Premier League. Paul Merson and Steve Stone were among their scorers on that day.

The Sky Blues have won on both previous occasions when we have met Pompey in the FA Cup. The first was in 1910, the second in 1963, when we needed three matches to complete the job

Our overall success rate home and away in competitions is very good.

The last eight meetings in this fixture in all competitions have finished thus:

Full league Home record against Portsmouth is as follows:

Overall record against Portsmouth Home & Away in all competitions is as follows:

The full detail of that can be seen here:

AMAZING FACTS

The club was founded in the back garden on 5 April 1898 at 12 High Street, Old Portsmouth, with John Brickwood, owner of the local Brickwoods Brewery as chairman, and Frank Brettell as the club's first manager.

The club joined the Southern League in 1899 & continuing success saw them in the Third Division for the 1920-21 season.

Portsmouth's first ever kit had a shirt that was salmon pink in colour with white shorts and maroon socks. This kit lasted until 1909 when they changed to white shirts with royal blue shorts and socks. This kit lasted just two years before it was changed for blue shirts, white shorts and black socks. In recent decades the away kit is white with two navy blue vertical lines running the whole way down the side of the shirt, with the badge superimposed on top of them. The home kit has been the classic red white and blue kit, with plain blue shirt, plain white shorts and plain red socks.

The official emblem contains a gold star and crescent on a blue shield, Portsmouth's adoption of the star and crescent (usually synonymous with Islam) is said to have come from when King Richard I, granted the city 'a crescent of gold on a shade of azure, with a blazing star of eight points' which he had taken from the Byzantine Emperor's standard of Governor Isaac Komnenos, after capturing Cyprus. It is also nicknamed 'the smiley crest' because of its similarity to a smiling face.

Portsmouth play their home games at Fratton Park, in Portsmouth. The ground has been home to the club throughout its entire history.

The best known chant sung by Portsmouth supporters is the Pompey Chimes ('Play up Pompey, Pompey play up', sung to the tune of the Westminster Chimes) the origins of which lie with the Royal Artillery, Portsmouth's most popular and successful football team for much of the 1890s, who played many of their home games at the United Services ground. The nearby Guildhall clock would strike the quarter hours and the referees would use the clock to let them know when the match should finish at 4pm. Just before 4pm the crowd would sing in unison with the chimes of the hour to encourage the referee to blow the whistle signifying full time. The original words to 'The Chimes', as printed in the 1900-01 Official Handbook of Portsmouth FC, were:

Play up Pompey,
Just one more goal!
Make tracks! What ho!
Hallo! Hallo!!

The demise of Royal Artillery after their expulsion from the 1898-99 FA Amateur Cup for alleged ‘professionalism’, many of Royal Artillery's supporters transferred their allegiance to the newly formed Portsmouth F.C. and brought the Chimes chant with them.

The number 1 shirt was (for only the 2001-2002 season) - In respect to goalkeeper Aaron Flahavan, who died in a car crash in August 2001 days after being handed the squad number 1 for the first time. However, the number 13 shirt is now reserved in respect for him, as this was the number he wore for the majority of his stay at the club.

The number 12 is also retired for the fans of Portsmouth (the 12th man).

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The GMK Match Report: Sky Blues v Portsmouth.

By GMKonline

Despite a brilliant Leon Best strike and some inspired keeping, the Sky Blues leave it late, play too deep and hand the game to a spirited Premiership Pompey, who go to illustrate, that despite being the bottom of that pile we’ve a way to go yet to compete even in that class.

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Tuesday 13th January 2010 – 7.45pm The Ricoh.

TEAM CHANGES

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With Barnett unavailable, Wood returned in defence & Clinton Morrison started upfront with Eastwood retired to the bench in the only on field changes to the starting 11 from Saturdays win over Barnsley.

With Baker, Madine and Deegan all missing off the bench, in came hall, Grandison, Cain and Jeffers.

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1st Half.
The addition of the game to free to air television visibly reduced the attendance of the game played in falling temperatures and a light dusting of snow, on a night that saw a number of other fixtures cancelled around the country.

Again big praise for everyone involved for ensuring the game went ahead.

Starting in a 4-4-2 formation, the Sky Blues started the brighter taking the game to the visitors, but all told with an atmosphere cooler than the bitter night air, the match was largely uninspiring match played in front of a sparse crowd on a bitter night at the Ricoh with the players voices and coaching staff shouts echoing around the ground.

City Captain Wright had the first concrete chance of the half after 10 minutes when making a weaving run towards goal on the right before unleashing a powerful low shot forcing a save from Begovic low to his left post.

The Sky Blues built their confidence and went ahead in stunning fashion in the 22nd minute as a long Westwood punt upfield came to McIndoe, who nodded, with the faintest hint of an arm in there somewhere, to Best who took the ball to his right and then bashed a rasping shot to his left through a wall of Pompey defenders to elude Begovic’s right hand with the keeper getting a smallest touch as the ball ripped into the net. The strike ended an eight-game goalless streak for the City striker as his awesome right-footed finish alerted a watching nation to his burgeoning talent.

The visitors struggled to see any possession in the opening period with any attacking movement snubbed out by poor passing as City looked to build on their lead, without too much of any threat from Pompey who seemed content to niggle their way back into the game, particularly trying to goad McIndoe and Gunnarsson into reactions.

Referee Jones ignoring Boetang’s persisting pulling, trip and nudging of City players.

When called for Keiren Westwood came to the rescue to make two low first-half saves from strikes from wide angles from Kevin-Prince Boateng, scorer in the 1st game at Fratton Park who was the main outlet for a largely ineffective Portsmouth side.

Half Time

Half time: Coventry 1-0 Portsmouth.

2nd Half
If Pompey’s first half performance had roused any harsh words in the dressing room at half time then it wasn’t immediately obvious in the 2nd period as, again, it was the Sky Blues who started the brighter.

In the opening minutes of the second half Best could have sealed victory with an acrobatic volley that flew wide not entirely unreminiscent of his miss in the same position and goal on Saturday as his shot flew over the Pompey bar.

With Pompey weathering the storm they started to get back into the game with as Clingan came off to be replaced by Eastwood and City shuffled the pack. Eastwood is most effect upfront and with that balance lost City struggled to ascert themselves on a game they should have killed long before. Pompey madea change themselves with Boateng going off to be replaced by Utaka on 56, minutes.

With 20 minutes remaining, The Sky Blues started to play deeper and deeper into their own half seemingly content to defend their slim lead, with all creativity in midfield gone.

Pompey forward Tommy Smith forced a decent save from Westwood, who commanded his area well all night, with a cross-cum-shot before he was replaced by Danny Webber who didn’t do much better missing with a long-range effort.

With everything looking to be increasingly desperate The Sky Blues looked to hang on by the skin of their teeth but were outdone by their own foibles as a relatively harmless cross from substitute Angelos Basinas was headed into the six-yard box, and as Wright rose with Morrison headed the ball beyond Westwood with no Pompey player near to announce a heartbreaking period of extra time.

Coleman replaced Best with Grandison two minutes into extra time and there were few chances during the first period of extra-time with City again encamped in their own half soaking up all the pressure from a rampant Pompey.

Pompey’s tactics of pressure and niggles almost paid off as Michael Brown, who had been involved in several scraps during the game – notably with Gunnarsson, played Webber through on goal in a 1-1 with the City keeper but the striker was denied by Westwood.

A decent pass from the Basinas, probably the best player on the pitch, then sent £8m man Utaka through on goal but in trying to take the ball around Westwood his eventual shot from a tight angle was blocked by Wright and the City keeper together.

With a penalty shoot-out looming in the 2nd minute of extra time, (from which where this came no-one but the ref knows) Pompey won a corner and just as in the first game at Fratton park as the ball came in from the wing the unmarked forward, this time Mokoena, scored his first goal for the south-coast club with a well-placed glancing header that put City out of the cup for another year.

The key for the Sky Blues, who this year went out of this competition at an earlier stage than last term, is how they respond to this disappointment and wether the focus on the league can now turn in some bonus on league form that has been very decent over the last 4 or 5 games.

The irony is for the only club that hasn’t conceded a goal in the last 5 minutes of a league game in the Championship this season they were undone by late strikes in a game that they should have really had sown up many minutes before & only goes show that soaking up pressure with a one goal lead may seem a safe bet, however lacking in creativity you are to make chances with your play makers gone, but the best form of defence is attack. Perhaps with our cup-tied new acquisitions returning we can make bigger strides in the league…

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

AFTER GAME QUOTES
Chris Coleman:

“We were disappointed with the manner in which we conceded the two goals but the lads stuck it out and took a very good team all the way.”

It's not nice to be knocked out of the cup but the performance certainly gives us something to take into our game against Ipswich in the league on Saturday so now all attentions must turn to the league.'

Leon Best:

“It's really disappointing to have lost that way because I thought they way we played against a good Premier League team deserved more than we've got,'

'It's always nice to get on the scoresheet considering I haven't scored for a few games but I'd have preferred the win to be honest. Football can be cruel sometimes but we just need to concentrate on playing really well which we have been doing recently and keep that going in the league.

'We've been climbing the table in the last few weeks and we've deserved it with some of the performances we've put in so now, being out of the cup at least means we can now turn all our attentions to carry on climbing up the table.'

Avram Grant:

“I’m happy with any win, but it’s especially good when you win like that. I never think a game’s over. On Tuesday we spoke in the team meeting about what to do in a tough situation. When it’s difficult you can never give up and the players tried and tried and tried.”

“We didn’t give up and kept going until the very last moment. I’m very proud of the players because they showed a lot of character. Not many clubs in our situation keep on fighting and don’t give up – I think it’s unique.”

“In the second half we dominated the game and in extra-time Danny Webber, John Utaka and Frederic Piquionne all had good chances to score – so we deserved the win.”

“Mokoena was great. He was playing out of position but played well and scored a goal – what more can you ask? He’s one of the most professional players I’ve ever met. He’s very competitive and always gives 100 per cent.”

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

HOW THEY LINED UP
Sky Blues: Westwood, Cranie, McPake, Wood, Wright, Bell, Clingan, (Eastwood, 46) , McIndoe, Gunnarsson, Morrison, Best, (Grandison, 92)

Subs Not Used: Hall, Konstantopoulos, Hussey, Cain, Jeffers,

Booked: Bell, Cranie.

Goals: Best 22.

Portsmouth: Begovic, Vanden Borre, Hreidarsson, Brown, Diop, Mokoena, Mullins, (Basinas,77), Boateng (Utaka,56), Wilson, Piquionne, Smith, (Webber ,70)

Subs Not Used: Williamson, Ashdown, Sowah.

Booked: None.

Goals: Wright (OG) 90, Mokoena (120+2)

Att: 7,097

Ref: Mr M J Jones (Chester) 4/10

Man of The Match: : Westwood.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

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09/10 GMK PL Week 20, Game 25.

By Smiles

The Sky Blues fixture with Barnsley is one of four to survive in the Championship. Whilst The Ricoh has an enviable record of never having a game postponed, it puts the Sky Blues in a position of being 2 games ahead of quite alot of teams, just as well we were playing the whipping boys of Barnsley, our bitch. Another win then! Predictable? How did you do?

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

(Ipswich (A) 16th January 2010)

( Barnsley (H) 8th January 2010)

To follow: (The Rules)

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

The weather plays more havoc with the fixture list, with 8 games called off including Barnsleys midweek fixture at Plymouth after it was abandoned the first time around.

Here’s this weeks fixtures for, a limited number of, you to predict.

Ipswich v Coventry :
First Goal Coventry Scorer:
Crowd:

Predict the outcome of the following games (3:00pm unless stated):
Home (H), Away (A) or Draw (D), (NO SCORES, you HAVE TO POST H / D or A):

Saturday, 16th January 2010 :

Barnsley vs Sheff Wed :
Blackpool vs QPR :
Bristol C vs Preston :
Doncaster vs Watford :
Ipswich vs Coventry :
Nottm Forest vs Reading :
Peterborough vs Derby :
Plymouth vs C Palace :
Scunthorpe vs Cardiff :
Sheff Utd vs Middlesbro :
Swansea vs Leicester :

Monday 18th January:

Newcastle vs West Brom :

Tuesday 19th January:

Blackpool vs Sheff Wed :

Cheers Smiles.

Coventry City Results Prediction League
100% correct predictions have been somewhat of a rarity this season, and this game proved no exception. However quite a few of you got very close this week!

Sky_Blue_Up_North (+2) stay at the top is extended by another week, but his lead is reduced to a point with him now on79 points, MrTickle, (+4) closes the gap in 2nd, with 78 points. Barging into the top 3 is SteveC189 (+70) up 2 places from 5th on 70 points.

Outside the top 3 we still have Turk1965 (+4) in 4th with 69 points, last weeks 3rd place HK_BlueSkies (+1) doesn’t do so well this week and drops a place to 4th as is OBLONG (+7) moves up to 5t from 9th 64 points.

Following him up the table is SkyBlueBertie another (+7) moving from 10th to 7th on 63 points, dropping from 6th to 8th is Perdomo (+1) 62 & SundayRef (+2) both on 62 points, also dropping from 8th is still Tisza (+3) on 61 points.

Outside the top ten is a riser in the shape of AndrewBrown (+4) up from 13th to 11th, Blind_Faith (+2) stays in 2th for the 2nd week on 58 level with our first 9 pointer SkyBlueExile (+ 9)who moves up from 20th to 13th.

Danny (+5) moves up the table also from 16th to 14th with 57 points, which means the missing in action LordSummerisle (+/-0) misses out again and drops from 11th to 15th still on 56.

Vicar_In_A_Tutu , (+5) moves upto 16th from 17th with 55 points followed by faller BerksSkyBlue, (+2) who moves back down 3 placse to 17th from 14th from 13th on 55points, equal with QPRSkyBlue (+5). In 19th is CCSBA (+2) on 54 points followed by 4 predictors all on 52 points to make up our top 20 Andy94, (+5), SkyBlueNemo (+4), Neil10 (+2) & Edgy (+3).

And with all that going on, no-one actually dropped out of the top 20.
Everyone else follows….

The gap from 1st to 10th is now 18 points (-3) & 1st to 20th 27 (-1).

Here’s the updated league.

The top 25 on the front page has also been updated.

If the board is down for any reason or you cannot post email me your predictions: gmkadmin@hotmail.co.uk

For a reminder on how to score points again check the rules on the home page on the blue bar, when I’ve asked Moz how to do it, I will get around to this honest!

Championship Results Prediction League
8 postponements (+6), again, this week with predictions wiped out like the fixture.

Bad week for the top boy Keano_No1 (+1) still in the top spot up now on 158 points.

BerksSkyBlue (+2) edges closer in 2nd on 156 RickyCCFC (+/-2) moves up to 3rd from 4th with SkyBlueNemo (+1) dropping the other way from 3rd on 153then there’s a six point gap to Blind_Faith (+1) in 5th on 147 points.

No-one drops out of the top 5 as result of that & 5-10 is largely unchanged. Blaggy (+1) stays 6th on 145 as does Tisza (+1) & QPRSkyBlue (+2) moves up one place equal on 144 as he leapfrogs Edgy (+1) & little ole ME (+/-0) on 143 in 10th.

11 to 13 stand still, with Sky_Blue_Up_North, (+3) stuck 11th on 142, opening up a 4 point gap on Neil10 (+2) in 12th on 138, followed by Perdomo (+1) on 135 and a duo on 134 SBGus (+3) & AndrewBrown (+/-0).

16 – 18 is unchanged with Lagger (+1) on 131 & Oblong (+3) on 130 & Turk1965 (+1) on 128 the next two predictors swap places with CharlesMore (+3) on 124 followed & Danny (+/-0) down one to 20th still with 122 points.

No-one drops out of the top 20 this week.

So with 35 players (+22) this week 1st to 10th is still a gap of 15 points (-1) & 1st to 20th is still 36 points (+/-0)

The average points dropped from 5.38 to 1.629 (-3.75) and the overall total was, obviously, down from 70 to just 57 (-13).

There were just 7 points (-6) to go for this week & obviously no double digit returns this week.

Here's the table after week 20, Game 25:

Any issues then please e-mail me at the usual address!

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

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ON production of their CCFC season ticket, all holders will be eligible for a £5 discount on their entrance fee; meaning Adults pay just £10, Senior Citizens and Students £5 and Children are completely free!

COV SPECIAL OFFER FOR CCFC SEASON TICKET HOLDERS!

By Smiles

Coventry Rugby Club are offering Coventry City Football Club’s season ticket holders a fantastic discount for their fixture against table leaders, Bristol this Saturday, 23rd January at Butts Park Arena.

The Club are welcoming CCFC supporters to their ground and encouraging them to experience one of their city’s other celebrated sports grounds.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

It promises to be an exciting fixture against the former Premiership side so Coventry Rugby hope to introduce new supporters in style!

Food and Drink are available from 12.30pm for a 3pm Kick Off.

The club recently teetered on the brink of extinction after serial business failure, Andrew Green, put yet another enterprise into administration - but the club was saved at the last minute with the intervention of entrepreneur and benefactor Jon Bowles, after weeks of talks.

A new company, called Coventry Rugby Ltd, has been formed to enable the club to officially trade again as a going concern, after former owner Andrew Green’s company Coventry RFC Ltd went into administration a month ago with debts of over £500,000.

Interestingly, in direct contrast to the recent CCFC takeover, Mr Bowles is encouraging supporter investment in community initiatives.

Acting as a benefactor thus far, Mr Bowles is understood to be interested in developing the club’s work in the community. He has made millions in property development, (interesting given the grounds estate location), and has ‘many business interests’, and his Bournemouth-based charity, Perpetual Legacy, invests in other charities.

CRFC has launched an investment programme aimed at bringing supporters and the city community back into the heart of the Championship Rugby club. After recognising the priority to raise capital to underpin the business investment, the board of ‘Coventry Rugby Limited’ - the new company formed when the club came out of administration - is looking to secure additional funding of up to £250,000.

Investors will become life members and will receive a number of benefits, including access to England international Rugby tickets, and the scheme is aimed towards restoring a sense of ownership to a wider group of supporters to ensure that the future of the club will never again rest in the hands of a sole owner. Investors can be businesses, groups or individuals. This is in contrast to the closed shop approach of SISU and Mr. Ranson, which has been at the heart of some criticism by supporters groups at CCFC who decry the lack of transparency in the clubs business affairs.

In addition to the trading arm, the club is to set up a foundation which will hold the main assets and establish the community side of the business which is also regarded as imperative to its future.

Having attended a game at The Ricoh and the Butts before Christmas in solidarity with a Coventry sporting instituation, with no Sky Blue game to attend this weekend - why not give it a go!?

It’s Rugby Reborn, and its Coventry!

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

If you would like to reply to this article, add a report, review or express a view on any topical Sky Blue issue on GMK open access articles, just email it to:
gmkadmin@hotmail.co.uk

Have your say on GMK! GMK Prints open Access Articles from any contributor.

The floor is yours; open access on GMK, (normal editorial rights apply) and you can get on your soapbox about whatever you want, any opinion & any hue of the Sky Blue Rainbow!

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

09/10 GMK PL Week 21, Game 26.

By Smiles

Well its well documented what happened, so let’s not tread over old ground, we went to Ipswich and lost, again, and the stat about not conceded in the last 5 minutes of a Championship game is buried again for another season! Predictable? How did you do?

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

(Championship Games Today 23rd January 2010)

(Swansea (A) Tuesday 26th January 2010)

(Ipswich (A) 16th January 2010)

To follow: (The Rules)

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

No Sky Blues fixture this weekend, just the four championship games to predict.

Predict the outcome of the following games (3:00pm unless stated):
Home (H), Away (A) or Draw (D), (NO SCORES, you HAVE TO POST H / D or A):

Saturday, 23 January 2010

Blackpool v Watford:
Middlesbrough v Swansea:
Plymouth v Barnsley:
Sheff Wed v Peterborough:

Cheers Smiles.

Coventry City Results Prediction League
No 100% correct predictions again week, and for once this winter no games called off either!

MrTickle, (+2) goes top from 2nd, with 80 points as Sky_Blue_Up_North (+/-0) draws a blank to stay on79 points, along with SteveC189 (+/-0) stuck in 3rd on 70 points.

Outside the top 3 we have two predictors level pegging with Steve, HK_BlueSkies (+2) up one place & Turk1965 (+1) down one in 5th.

Tisza (+4), on 65 points, moves up from 10th to 6th, moving OBLONG (+-0) down to 7th, still on 64 points.

Behind him is SkyBlueBertie (+/-0) stuck in 8th on 63 points, 62 & SundayRef (+1) who stays in 9th on 62, with Perdomo (+/-0) dropping to 10th level with AndrewBrown (+4) who edges into the top ten on equal points.

Outside the top ten in equal 12th and 13th is a riser in the shape of Danny (+2) up from 14th toppling Blind_Faith (+1) down a place to 13th and SkyBlueExile (+/-0) who moves down a place from 13th to 14th.

QPRSkyBlue (+3) joins SBE on 58 points up 3 places, to 15th moving the absent LordSummerisle (+/-0) down to 16th still on 56.

Also dropping a place each are Vicar_In_A_Tutu , (+/-0) and BerksSkyBlue, (+/-0) both on 55points.

Making up the top 20 is a pair on 54 points, in 19th is CCSBA (+/-0) and Edgy (+2). up from 23rd.

Andy94 (+1) dropped out of the top 20.

Everyone else follows….

The gap from 1st to 10th is still 18 points (+/-0) & 1st to 20th 26 (-1).

Here’s the updated league.

The top 25 on the front page has also been updated.

If the board is down for any reason or you cannot post email me your predictions: gmkadmin@hotmail.co.uk

For a reminder on how to score points again check the rules on the home page on the blue bar, when I’ve asked Moz how to do it, I will get around to this honest!

Championship Results Prediction League
No postponements (-8), this week.

Bad week for the top boy Keano_No1 (+3) still in the top spot up now on 161 points, equal with RickyCCFC (+7) moves up to 2nd from 3rd, this knocks BerksSkyBlue (+4) drops from 2nd to 3rd on 160 a point behind.

Still in 4th & 5th are SkyBlueNemo (+/-0) on 153 now equal with Blind_Faith (+6).

No-one drops out of the top 5 as result of that QPRSkyBlue (+8) moves up to 6th on 152. I (+8) follow him up to 7th from 10th on 151 points equal with Blaggy (+6) down from 6th to 8th, Edgy (+7) stays 9th & on 150 as Tisza (+5) drops to 10th with 149.

From 11th to 20th is largely unchanged with no new entries.

Sky_Blue_Up_North, (+4) is stuck 11th on 146, who now has a 3 point gap on Perdomo (+8) on 143 now above Neil10 (+5) in 13th on the same number of points.

They are followed by and a trio in the same places as last week with SBGus (+7) in 14th on 141 & AndrewBrown (+5) in 15th with 139 and Lagger (+4) on 135.

Turk1965 (+7) on 135 swaps places with Oblong (+/-0) on 130 & as CharlesMore (+6) on 130 followed & Danny (+5) on 127 make up the top 20.

No-one drops out of the top 20 this week.

So with 32 players (-2) this week 1st to 10th is now a gap of 12 points (-3) & 1st to 20th is 34 points (-2)

With 13 (=7) games to predict this week, the average points obviously went up from 1.629 to (+3.653) and the overall total was also, obviously, up from 57 to 169 (+112).

There were just 16 points (9) to go for this week & no double digit returns this week.

Here's the table after week 21, Game 26:

Any issues then please e-mail me at the usual address!

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

Have an article to publish?

Have your say on GMK! GMK Prints open Access Articles from any contributor.

Mail us at:

09/10 GMK PL Weekend Championship Games Update

By Smiles

With the Sky Blues without a game last weekend due to being dumped out of the FA Cup & having no postponements this season thus far, there was a blank weekend to contend with and just 3, out of 4, (with Plymouth & Barnsley postponed AGAIN!) Championship games to predict there was just 3 points to go for. Predictable? How did you do?

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

(Tonights Fixtures V Swansea (A))

(The Weekends games)

To follow: (The Rules)

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

Here’s this weeks fixtures for you to predict.

Game 27: (Kick off deadline to post by: 3:00pm)
Predict the outcome of:

Swansea v Coventry :
First Goal Coventry Scorer:
Crowd:

Predict the outcome of the following games (3:00pm unless stated):
Home (H), Away (A) or Draw (D), (NO SCORES, you HAVE TO POST H / D or A):

Tuesday, 26th January 2010, 7:45pm unless stated:

Barnsley vs Leicester :
Bristol C vs Cardiff :
Doncaster vs Middlesbro :
Ipswich vs West Brom :
Nottm Forest vs QPR :
Peterborough vs Preston:
Plymouth vs Derby :
Sheff Utd vs Reading :
Swansea vs Coventry :

Wednesday, 27th January :

Newcastle vs C Palace :
Scunthorpe vs Sheff Wed

Cheers Smiles.

Championship Results Prediction League
There were just 28 people predicting this week & they had just 3 points to go for & this is how they did:

This is how it affected the table:

Any issues then please e-mail me at the usual address!

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

Have an article to publish?

Have your say on GMK! GMK Prints open Access Articles from any contributor.

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09/10 GMK PL Week 22, Game 27.

By Smiles

A long trip to South Wales on a dark, dank mid week evening doesn’t really hold too much attraction, however a decent away point from a team challenging at the right end of the table isn’t too bad, in whatever circumstances it was gained, in the 3rd 0-0 of the season. Predictable? How did you do?

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

(Todays game v Blackpool (H))

(Swansea (A) Tuesday 26th January 2010)

To follow: (The Rules)

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

No Sky Blues fixture this weekend, just the four championship games to predict.

Game 28: (Kick off deadline to post by: 3:00pm)
Predict the outcome of:

Coventry v Blackpool:
First Goal Coventry Scorer:
Crowd:

Predict the outcome of the following games (3:00pm unless stated):
Home (H), Away (A) or Draw (D), (NO SCORES, you HAVE TO POST H / D or A):

C Palace vs Peterborough :
Cardiff vs Doncaster :
Coventry vs Blackpool :
Derby vs Nottm Forest :
Leicester vs Newcastle - 5:20pm :
Middlesbro vs Bristol C :
Preston vs Ipswich :
QPR vs Scunthorpe :
Reading vs Barnsley :
Sheff Wed vs Plymouth :
Watford vs Swansea :
West Brom vs Sheff Utd :

Tuesday 2nd Feb 7:45pm:

Crystal Palace vs Barnsley - 8pm:
Preston vs Barnsley :
Watford vs Sheff Utd :

Wednesday 3rd Feb 7:45pm:

Blackpool vs West Brom :

Cheers Smiles.

Coventry City Results Prediction League
No 100% correct predictions again week, and for once this winter no games called off either!

MrTickle, (+/-0) stays top despite drawing a blank with 80 points as Sky_Blue_Up_North (+/-0) draws another blank to also stay on79 points, with the top 2 not scoring SteveC189 (+3) draws a bit closer in 3rd on 73points, like wise Turk1965 (+3) up one from 5th to 4th.

Dropping one place is, HK_BlueSkies (+/-0) to 5th still on 70 points.

Tisza (+3), on 68 points, stays in 6th, moving a tad closer OBLONG (+2) still in 7th, still on 66 points.

Behind him is SkyBlueBertie (+1) stuck in 8th on 64 points & SundayRef (+1) who stays in 9th on 63, with Perdomo (+/-0) & AndrewBrown (+/-0) posting too late still with 62 and are joined by Danny (+3) who splits the pair to join the top 10 up from 12th.

Outside the top 10, beyond the trio on 62 points, is the weeks big riser SkyBlueNemo (+9) the only person who correctly predicted the 0-0. He moves upto 13th from 24th on 61 points moving the next 3 down a place each Blind_Faith (+1) with 60 level with and SkyBlueExile (+2) QPRSkyBlue (+2) and BerksSkyBlue, (+5) who moves up one place from 18th to 17th.

There’s then a 3 point gap behind them down to Andy94 (+4) who moves back into the top 20 from 21st to 18th on 57 points moving the absent LordSummerisle (+/-0) down to 19th still on 56 equal with Edgy (+2) in 20th.

With two new entries two drop out of the top 20 Vicar_In_A_Tutu , (+/-0) on 55 points & CCSBA (+/-0) on 54 points.

Everyone else follows….

The gap from 1st to 10th is still 18 points (+/-0) & 1st to 20th 24 (-2).

Here’s the updated league.

The top 25 on the front page has not been updated.

If the board is down for any reason or you cannot post email me your predictions: gmkadmin@hotmail.co.uk

For a reminder on how to score points again check the rules on the home page on the blue bar, when I’ve asked Moz how to do it, I will get around to this honest!

Championship Results Prediction League
No postponements this week.

Top boy Keano_No1 (+9) is the weeks top scorer and is still in the top spot up now on 173 points, another point ahead of RickyCCFC (+8) still in to 2nd now on 171 points BerksSkyBlue (+6) stays in 3rd now on 168 points.

Still in 4th & 5th are SkyBlueNemo (+8) on 164 now ahead of Blind_Faith (+8) on 163 as the top 5 remains unchanged

No-one drops out of the top 5 as result of that, however 6th & 7th swap places with Edgy (+7) just moving ahead of QPRSkyBlue (+6) on the same number of points, 159, I (+6) stay in 8th on 158 points equal with >B Tisza (+7) who moves ahead of Blaggy (+6) who drops down from 9th to 10th, with 157 points.

From 11th to 20th is shuffles with no new entries.

Sky_Blue_Up_North, (+8) is stuck 11th now just a point behind the top 10 on 156, he now has a 5 point gap on with SBGus (+7) upto 12th from 14th on 15 knocking the late predicting Perdomo (+2) back to 13th on 148 equal with Neil10 (+3) in 14th on the same number of points.

They are followed by Turk1965 (+8) on 143 in 15th AndrewBrown (+2) in 16th with 142 CharlesMore (+9) in 17th on 141, and Lagger (+/-0) on 137 equal with Oblong (+4) on 130 followed & Danny (+8) on 136 make up the top 20.

No-one drops out of the top 20 this week.

So with 32 players (+4) this week 1st to 10th is now a gap of 16 points (+4) & 1st to 20th is 37 points (+3)

With 11 (+8) games to predict this week, the average points obviously went up from 2.07 to 6.06 (+3.99) and the overall total was also, obviously, up from 58 to 194 (+136).

There were 14 points (+11) to go for this week & no double digit returns this week.

Here's the table after week 22, Game 27:

Any issues then please e-mail me at the usual address!

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______

Have an article to publish?

Have your say on GMK! GMK Prints open Access Articles from any contributor.

Mail us at:

Player Ratings and The Merits of Playing with a Lone Striker

By Knowl.

Yesterday was an action packed thriller, there was a wonder strike, an elbow strike and, well a realisation that giving Coleman time is going to be a frustrating experience which unless he accepts that his attitude is not conclusive to getting us higher up the table may well be completely futile exercise.

Going to say right now, I didn’t see the episode with Gunnar and unless anyone can say otherwise I assume that he got smacked in the face. Sorry for going all Wenger on everyones ass but I just didn’t see it.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______________________________

Saturday 30th January – 15.00pm Ricoh Arena

Three Parish Notices.

Firstly, the lone striker, I have no issues with playing one upfront, some of our best victories in recent years have been built on playing Leon Best, okay some don’t rate him but when he has an off day don’t they just love telling you about how little they rate him!!!, upfront on his own. Some of the biggest teams in world football play with a lone striker and it doesn’t prevent them from winning lots and lots of games of football. However, playing the lone striker requires three things to occur, 1) fluidity, the players who are supposed to be supporting the lone striker have to get in and around him and when we go to 451 the 5 shouldn’t all be in a line 5 to 8 yards in front of the back four when the opposition are in our half. 2) you need to attack with purpose, Blackpool also played one through the middle but when they attacked they got 4 or 5 players in the box and made it difficult for us, 3) defensive security doesn’t have to be to the fore, you don’t need to play two defensive midfielders, that just means all your attacks start from deep and the opposition, who are also playing 451 and more used to it, can stifle most attacks.

Secondly, I am trying to temper my language so I will refrain from calling our captain by the word that comes most to the fore but I would strip him of the arm band after yesterday as he proved what a complete self absorbed prat he is. Deegan, who I though showed a lot of enthusiasm and mobility, came on for only his 3 apperance for us, yes he got caught in possession a couple of times once around our box, a decent captain would have gone over and quietly said “Look lad you don’t get that much time at this level, don’t worry just try and be quicker”, no one did this which is fair enough. However, when Deegs played the ball out wide to Wright, but the ball was a little bit in front of him and Stephen didn’t get to it, you just accept it as one of those things. Oh no not captain marvel, he throws his arms around and has a right old belly ache, its one thing for fans to groan at a miss placed pass, and in this instance they didn’t, its another altogether when a player, who knows the whole crowd is watching him has a go at a team mate. That’s not leadership in any sense of the word and if Wright hadn’t made a couple of awful decisions during the game then maybe, just maybe, he could say something, but he did make mistakes and as they say “they without sin can cast the first stone”.

Lastly, I will deal with the negative nature of our manager at the end, however, this brings to the fore a couple of things which have been floating around these pages over the last couple of days. Coleman is approaching the two year and 100 game mark and somethings are becoming very apparent, the key one for me is that the lack of desire to win at all costs and that became even more obvious yesterday. He took the easy option of replacing like with like when Blackpool went down to ten men and he handed the initiative to the opposition who clearly had their tails up. By bringing on a striker it would have got the crowd pumping, it would have really set the game up but instead the crowd got frustrated, the momentum was gone and soon after any chance of winning the game was gone as Blackpool scored a beauty. Coleman has yet to win over hearts and minds at Cov and with another display like that even the more patient of fans are going to wonder whether or not Coleman has it within him to love winning more than he hates losing.

HOW THEY LINED UP

Coventry: Westwood, Wright (Cpt), Cranie, Wood, McPake, Bell, (Morrison70), Clingan, Gunnarsson, (Deegan 57), McIndoe, Baker, Best (Eastwood 75).

Subs Not Used: Konstantopolous, Barnett, Grandison, Hussey

Booked: None.

Sent Off: None.

Goals: Baptiste (og) 83

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Something to contribute or Going To the Game?
Do you go to the game?

Westie - 8 Commanded his box with ease, made a couple of vital saves and again proved that our last line of defence is our strongest line of defence. Got peeved with a couple of the inept decisions those in front of him were making but again made enough saves that we only needed one goal to get anything out of the game.

Wright - 6 A couple of strange decisions once again from the experienced full back. Made some vital blocks and last ditch tackles but there is no one leading the back four, there is talking but no one actually seeming to be telling the line where to be or when to move out. There is still no understanding between him and Bell, and it wasn’t until late on that Wright got involved anywhere near the half way line.

Cranie - 6 One ropey back header here and a couple of indecisive tackles there, this was not a good performance from the centre back at left back. However, the mitigating circumstances of the fact we continually play a different player alongside him and the fact that Wood is not looking anywhere near as commanding as I think we all assumed he would do will not be helping.

McPake - 6 Not one of the defence impressed yesterday, they all made basic and unforced errors which led to nervy moments. McPake is all blood and thunder and that’s great, whoopee, but sometimes we are going to need a little more cuteness from the guy, especially when we play with one upfront, yes by all means clear you lines, but if you have 20 seconds to make a decision, we are the ones playing in sky blue. Also, can either Wood or McPake take the lead, we need someone with Danns presence someone to tell the midfield to stop playing on top of them, I don’t care which one does it but for players who were captains at previous clubs these two are more quiet mice than roaring lions.

Wood - 6 Seems to have come in under the radar, signed on loan after Barnett and then signed on Jan the 4th with Deegs. Wood has been finding his feet at his new club and to me he doesn’t look settled, in fact, if I didn’t know he was from Sheff Wed I would think he was playing at this level for the first time. There is no assurance from him at the moment, he isn’t dominant in the air, he isn’t quick or particularly strong in the challenge and while his reading is okay it isn’t as good as I was expecting from someone that Coleman has been chasing for the past two years. Now he may just need games and that’s ok but I haven’t quite worked out what he brings to party yet and I’m no more in the know today after that performance.

Clingan - 5 I’m all for passing football, I like to watch players who are comfy on the ball and look to pass, be it sidewards, backwards or 30 yards cross field balls, I don’t care as long as it has a purpose. What I don’t like to see is a man pass the ball and stand still, get the ball back, pass the ball to someone else and then stand still, again calling for the ball back. More than enough times that happened and every time Sammy ended up in the same cul-de-sac he started in. The time he made his pretty passes and then ran to the left touchline for no apparent reason was the final straw in a poor performance. If we are playing the lone striker Sammy has to show more dynamism with his distribution, he needs to get the ball flowing quickly and, sorry, fucking move after he has played a pass, just fucking move forward, sidewards, backwards, I don’t fucking care but don’t just stand there going nowhere, I saw that shit under McAllister and I don’t need to see it again.

Gunnar - 5 One great maurding run was not enough to distract from a performance that was muted at best and painfully restricted at worse. Gunnar is the only central midfielder we have who can carry the ball and beat a man, he can link well with Best and by the looks of things Baker, he should be getting 5 - 10 goals a season by arriving late in the box or by powering through, so we play him as defensive shield, we negate his natural energy and enthusiasm, also it means we don’t pressure high up the pitch, we allow the opposition to have control of the first third of our half of the pitch when they attack, meaning when we have the ball we are too deep to really hurt them. We obviously don’t work on his long throws so I will not talk about them other than saying, they are shite.

Bell - 5 The difference between Bell and McIndoe is that McIndoe is always involved, always available for the ball and yes he may not be perfect but the reason people get on his back is that he is noticeable. Bell was no existent yesterday, I bet most people have forgotten he was on the pitch. They both put in a decent cross or two but when you are playing as high right winger who have to be more mobile, you have to look for the space and you have to tuck in when the balls on the left and add to the numbers in the box. The acid test of how aimless he was when Baker went wide right and suddenly we looked like we had a threat from that side and even Wright started to venture forward.

Baker - 8 The second best out field player on the pitch, the best was the lad from Blackpool who capped a great display with a beauty of a goal, Baker made the step up to Championship football look easy. He made a couple of delightful passes through the defence and between him and McIndoe we looked a threat in the first half and with a few more bodies in the box that combination may have led to something. The run for the equaliser was what we have been waiting a few years to see, we have a lot of functional players at this club and what we needed was a wild card, we need the unexpected to be played, we need full backs and defenders to be run at and Baker is obviously full of confidence at the moment and his introduction into the team will bring results. Add to that the intelligence to pull the ball back for the on rushing Deegs was pleasing to see.

McIndoe - 7 Always available, always in the action and always willing to receive the ball regardless of what may have happened the last time he got involved. Along with Baker, McIndoe was trying to add to the lone striker situation by actually getting into the box and nearly scored within a minute. He put in one delightful cross and as I’ve mentioned before a delightful cross is a delightful regardless of whether or not there is anyone in the box to be on the end of it, its not McIndoes fault if the opponents penalty area is a no go zone for so many of our players. Hampered by the loss of a natural left back and by the fact we are so negative that he is often isolated or given the ball on the half way line when we counter.

Best - 6 “Come on Leon jump for it”, what’s the fucking point of him jumping for it? Answer me that. He jumps for it, he often wins it but its all pointless because there is no Kevin Phillips to his Nail Quinn, no Rod Wallace to his Lee Chapman no Ian Wallace to his Mick Ferguson. The most futile thing in the country is Best trying to win a header at times. Not his best performance but when 3 of the 5 midfielders are having off days, the game is end to end and the majority of passes to you are from the defence or the defensive third you aren’t going to look a world beater. Yes he should have passed to McIndoe, even tho I think the ball got stuck under his feet more than he didn’t spot the pass but at the end of the day he was not at the top of his game.

Subs.

Deegs - I liked what I saw and with his movement and desire we looked a better, or at least more mobile, team. Yes he wanted to much time and to many touches but he will learn from that, and, he was the guy who finally broke into the box to get the shot away that got us back into the game. Whether or not he should have come on is a mute point but at least he did give us something different once he had settled into the game.

Morrison - Didn‘t really add that much apart from he was stood on the shoulder of the defender at all times and looked to get behind the defence.

Eastwood - On form and at present the number one player at the club, should have been on earlier.

The Manager

Coleman - 3. Play 4 2 3 1 but don’t play 4 5 1 at home and then claim you did it to stop Blackpool having a spare man in midfield. If you did this to combat the extra man why did our midfield 5 defend in a line just in front of our defence leaving Blackpools deep lying midfielder in acres of space?

When Blackpool went down to ten men the easy option was a like for like change, it didn’t require any thought or invention and left us still defensively secure. Great, set up not to lose, I mean that’s why we all go isn’t it? I go to watch Cov on the off chance we may not lose, nah I don’t want to see us win, it never crosses my mind that I might actually want to see us attack and win one nil or if the opportunity arose two nil. Infact I celebrate every non defeat the same, one point or three it’s all the same the important thing is I didn’t see us lose. Coleman, football is pretty simple we go to win, if you go to win you may actually win once in a while, if you go not to concede all the opposition have to do is score and your plans are shot. When was the last time we threw caution to the wind? Yesterday was a prime example of what Coleman brings to the party and we have to ask is that good enough? The players are an improvement on two years ago, we have a player in every position who is at ease with the job they are doing, Cranie apart but his replacement Hussey is waiting to go, the system and tactics are letting them and us down, yesterday we had, IMO, 5 attacking players on the pitch yet we mastered 6 shots on target against a side with 10 men for over half an hour.

Coleman lost another chance to win over the fans yesterday, the frustration of watching us play with little creativity and flair would have been dismissed in an instant if he changed to 442 straight away, the crowd were obviously buoyed by the sending off and the smell of blood was in the air. Coleman destroyed all that hope in one sub and then waited far to long to change the game in our favour, Blackpool were on easy street, they didn’t need to alter their tactics as they were already playing one upfront and the defence was under no extra pressure so they didn’t need to respond because we didn’t. The way we defend so deep and don’t pressure the half way line gave Blackpool the freedom to continue playing their game.

I have always been against appointing managers who have never needed to win promotion, managers who start at the top of the game and are deemed success if they don’t take a team down. Coleman was a success at Fulham because he didn’t have to win every game, a finish of 15th was good enough. This has obviously had a bearing on his management style, he deems a draw acceptable at all times and a win a bonus, until he learns that wins are what we wont, wins are what impresses and wins are what keep managers in their jobs he will always be the manager that no one ever really hated or liked, he is just the nothing manager.

As for the players were fatigued I’m sorry but that is not an excuse, they had 10 days to prepare for the Swansea game and yesterdays match.

In short. A draw was the best we deserved from a limited display. Coleman needs to think seriously about what he is aiming to achieve because we are not that much fun to watch and not that defensively secure to be effective. We have 18 games remaining of this season, in that time I would expect to see a defence taking shape that can go into next season as first choice and a midfield unit looking like they can actually play some style of football. Next season is do or die for Coleman but I rather expect he will try for the middle ground as always.

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The GMK Match Report: Sky Blues v Blackpool

By Ian Palmer

The Sky Blues might look back on this game and wonder why they didn’t take advantage of Brett Omerod’s sending off to win all three points. In the end, they were fortunate to get a draw against the resilient Seasiders in a game where too much respect was given a side who were there for the taking. Instead of adopting an up and at 'em approach City fell deep and then had to chase the game, instead of winning it.

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Saturday 30th January, 2010 – 15:00 – The Ricoh Arena

TEAM CHANGES

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Chris Coleman named an unchanged line-up from the side that drew against Swansea in midweek.

Freddy Eastwood claimed a spot on the bench after recovering from a knee injury.

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1st Half

It couldn’t have been easy for Michael McIndoe to hear the boos as his name was announced pre-match. It could have been easy for him to open the scoring as he was played through in the opening minute, only to see his effort saved by the legs of Paul Rachubka in the Blackpool goal.

Blackpool too had an early chance, but a terrific saving tackle from James McPake denied Ormerod in the City penalty area.

The bobbly pitch and packed midfield (both teams lined up with a lone striker and five across the middle) made for a scrappy opening. City limited the visitors to speculative shots whilst unable to carve out any real opportunities of their own despite showing some endeavour.

On the half hour, a mistake from Martin Cranie presented the ball to Taylor-Fletcher who dragged his shot wide. Each of the City back four made a glaring error in this match, of which none were capitalised on; a shame because otherwise they looked quite solid.

Leon Best suddenly made a burst down the left channel and bore down on Rachubka’s goal. He got a shove in the back from Alex Baptiste which unbalanced him and his left-foot shot screwed wide. Strangely, his appeals for a foul were limited to a shrug of the shoulders in the referee’s direction, when a stronger case might have been made.

Sammy Clingan still doesn’t quite look his best (understandably) since returning from injury. He was robbed of the ball by Ormerod who ran forward and sent a shot straight at Westwood. A let-off for City.

The game was beginning to open up and Aron Gunnarsson went on a purposeful run down the left. He teed up McIndoe in the area, but as the Scot controlled the ball, he was pummelled by a strong and fair tackle by Rob Edwards.

Blackpool’s loanee from Villa, Barry Bannan, was looking a bit of a menace down the left side. It was he who played in Gary Taylor-Fletcher for a one-on-one with Westwood, but City’s keeper saved well with his legs.

As half-time loomed, City went up the other end and McIndoe sent in a cross that was met by a Carl Baker glancing header that flew just wide. Baker looked a lively customer playing in behind the striker. His only problem was at times he seemed to want more time on the ball than the Blackpool players would allow.

Half Time

Coventry 0-0 Blackpool

2nd Half

So far Chris Coleman’s tactics were proving a success. City had all but negated Blackpool’s attacking threat in the first half, whilst still able to carve out chances of their own. All they had to do in the second was take one.

But Blackpool started the second strongly. Bannan’s long ball to Taylor-Fletcher allowed the striker a poked shot from the corner of the area. As the ball looked goal-bound until Westwood flung himself across his goal to tip the ball away for a corner.

Then Blackpool came within a whisker of taking the lead. A Charlie Adam free-kick was blocked by the wall and Bannan fired in a rebound which cannoned off the underside of the bar. The Blackpool players claimed a goal, but the linesman wasn’t having any of it. They did have a case.

From a corner soon afterwards Gunnarsson found himself floored after taking a whack in the face. Referee Whitestone was quick to show a straight red card to Brett Ormerod which infuriated the Blackpool players who apparently thought that it had been Westwood that caught the Icelander.

The TV cameras missed the incident, as did Coleman. Although his comment that none of the players were talking about the incident in the dressing room afterwards would perhaps suggest that this was an accident rather than a deliberate act.

Accident or not, Blackpool were down to ten men. A groggy Gunnarsson was replaced by Gary Deegan. The sending off only served to inspire Ian Holloway’s side as they went on the offensive.

As Coleman and the City players appealed for a foul on James McPake, Bannan latched onto the ball and unleashed a stunning 30-yard volley that looped over Westwood, off the underside of the bar, and into the net to give Blackpool a lead. And a lead they perhaps deserved given their endeavour and workrate since Ormerod’s dismissal.

Coleman sent on Morrison and Eastwood to try and increase City’s firepower. Stephen Wright drove forward down the right, and his cross found Morrison in the area, but his flicked effort was straight at Rachubka.

Eastwood then tried his luck with a nonchelent shot with the outside of his boot that went narrowly wide. City continued to pour forward, and eventually got their equaliser.

A great piece of work by Baker down the right saw him beat two Blackpool players, get to the byline and pull the ball back for Gary Deegan. The Irishman’s shot hit Baptiste on the head and Rachubka couldn’t prevent the ball from squeezing over the goaline to bring City back to level terms.

Although City continued to get men forward in numbers, getting the ball up to them was proving difficult, and Blackpool were able to counter. Taylor-Fletcher and substitute Ishmel Demontagnac both saw efforts go wide of Westwood’s goal.

But City could smell all three points and went searching for them as the fouth official indicated seven minutes of injury time. Eastwood saw his shot deflected into Rachubka’s arms. McIndoe’s cross only just alluded Deegan in the area. It just wasn’t to be for Coventry.

The final whistle brought mixed emotions: frustration that City hadn’t used their man-advantage to get the win; but relief at bagging a point when Blackpool could very easily have left with all three themselves.

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AFTER GAME QUOTES
Chris Coleman:

'I thought Blackpool were the better team in the second half.

'You often see that with 10 men so it feels like a point gained to have scored so late.

'The main thing is to keep picking up points as the table is very tight at the moment so we need to keep going.'

Ian Holloway:

'I don't think players fake it but my player's reaction (to his sending off) is that he is absolutely fuming.

'He doesn't think he caught the lad. Somebody might have.'

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HOW THEY LINED UP
Sky Blues: Westwood, Wright, McPake, Wood, Cranie, Bell (Morrison 70), Gunnarsson (Deegan 57), Clingan, McIndoe, Baker, Best (Eastwood 75)

Subs Not Used: Konstantopoulos, Hussey, Barnett, Grandison

Booked: None

Goals: Baptiste (OG) 83

Blackpool: Rachubka, Baptiste, Edwards, Crainey, Evatt, Ormerod, Southerm, Adam (Demontagnac 87), Vaughan, Bannon (Burgess 81), Taylor-Fletcher

Subs Not Used: Gilks, Martin, Euell, Nardiello, Butler

Booked: Adam

Sent Off: Ormerod

Goals: Bannan 69

Att: 16,019

Ref: D. Whitestone

Man of The Match: Barry Bannan – it pains me to say it but this Villa loanee scored a beauty of a goal, and looked threatening throughout.

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I not going to make any apologies, cast any aspersions, parry any blame, I’ve just had enough. I spend a fair few bob a year on following my club , that represents my City, and I’ve come to the conclusion that I can spend my free time, and spare cash, on doing something more enjoyable, with my Saturdays and mid week evenings.

Newcastle sign Leon Best

By Ian Palmer.

Newcastle United have signed City striker Leon Best for undisclosed fee. Best has signed a three-and-a-half year deal with the Magpies.

Although the fee is undisclosed, reports from the Northern Echo call the fee ‘minimal’, but these claims appear unsubstantiated.

Best, whose contract was due to expire in the summer, spent two-and-a-half years with the Sky Blues, making 104 appearances since his £650,000 move from Southampton. He scored 23 goals.

He made his Republic of Ireland debut on May 29th 2009 against Nigeria.

Although his contract was due to expire, he would not have been allowed to leave on a free as he is under 24 years of age. A tribunal would have set fee should he have stayed until the end of his contract, but chairman Ray Ranson has decided to cash in on the player now.

Ranson told the official Coventry City website: “The situation with Leon’s contract has been well documented. When it was apparent that we couldn’t agree terms to remain at Coventry City, we knew we would have to listen to offers and act in the best interests of the club.”

I just don’t buy it, anymore.

By Smiles

Why I not getting a season ticket next season. This has nothing at all to do with the sale of Leon Best, I’ve just had enough. 4:30pm Saturday afternoon in a freezing cold Ricoh, an afternoon of complete boredom, which I’m doing out just of duty & routine, watching bland football, in a soulless Arena, after years of want, the desire to carry on doing this, sadly, has gone.

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Watching football in Coventry has, sadly, for me, become more about the friendships I’ve gained through doing this website and the before and after game social side, spending time with my two sons, and going to away grounds & places we’ve never been, rather than the chore of turning up at the Ricoh, supporting Coventry City.

I don’t boo players, I don’t rant and rave at officials, much, slag off Coleman, deride Ranson, criticise Ricoh Arena Ltd, etc, but for me the passion has gone. I just can’t be bothered anymore.

Football, as a contest, (and an interest for me) is nearly dead.

Money, or even in our case the ‘lack of’ has ruined it. It’s just not a competitive sport , I have nothing in common with footballers any longer. I don’t relate to them as sportsmen, or consider them something to aspire to. As for my experiences as a supporter, unless I’m, rarely, in the corporate areas, is akin to what I imagine the day to day routine of what being banged up must be like.

Sports coverage on Sky has reduced the sport I love to the equivalent of American wrestling, and for the record I don’t find that entertaining either, I don’t have any wide eyed wonder in it any longer and bar the odd moment of brilliant, pure, skill, the sport has been reduced to kick and rush, defend and hoof, tactical negativity or just pure cheating, to gain an unfair advantage.

I have the utmost admiration for those that spend season after season doing every game, I’ve never pretended to be No 1 supporter, have the inside edge, know it all, have all the answers, but I have had a few questions and reasoned, considered solutions and I will see this season out in the hope for the remaining games, we’ll show some positivity and be entertained, but I somehow doubt it with the way we play at present.

I’ll be at the remaining home games, enjoy a Balti at the Vine in West Brom with my Baggie mates, trawl up to Newcastle to see Leon Best score against us and hopefully see us put a few past Wee Gordon Fucking Strachan at the Riverside and then after that, retire gracefully, to some weekends going out with my wife - who has seen me spend more of our time, money and hours of married life, considering, worrying, caring passionately about 11 men, kicking a bag of wind around, a green field, for 90 minutes, 50 or so times a year & all the minutes in between passionately debating the pros and cons, in a business I can do nothing to influence, but turn up and be treated, pretty shabbily. But no more.

I’ll have a chat with Moz, give Knowl a call, see if anyone would like to pick up & continue the fine tradition of GMK that Nev and Joe set up and, in my own little way, hope that I have at least continued, in the best spirit, to prolong over the last 5 years. Then next year pick and chose, when I have the spark of interest, to go to a game that fires the imagination and contribute a bit here and there, however - unlike my work mates have suggested - there’s no fucking way I’m going to Villa Park with any regularity, (or even occasion)!

I don’t like being taken for granted, and whilst CCFC is in my DNA, (and always will be), what I see and feel at present, at the club I love, does not fire me sufficiently to feel I can carry on with the encouragement I have given, & largely endured, without some enjoyment or entertainment in return. (I forgot about involvement a few years back).

Again, I admire those that continue, week in, week out, to follow the lads who play for the club and they both continue to have my complete support, as much as I give thanks to everyone that has helped, written, posted or read this website, but when Saturday comes next season, my focus will, largely, be somewhere else.

Play Up Sky Blues!

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It All Goes Wrong In Midfield.

By Sb7Jon.

This is my first shot at a main article so stick with it. In order to not make this completely about the Blackpool game I’ll not be marking scores for players in that match or such like, that’s Knowl’s job.
So after two years Coleman finally has his squad. A generally a better, younger and so surely a fitter squad than ever - yet we’re left with a team with no direction, no leadership on and off the field and the same excuse of tiredness every week.

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I will come to the negativity of Coleman’s tactics and team selections in a minute but his general demeanour and after match comments cannot give any confidence to his players. He doesn’t speak positively, he never says, “we’re a better team” or “we’ve got the players to beat these teams”. It’s always a negative statement before and after the match, talking up the other teams and talking down our chances. We all know they’re not world-beaters, but would talking them up be so harmful? Surely sending a team out with a positive attitude is more constructive than talking them down and sending them out almost convinced a point is a good result.

Yes teams like Swansea and Blackpool are above us in the league. Yes they’re playing better consistent football than us at the minute. Is that because they set themselves up to not lose against every team? No they are coached to play their way, they all understand how their manager wants the team to play and therefore are sent out in a positive frame of mind to play that way. Further to this all good teams, not just in this league have a plan B and probably a few more after that. They have players that can switch to suit a change of tactics during a match or players on the bench to change games.

So what do we have?

We have one style of play, one set of tactics and only like for like players on the bench. A bank of four at the back, not so unconventional and most are agreed a decent enough back four for this division, they maybe sit too deep at times but overall we’re happy there and we move on to the midfield. I’m afraid this is where everything goes wrong for me. Sat right in front of our slightly too deep defence, is our non-existent midfield. We have the personal in the middle but no one capable of setting them up in the correct way:

Firstly – Clingan is the type of player we’ve wanted for years. A Carrick type player who will take the ball off our hoofers at the back and link up with the midfield and/or the striker(s) in order to get the team moving forward. Unfortunately we don’t have any players further up the pitch for him to play the ball too. For instance in the standard Coleman line up of, Bell – Clingan – Gunnarson – McIndoe with Morrison – Best upfront, his main outlet becomes Best who is usually well marked, and isolated. Coleman’s tactics dictate that when we don’t have the ball, Bell and McIndoe fall back and sit on top of the full backs, leaving nothing out wide for the counter attack. Gunnarson seems to have the same instruction and is usually found deeper than Clingan cutting out any forward movement through the middle. Then finally Morrison is usually 30/40 yards deeper than Best meaning if Best does win the ball he needs to hold it up whist we get support to him and crucially the opposition get back to defend.

Secondly – Gunnarson has been transformed in his 18months here from a free running, all-action (if a little sporadic) midfielder who had a big enough engine to run all day into a dull, lifeless Stephen Hughes style player who can barely run for an hour. His marauding forward runs of last season are gone and replaced with a defensive self doubt that has seen nothing more than a nose bleed in the opponents half this season. His attitude and style of play last season would compliment Clingan’s game perfectly but he’s been restricted and it’s ruining both Gunnar and Clingan.

Thirdly – Pace. There is none, so having players in more advanced positions is our only chance of playing on the counter. Added to that the fact that if we have two or three in advanced positions we restrict the opposition’s defence from joining the attack. Baker seems to have a bit of pace and skill, but one swallow doesn’t make a summer, so lets play smart if we can’t play fast!

Lastly – Leadership. It’s amazing how now with three captains in the back four we have less direction in the side than at any point in recent years. McPake seems more than capable of organising his fellow defenders and both he and Wood seem to be very vocal and very supportive on the pitch. Yet the man Coleman chooses to wear the armband, Wright. A man who after telling Deegan where to play the ball, an instruction he competently followed, Wright stopped running, watched the ball roll harmlessly out of play before turning and give Deegan an absolute bollocking! Shocking behaviour from the man who’s supposed to be leading the team.

Again during the game Clingan was in a hole in midfield with only Wright as an outlet, Wright accepted the pass, ran 5 yards over the half-way line and hacked a hopeless ball down the line to no-one before again turning on Clingan. On the pitch there were numerous occasions where players were arguing and pointing the finger and Wright was anonymous! As the captain he should be putting out these fires and gelling the team not ignoring the bickering and even joining in at times. Coleman needs to find a left back fast, get Wright out of the team and give McPake the job of leading the team before we get another Doyle vs Page scenario!

So onto the general tactics (not formations as understandably they change), that’s if there are any. Sitting too deep and inviting pressure is about all Coleman seems able to do. I agree away from home being more conservative isn’t a bad idea. Yet at home sitting back is an invitation to the opposition to attack at will. Momentum is key in this league and we don’t start either half at anywhere near the tempo required and we suffer because of it. We give teams coming to the Ricoh time to settle into the game and then we withdraw further and further onto the back foot. He has his squad, he is now being judged on all he has done here and I fear we all know what the judgement will be!

I mentioned in a thread a few days ago, CCFC has been rudderless for so long. Countless owners, chairmen, managers, coaches and players have all come and gone and yet the apathy and negativity on the pitch and in the stands still remains. Until a manager comes in and creates a team that’ll turn the draws into wins, turn the 1-nils into 3 or 4-nils and turn the negativity surrounding CCFC around we’ll continue to sink deeper and deeper into the mire. Is Coleman that manager? He’s the manager Ranson wanted that’ll work with him stabilizing the club and recycling lower league players through the club for profit. And stability is what we all want when we look over our shoulder and see clubs like Palace and co struggling to pay their way but I really think a more positive manager could perform that same job whilst moving the team up the table.

So for now, I fear we better get used to struggling to fifty something points a season and the pathetic after match interviews about tiredness and difficult opposition.

PUSB

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GMK Prediction League update Game 28

By Smiles

The Sky Blues draw with 10-men Blackpool, relying on an own goal take take the solitary point agaisnt the Seasiders from the six available this season, a rather drab performance taht could have returned more, if the cautious approach of 'not lose at all costs' could have been evolved into for for 'a win it now they're a man down' stampede. Predictable? How did you do?

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Tuesday at home to Forest

Todays game at Bristol

Your Blackpool Predictions

Apologies to lagger whose Championship Predictions I missed last week.

The tables

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GMK Prediction League Update Game 29.

By Smiles

The Sky Blues draw with after going ahead at Ashton Gate. It would appear that we support a team who play not to lose rather than dare to win! Four draws in a row see us playing safe against a team who lost 6-0 at home last time out and hadn’t scored in 3 games . Predictable? How did you do?

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Tuesday at home to Forest

Saturdays game at Bristol

Congrats to RickyCCFC who gained 9 points this week.

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The GMK Match Report: Sky Blues 1-0 Nottingham Forest

By Ian Palmer

Freddy Eastwood pounced on a rebound to grab the goal that was enough to see the Sky Blues clinch the win over their Midlands rivals. Sky Blues fans had much to cheer about as their team held on in a match that saw an historic referee substitution.

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Tuesday 9th February, 2010 - 19:45 - The Ricoh Arena

TEAM CHANGES

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Chris Coleman named an unchanged lineup from the team that drew 1-1 away to Bristol City at the weekend.

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1st Half

Forest had only tasted defeat once in their last 21 matches. Tonight they came up against a Sky Blues side brimming with determination to make that 2 in 22; and that’s just what they did.

No doubt this was an exceptional team performance from City, but it was their back four that ought to be given special praise. They limited the previously potent Forest attack to merely three attempts on goal throughout the game.

It didn’t start all that well for the City defence who were caught a little cold in the sixth minute when a free kick saw the played played through to Joe Garner. Thankfully Keiren Westwood was alert to the danger and rushed off his line to save the midfielder’s shot with his legs.

The Sky Blues woke up after that and began to knock the ball around rather nicely while at the same time working hard to stifle Forest’s forward ambitions with some tireless pressing throughout the team.

A Clingan free kick on 17 minutes saw Aron Gunnarsson and Richard Wood throw themselves at the ball. Unfortunately they rather got in each other’s way and the ball cannoned of Gunnar’s head and harmlessly out for a goal kick.

Then it was City’s turn for a quick free kick. Clingan played in Morrison down the left. His cross found Wood at the back post whose shot on the slide was saved by Lee Camp, and there was Freddy Eastwood to slam home the rebound and give Coventry the 1-0 lead.

James McPake typified his good form, and the entire team’s ethos when he launched himself into a flying tackle on Paul Anderson. McPake won the ball fairly, and even managed to barge two more Forest players out the way as he returned to his position. He was imperious.

City nearly doubled their lead before half time. A nice interchange between Morrison and Eastwood brought in McIndoe on the left who hit a first time fizzer that was turned away at his near post by Camp.

Forest, playing with one striker to pack the midfield and stifle Coventry, found themselves unable to set any rhythm to their game. City weren’t overawed in midfield and did well to break up a lot of Forest’s play. That saw them get to half time with the lead.

Half Time

Coventry 1-0 Nottingham Forest

2nd Half

Forest quickened their tempo and renewed their enthusiasm for an equaliser in the second half. They nearly got one just five minutes in when Chris Cohen sent in a wicked free kick that found the boot of Moussi in the area. Unfortuntely for the away side, the tall midfielder planted his volley wide.

Radoslaw Majewski then sent in a couple of shots: one was deflected onto the top of the net; the other flew narrowly over. Forest were on top and you got the feeling that City were going to have to get at least one more goal if they wanted to come away with all three points.

City’s cause wasn’t helped by a referee who appeared to be giving the home team very little. Thankfully the lady assistant referee was a little kinder to the home team as she stifled a few Forest attacks by raising her flag offside. I said to my friend next to me that we’d be better off with her refereeing.

A tackle with Moussi saw Gunnarsson get hurt. A pity, because Gunnar was looking lively and a thorn in Forest’s side. Gary Deegan came on to replace him. Morrison then played in Eastwood, but defenders caught up, and after a few step overs Freddy lashed a shot well over the bar.

Then suddenly referee Bates fell lame. And wouldn’t you know it, I got my wish! On came assistant referee Amy Fearn to take charge of the game to rapturous applause from all around the Ricoh. Fearn thus became the first ever female referee at this level of the game, and she went on to handle the game with more aplomb than her predecessor.

Forest were undoubtedly having the lion’s share of the possesion, but they were just unable to find a way past City’s backline. At the other end Morrison sent a volley from a tight angle narrowly wide. Carl Baker came on for David Bell who had worked tirelessly on the right of midfield.

The introduction of Baker was just was City needed. He injected a real zest into their play. His persistance saw him win the ball and find Eastwood. Freddy returned the ball to Baker who had continued his run. He danced through the Forest midfield and slipped the ball through to Deegan, one-on-one with Camp. Agonisingly, Deegan’s shot only found the side-netting and City went back on the defensive.

In stoppage time, Richard Wood rushed out of defence to win the ball with excellent anticipation. Not only that but he then ran the ball all the way to the corner flag in the Forest half to eat up more of the six minutes of time added on.

But City did hold on to earn a very impressive win against a team with real promotion aspirations.

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AFTER GAME QUOTES
Chris Coleman:

'Forest are one of the best teams in the league so it's a good result. We knew it would be a hard match but the lads were fantastic.

'Some of our defending was top notch and our strikers did well against a very strong defence.

'We said don't sit back and we didn't - but they pushed us back. We had one or two scary moments but we did well.'

Billy Davies:

'We sit four points off the top of the league and are in a wonderful position with 16 games to go.

'We've got to appreciate the position we're in and look forward. I said to the players that this is an experience for them and they should enjoy it.

'They should be proud of where we are. They've given themselves a great chance and there will be no disappointments.'

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HOW THEY LINED UP
Sky Blues: Westwood, Wright, McPake, Wood, Cranie, Bell (Baker 81), Gunnarsson (Deegan 63), Clingan, McIndoe, Morrison, Eastwood

Subs Not Used: Konstantopoulos, Hussey, Barnett, Grandison, Jeffers

Booked: Wood, McPake, McIndoe, Baker

Goals: Eastwood 24

Nottingham Forest: Camp, Gunter, Morgan, Wilson, Cohen, Garner (Earnshaw 68), McKenna, Moussi (McGugan 77), Anderson (McGoldrick 72), Majewski, Blackstock

Subs Not Used: Smith, Perch, Chambers, Adebola

Booked: None

Att: 18,225

Ref: A. Bates

Man of The Match:

James McPake – it could have gone to any of the Sky Blues’ back four, but McPake was outstanding.

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Sky Blues sign Sears on loan

By Ian Palmer
By Ian Palmer.

The Sky Blues have snapped up West Ham striker Freddie Sears on loan until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old has already spent the first half of this season at Crystal Palace, and made 19 appearances without scoring, being used mainly as a wide midfielder.

Sears has made seven Premier League appearances for West Ham, scoring one goal. He also has made three appearances for the England Under-21’s, again scoring one goal.

Sears will be in the City squad to face QPR at the Ricoh Arena this Saturday.

GMK PL Game 30 vs Notts Forest.

By Smiles

The Sky Blues gain a very welcome 3 points with a positive display against a very good Forest side riding high in the league and also keep a clean sheet. Positive attacking forward play, defenders playing further upfield and a midfield connecting to the attack. Is this the same team who played Blackpool? Predictable? How did you do?

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Wednesday Away to Nuke Hassle

Today at home to QPR

Tuesday at home to Forest

Congrats to CharlesMore who gained 10 points in the Championship predictor this week.

The tables

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Chris Coleman made three changes to the side that beat Nottingham Forest in midweek.

The GMK Match Report: Sky Blues 1-0 QPR

By Ian Palmer

Gary Deegan’s first goal for Coventry on his home debut was enough to seal all three points for the Sky Blues in a scrappy encounter with floundering Queens Park Rangers.

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Saturday 13th February, 2010 – 15:00 – The Ricoh Arena

TEAM CHANGES

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Out went the injured trio of Aron Gunnarsson, David Bell, and James McPake. In came Leon Barnett, and Carl Baker and Gary Deegan got their first starts for the club.

New loan signing Freddie Sears was one of only six players (seven are allowed) on the City bench.

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1st Half
There was a strangely hushed atmosphere around the Ricoh as the game got underway. The cold weather was probably to blame rather than the football: City went into the game unbeaten in four, whereas QPR had lost their last four.

Three quick corners in succession gave the impression that QPR were going to be a tougher opponent than their form suggests. But it didn’t take long for City to make the breakthrough.

A long punt upfield by Keiren Westwood was headed down by Morrison, into the path of Deegan who had anticipated the opening with a burst from midfield. The Irishman’s shot from 18 yards crept into the bottom corner of the net. Goalkeeper Ikeme stood helpless – a deflection might have been kind to City.

QPR responded with Priskin breaking into the penalty area. He was denied by a strong, well-timed challenge by Richard Wood. Two minutes later Jay Simpson was in, but he was denied by another good tackle, this time by Stephen Wright.

This was not a pretty game to watch. It was made worse by a referee who seemed to enjoy the noise his whistle made. But when Clingan was clearly fouled he turned a blind eye propting early chants of “You don’t know what you’re doing!”

City’s defence has been ever so stingy of late. James McPake had drawn plaudits aplenty, but in his absence Leon Barnett was proving a more than an adequate replacement, regularly winning tackles and headers.

Just as I was wishing I’d brought a crossword with me, the referee brought me out of my slumber with a half time toot. Perhaps the second half will prove a little more entertaining, I hoped...

Half Time

Coventry 1-0 QPR

2nd Half
Carl Baker was one of the highlights of this dull affair, and he quickly brought the second half alive with a lovely piece of skill to evade a defender, and played a stellar pass up the line to Morrison. Morrison did well to get a cross in, but it went over the heads of Eastwood and McIndoe.

Jay Simpson was the danger man for QPR. In a disorganised team, he stood out with some determined dribbles and quick feet. Martin Cranie, however, proved his nemesis with a couple of fine tackles on the youngster on loan from Arsenal.

Gary Deegan meanwhile was continuing his good work in midfield: hustling, bustling, and getting forward to good effect. The Sky Blues fans’ chants of “Deegan, Deegan” suggested that they’re really taking to this guy.

Mick Harford brought on Adel Taarabt for Akos Buzsaky in hope of providing some inspiration for the Londoners. At the same time Chris Coleman brought on Freddie Sears for his debut, replacing Clinton Morrison.

A foul by Martin Cranie brought about a free kick on QPR’s right. Lee Cook whipped it in dangerously. It was met by the head of Damion Stewart and looked to be heading for the corner of the net before Westwood got down brilliantly to tip the ball onto the post. It really was an amazing save, and ultimately earned City the points.

In stoppage time, a good tackle by Martin Cranie set Freddie Sears off down the left. He had the vision to square the ball to the unmarked Freddy Eastwood who was through on goal. Just when you thought the all-Fred strike partnership was going to yield its first goal, Eastwood fired into the side netting.

It didn’t matter. The final whistle went and City claimed all three points. It wasn’t a great game to watch, but that doesn’t really matter a jot when you’re winning.

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AFTER GAME QUOTES
Chris Coleman:

'I anticipated that it wasn't going to be a classic but we got the job done.

'We said to them at half-time that it might be one of those games where we just had to dig in and get a result.

'This win puts us within six points of the top six and eight points off the bottom three so we are on the up.'

Mick Harford:

'You run out of words to say when you are on a run like this because you don't get the rub of the green.

'You are always under pressure as a manager. You are judged on results. I would prefer to play poorly and win, that's what we need to do at the moment.

'I don't think we deserved to lose because they had one shot on target in the whole game and it took a deflection. It's my job to pick the players up but the spirit is good.'

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HOW THEY LINED UP
Sky Blues: Westwood, Wright, Barnett, Wood, Cranie, Baker, Deegan, Clingan, McIndoe, Morrison (Sears 67), Eastwood

Subs Not Used: Konstantopoulos, Hussey, Walker, Grandison, Jeffers

Booked: Wright, Cranie

Goals: Deegan 10

QPR: Ikeme, Ramage, Stewart, Gorkss, Hill, Buzsaky (Taarabt 67), Connolly, Faurlin, Cook, Priskin (German 55), Simpson

Subs Not Used: Cerny, Vine, Quashie, Balanta, Borrowdale

Booked: Connolly, Faurlin, Gorkss

Att: 15,247

Ref: D. Foster

Man of The Match:

Martin Cranie – he may be playing out of position, but Cranie just seems to be getting better. Another outstanding defensive performance today.

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