skyblue1523
New Member
The ground might be the problem no atmosphere low crowds fans always on players back ground always looking empty so don't pay the rent and move to the butts
The ground (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter skyblue1523
- Start date
sky_blue_up_north
Well-Known Member
If we keep going like we are at moment it might be a ground share with Nuneaton Town
Grendel
Well-Known Member
We might not even fill that soon.
coundonskyblue
New Member
I forgot all those champions league runs we had while at highfield road.
mrtickle
Member
<br />
<br />
There's no atmosphere because of the results. The atmosphere was great against Portsmouth in the cup. If we play well and consistently win then the atmosphere will come. Chicken egg scenario !
Jimmy Hill's Chin
Well-Known Member
My wife who is not into football and has never been to the Ricoh or watched a Coventry game on TV before (we live 100 plus miles away) instantly remarked that it was ridiculous having such a good stadium three quarters empty. We are at risk of becoming the English version of Queens Park who play at Hampden Park to a few hundred people. We should probably consider the Butts in the short term unless we get promoted this season.
CJparker
New Member
It's not a chicken/egg scenario, it's a cart/horse scenario - there is a right way around. The club has to put together a team and management capable of bringing back the crowds, and the atmosphere with it.
ampthill_sba
New Member
We could nearly fill the ground weekly if we had success BUT....
Since arriving at the Ricoh with not one single successful season the ground's ownership (not with the club) and lack of revenue have meant at times of crisis there just hasn't been the money to sort it.
Without the revenue the club just isnt attractive to buyers either.
The ground is to blame...but there's nothing wrong with the Ricoh per se...I love the facilities and the atmosphere is great on those few full occasions.
It's just that it hasn't been an earner for us, as Richardson intended it to be.
Since arriving at the Ricoh with not one single successful season the ground's ownership (not with the club) and lack of revenue have meant at times of crisis there just hasn't been the money to sort it.
Without the revenue the club just isnt attractive to buyers either.
The ground is to blame...but there's nothing wrong with the Ricoh per se...I love the facilities and the atmosphere is great on those few full occasions.
It's just that it hasn't been an earner for us, as Richardson intended it to be.
AFCCOVENTRY
Well-Known Member
The stadium is a rather bleak place to play football even for the opposition.
It's like a ghost town and probably demoralising for our players when all they see is seats and no crowd.
I agree the Ricoh is going to be a problem for us.
It's like a ghost town and probably demoralising for our players when all they see is seats and no crowd.
I agree the Ricoh is going to be a problem for us.
oldskyblue58
CCFC Finance Director
wouldnt matter if it was Wembley or a parks pitch................. football grounds don't fail to mark players, attack with pace, have a formation that works or score goals ...... players and managers do
It isnt the Ricoh that has reduced the crowds it is the decade or more of dross that CCFC have put forward as a product for the paying fans. As with anything else if the product isnt good enough the customer stops buying it.
The crowds will come back only if and when the team starts winning regularly and offers a product that is acceptable. The stadium isnt likely to have much input on that ...... its is the players managers and club
It isnt the Ricoh that has reduced the crowds it is the decade or more of dross that CCFC have put forward as a product for the paying fans. As with anything else if the product isnt good enough the customer stops buying it.
The crowds will come back only if and when the team starts winning regularly and offers a product that is acceptable. The stadium isnt likely to have much input on that ...... its is the players managers and club
Colonel Mustard
New Member
The ground is definitely not the problem. A good manager will detach the players from the ground, atmosphere and culture of losing, instead expertly training them, instilling belief, and having them operate as a professional unit every week. Better results, attendances and atmosphere would follow.
Wrenstreetcarpark
New Member
However much we fans know that we "own" the Club and all that it stands for and what it is in the life of Coventry now, in the past, and I hope fervently, in the future, it is the suits that decide what to spend and on what "team". Richardson was a dishonest gambler as was Robinson, McGinnity propped up the bar (or was it the bar holding him up?) and did what his cronys told him. They surrounded themselves with self-serving scum like Bryson and Hover. They took the Club down and down and down until it couldn't go any further and the jackals came in for the kill. Seppala and her henchmen came in thinking that they could make something from the carcase.
They haven't managed to do so yet, and so she is still there. She couldn't care less about the Club. In all the time she has been the "owner" as Fisher calls her, she has been to two games.
It isn't the Ricoh that has done the damage, it is the so-called owners. I say so-called because they regard themselves as the owners because they own the shares (and since Sisu yours and mine as well), what they don't "own" is the spirit of the Club. That spirit is in everyone who cares enough to write on this forum, even if we disagree; who goes to the games, buys the shirt and when far away makes sure that they find out the result. It is US who make the Club and if numbers go down and if people despair because they see the lack of care, the total lack of love shown by the "owners" is it surprising that they stay away? Only when the likes of Seppala and Fisher fuck off back to America and Sarf London and we see people who actually care "owning" the Club and putting their hearts in as well as their investment will we begin to see real results and we can again feel a part of the Club that has been hi-jacked.
So,
Fuck off Seppala, Fisher and Clarke
and Play Up Sky Blues
They haven't managed to do so yet, and so she is still there. She couldn't care less about the Club. In all the time she has been the "owner" as Fisher calls her, she has been to two games.
It isn't the Ricoh that has done the damage, it is the so-called owners. I say so-called because they regard themselves as the owners because they own the shares (and since Sisu yours and mine as well), what they don't "own" is the spirit of the Club. That spirit is in everyone who cares enough to write on this forum, even if we disagree; who goes to the games, buys the shirt and when far away makes sure that they find out the result. It is US who make the Club and if numbers go down and if people despair because they see the lack of care, the total lack of love shown by the "owners" is it surprising that they stay away? Only when the likes of Seppala and Fisher fuck off back to America and Sarf London and we see people who actually care "owning" the Club and putting their hearts in as well as their investment will we begin to see real results and we can again feel a part of the Club that has been hi-jacked.
So,
Fuck off Seppala, Fisher and Clarke
and Play Up Sky Blues
SkyBlueArmy12
New Member
I miss Highfield Road 
I do not like the Ricoh at all. Never did. Even with bigger crowds. Don't like where it is. It is almost not in Coventry. No real 'warm' feeling about the place. Most people can't just walk there, no close by pubs. We get ripped off for car parking (that was the real 'green travel plan,' car park money.) It is a hopeless white elephant, a noose around our neck. I used to sit in the main stand at HR, for decades, the prawn sandwich brigade even turfed me and loads of others out of that in favour of the 'corporates.' Who, by the looks of it don't turn up much these days, judging by all the empty seats on that side. I do seriously think we ought to move to a central location. Give the club back to the fans. It would take work but it needs to be done. Hate the place.
LilleSkyBlue
Well-Known Member
Used to love Highfield Road.
The Ricoh is a soulless identikit mistake. We've been outsung by the away fans every time I've been there and there are always swathes of empty seats.
Somebody must have got very rich selling Highfield Road.
The Ricoh is a soulless identikit mistake. We've been outsung by the away fans every time I've been there and there are always swathes of empty seats.
Somebody must have got very rich selling Highfield Road.
CCFC Germany
Active Member
New grounds like the Ricoh are popping up everywhere in Europe.
Always loved England for their traditional grounds in the city centre, close to the main stations.
But I guess those days are just over and whining won't bring back HR.
I've been to HR and the Ricoh, of course HR was the better, "real" football ground.
But I've got to admit, I quite like the Ricoh.
If success should ever come back to Coventry, I'd love to see a packed Ricoh with some great atmosphere.
In the current state City is in, I do not think the atmosphere at HR would have been any better.
Agree with parking and no pubs around, though.
Always loved England for their traditional grounds in the city centre, close to the main stations.
But I guess those days are just over and whining won't bring back HR.
I've been to HR and the Ricoh, of course HR was the better, "real" football ground.
But I've got to admit, I quite like the Ricoh.
If success should ever come back to Coventry, I'd love to see a packed Ricoh with some great atmosphere.
In the current state City is in, I do not think the atmosphere at HR would have been any better.
Agree with parking and no pubs around, though.
Really??!! Wow! It's a roundabout of blame, Ricoh now coz Thorn has gone, SISU have allowed signings and Bell is injured!!!
Burn it down, let's play on the grass on the estate on Thackall Street. Jumpers for goalposts....
Orrrrrrrrrr we could just get over it and realise football moves on. 5 or 6 of the clubs in the Prem built new stadium prior to gaining promotion to the 'promised land'.
Maybe it's not the Ricoh that's the problem but the club who rent it.
Burn it down, let's play on the grass on the estate on Thackall Street. Jumpers for goalposts....
Orrrrrrrrrr we could just get over it and realise football moves on. 5 or 6 of the clubs in the Prem built new stadium prior to gaining promotion to the 'promised land'.
Maybe it's not the Ricoh that's the problem but the club who rent it.
Ajsccfc/Tippex, that's a defeatist 'can't do' attitude if I ever heard one. So we carry on in a two thirds empty bowl. Yeah right, brilliant strategy. One giant leap eh? Who said anything about the Butts? Not me mate. CCFC Germany, who's talking about moving back to HR? Not me. Read what I said, better still, read Moff's post. It makes sense. Sure lots of obstacles but a sticking the head in the sands approach will do nothing.
smouch1975
Well-Known Member
I have fond memories of HR
However, it is arguable that we have the perfect venue for delivering a quality day out that people want to experience time and time again. A venue that delivers all the comfort points whilst been entertained by the show put on. It's been the same way since Roman times.
'Build it and they will come', play like yesterday and they won't
However, it is arguable that we have the perfect venue for delivering a quality day out that people want to experience time and time again. A venue that delivers all the comfort points whilst been entertained by the show put on. It's been the same way since Roman times.
'Build it and they will come', play like yesterday and they won't
And Highfield Road was packed every week? I was a ST holder there for years. We only sold out vs the top four, Villa & when we needed a win to stay up.
Always empty blocks in West Terrace, West stand and ends of Main stand. Fact is, if the team wins, glory hunters come back, suddenly £22 a game is a bargain and the walk up to the ground is part of the atmosphere build up.
My attitude is by no means defeatist, all our forum dwelling fans do is look for a scapegoat for our slow demise, Managers, coaches, individual players, stadium, radio presenters, owners, stewards, you name it, they've been blamed.
My point was purely that the majority of clubs with new stadiums have seen an up-turn in fortunes, what makes us different? I'm sure if Stoke built the Ricoh where the Brittania stands, they'd still be a Prem club.
Always empty blocks in West Terrace, West stand and ends of Main stand. Fact is, if the team wins, glory hunters come back, suddenly £22 a game is a bargain and the walk up to the ground is part of the atmosphere build up.
My attitude is by no means defeatist, all our forum dwelling fans do is look for a scapegoat for our slow demise, Managers, coaches, individual players, stadium, radio presenters, owners, stewards, you name it, they've been blamed.
My point was purely that the majority of clubs with new stadiums have seen an up-turn in fortunes, what makes us different? I'm sure if Stoke built the Ricoh where the Brittania stands, they'd still be a Prem club.
kepit 2 yusen
New Member
Im inclined to agree. There is nobody else to blame now, we have done the list ! The only thing that could get us out of this are the players and they don't seem inclined to do so. They are living their dream as professional football players. Many many kids aspire to this and don't make it beyond an average Sunday team but they still play with passion and enthusiasm. Watching the last two games I almost wanted to write a letter of apology to them for having them turn up ! They didnt seem like they wanted to be there !
The club culture does need a drastic change. Get rid and clear out the pot belly grey haired big mouthed oafs in their suits who mix and "have influence" by rubbing shoulders to impress in the free bars and hospitality suites ! They are usually the ones in their Jags pushing their way to the front of the traffic queue to enter at the side island (yes I did clock the number of the prat who nearly took out my offside bumper whilst gaining traffic priority by self appointment). They dont give anything positive to the club and are full of the old ideas that have no relevance in 2012 football. The club needs to freshen up - sharpish !!
imp:
Last edited:
oldskyblue58
CCFC Finance Director
just who exactly going to buy the site, then build and equip this new stadium ? There is no incentive for the council to do so. Private funding is going to be difficult and expensive, city centre sites are more expensive and i would guess having football crowds milling around the city center is not the image the city is hoping to portray. It would i suspect be in the councils interest to let the club have the Ricoh rent free rather than spend further millions on the club developing sites, infra structure, additional city center policing etc etc
Only way the club could afford it is if SISU pay for it or the club becomes successful. No hope on the first one and any move would put the clubs future at risk as the lease would have to be broken.
Of course if the club were successful then crowds would be bigger...... would be more positive..... would be more vocal.... would create a better atmosphere ..... would have a stadium 2/3rds full not empty........ would take away the financial need for a city centre stadium. Success is essential ....... without it there wont be a need for any stadium!
And what size are we talking ..... Ricoh holds 32k ...... what are we looking to reduce it to ? £20k ? with room for expansion? think about the practicalities of that and the financial implications. Think of build costs, the financial burden imposed, - money we dont have but if we did where would you rather see it spent - on the team perhaps? We are not talking £2m to build a stadium ...... start thinking £25m + where is it coming from ?
The reason the Ricoh doesnt work as a CCFC football venue is not because of its position or build .......... it is because of CCFC itself ........... a club synonomous with failure, a club that has been badly run almost to the point of extinction, a club that cannot motivate itself or its players to do better, a club that has divorced itself from the fans even alienated them, a club that has often dumped on its suppliers and business partners from a great height, a club that still has no idea of the meaning of transparency.
Everyone is entitled to their view on the stadium, but factor in the practicalities and the other parties involved ........ and above all no one should try to use the stadium as an excuse for the real problem ........ which is CCFC in its entirety.
Might be good to have a city center stadium, the idea is fine ............ in my opinion it is never going to happen. That not beng defeatist thats looking at the realities and practicalities as they stand
Only way the club could afford it is if SISU pay for it or the club becomes successful. No hope on the first one and any move would put the clubs future at risk as the lease would have to be broken.
Of course if the club were successful then crowds would be bigger...... would be more positive..... would be more vocal.... would create a better atmosphere ..... would have a stadium 2/3rds full not empty........ would take away the financial need for a city centre stadium. Success is essential ....... without it there wont be a need for any stadium!
And what size are we talking ..... Ricoh holds 32k ...... what are we looking to reduce it to ? £20k ? with room for expansion? think about the practicalities of that and the financial implications. Think of build costs, the financial burden imposed, - money we dont have but if we did where would you rather see it spent - on the team perhaps? We are not talking £2m to build a stadium ...... start thinking £25m + where is it coming from ?
The reason the Ricoh doesnt work as a CCFC football venue is not because of its position or build .......... it is because of CCFC itself ........... a club synonomous with failure, a club that has been badly run almost to the point of extinction, a club that cannot motivate itself or its players to do better, a club that has divorced itself from the fans even alienated them, a club that has often dumped on its suppliers and business partners from a great height, a club that still has no idea of the meaning of transparency.
Everyone is entitled to their view on the stadium, but factor in the practicalities and the other parties involved ........ and above all no one should try to use the stadium as an excuse for the real problem ........ which is CCFC in its entirety.
Might be good to have a city center stadium, the idea is fine ............ in my opinion it is never going to happen. That not beng defeatist thats looking at the realities and practicalities as they stand
Tippex, have you been to the Brittania ground? I've been there a good few times but always sit on the sides, hate sitting with City fans (some of our away support are pillocks) and talking with Stoke fans they dislike it a lot. Difficult to get to, no real facilities apart from the usual junk food places. Read Moff's post on Torino and how they changed the culture of their club by moving from a vast stadium to a central more compact ground back in the city. Giving it back to the fans. Or, just say we can't do it and roll over. The Ricoh is a disaster on so many levels and the squabbling over it with the council, various speculators and SISU is dragging us down and down. Lots of obstacles sure, but what's the alternative. AND I NEVER MENTIONED THE BUTTS! For crying out loud.
I think this is where the dinosaur in me comes out. I don t want a day out, just a couple of hours at the match
Snoz, I agree with you on how bad the Ricoh situation is but all my point is is that the ground itself is not cause for our demise.
I've been to the Brit about 15-20 times, my brother-in-law lives up there and is a life-long fan, I enjoy the match day out there. They are similar to us in that they miss the 'good ol'days' of the Vic but the Britannia now has a reputation around the Prem for being an intimidating place to go and they like that. They feel they have a real 12th man thing going on.
And on your point about our away fans.... Couldn't agree more!! "Murphy, why don't you break your leg in training and do us all a favour" was shouted at Yeovil
I've been to the Brit about 15-20 times, my brother-in-law lives up there and is a life-long fan, I enjoy the match day out there. They are similar to us in that they miss the 'good ol'days' of the Vic but the Britannia now has a reputation around the Prem for being an intimidating place to go and they like that. They feel they have a real 12th man thing going on.
And on your point about our away fans.... Couldn't agree more!! "Murphy, why don't you break your leg in training and do us all a favour" was shouted at Yeovil
Last edited:
Tippex, sure the ground is just part of the problem, but a very big part. I'm not looking at it nostalgically, more from pragmatic ways. A place where everyone in the city that likes football can feel they are connected. Just imagine if you live in Tile Hill, Allesley, those kinds of areas, the Ricoh may as well be in another town. A centrally located ground would be a whole lot better, simply from an economic standpoint alone. The move to the Ricoh was motivated by greed and it has backfired. There is little prospect of reasonable crowds there in the coming seasons, people like a football atmosphere. It doesn't exist at the Ricoh, even with 18,000 in it. Our ground is too big for us. A mistake. The Torino precedent that Moff mentioned is one we should be looking at seriously. It could save our club and turn our fortunes around.
My daughter studied at Stoke uni. Got to say it is the most god foresaken town in the country.
But debate is everything. Cheers.
My daughter studied at Stoke uni. Got to say it is the most god foresaken town in the country.
But debate is everything. Cheers.
sky_blue_up_north
Well-Known Member
I remember European nights at Highfield Rd, we beat Bayern Munich 2-1.....
