Skyblueweeman
Well-Known Member
Just over 3 weeks ago, I sat at home watching Cov at home to Cardiff in the tin pot cup and I honestly don't think I've ever felt so dis-engaged as a CCFC fan in over 30 years of being a fan. Not playing in Coventry, didn't recognise 95% of the players playing in the Sky Blue shirt, there seemed to be no motivation in the players, the performance was awful, especially in the 1st half and I felt that in front of the TV cameras, we came across as an absolute wreck of a club.
Forward 23 days and I'm typing after getting home at 1am from last nights game and watching the game back on catch up this morning. There's no doubt that I've NEVER felt such a swing in emotions in such a short space of time.
I can't believe last night happened...I might be over-reacting but I'm still in awe of everything about last night. I arrived at the ground about 90 minutes early as I drove from the South Coast and wanted to ensure I didn't get caught in traffic and I also wanted to soak up the atmosphere. Ambling around the ground on my own, it was great to see so many happy faces. I managed to get a 'selfie' with Reda when he arrived, spent 15 minutes searching for the brick I bought my step-dad in one of the walls, had a nice chat with a steward who was a Man Utd fan and merrily had a cheeky pint on my own in the casino.
Once I got into the bowl, the next 120 minutes was simply emotional. Us fans have been through so much shit in the past x years but last night, we truly showed SISU, ACL, CCC, Pressley, the team and fans around the world (probably just the UK) watching on TV, how we react. Collectively, regardless of whether we attended Sixfields or not, or signed a petition or not, or went on a march or not, we showed everyone that we MUST be playing in Coventry and to coin a phrase..."they shan't defeat us".
Credit to the team...although nervy for parts of the 2nd half, I thought we played some nice football, especially in the first 25 minutes and the youngsters weren't overawed by the occasion. Defensively, I think we looked pretty tight, although I'm not 100% convinced on Allsop (the keeper, not the sponsor!). He could've cost us at the end but the back 3/5 looked pretty tight over all. Midfield again looked good overall...I thought O'Brien was excellent...a real great signing for us, Fleck technically looks a good player; maybe just needs a little better composure on the ball and only Thomas disappointed me. Good first 20/25 but was careless from then on. I wonder if Mo Coulibaly might slot in there in his place, although a slightly different player. The front two I think were our weakest department last night...not convinced on them although they're both pretty green in their Sky Blue careers, especially Nouble.
However, 3 young Coventry lads stole the show in my eyes...Willis was extremely consistent, hardworking and didn't put a foot wrong, Clarke made some excellent tackles and was dependable but Haynes...wow. What a great prospect we have in this young lad....our very own Gareth Bale! He's the type of player that I'm normally resigned to losing in the next 2-3 years. If our club moves forward how we all want, maybe he can be a fulcrum in something special.
As for Pressley...to me, this man can do no wrong. Passionate about the team, passionate about the city and passionate about taking us forward. His post-match interview showed how much this whole situation means to him. The fact that he's here and not in 'Uddersfield I think is a great sign for our future (in my opinion anyway).
The night was summed on for on about 67 mins when a chorus of 'Stand up, if you love City' rang around the ground. It was immense being there, it was intense watching it back this morning. The Sky pundits seemed amazed by the energy and passion of that. I think that moment summed up the past 18 months and how we've worked hard to get back to the Ricoh. Plenty of work to do both on and off the pitch but for a few days, the outlook doesn't matter. The here and now is special, especially when compared to Cardiff, 23 days ago.
WM.
PS. Massive, massive thanks to World in Motion...thanks for the ticket mate...great to meet you and your family, hope you had a safe journey home.
Forward 23 days and I'm typing after getting home at 1am from last nights game and watching the game back on catch up this morning. There's no doubt that I've NEVER felt such a swing in emotions in such a short space of time.
I can't believe last night happened...I might be over-reacting but I'm still in awe of everything about last night. I arrived at the ground about 90 minutes early as I drove from the South Coast and wanted to ensure I didn't get caught in traffic and I also wanted to soak up the atmosphere. Ambling around the ground on my own, it was great to see so many happy faces. I managed to get a 'selfie' with Reda when he arrived, spent 15 minutes searching for the brick I bought my step-dad in one of the walls, had a nice chat with a steward who was a Man Utd fan and merrily had a cheeky pint on my own in the casino.
Once I got into the bowl, the next 120 minutes was simply emotional. Us fans have been through so much shit in the past x years but last night, we truly showed SISU, ACL, CCC, Pressley, the team and fans around the world (probably just the UK) watching on TV, how we react. Collectively, regardless of whether we attended Sixfields or not, or signed a petition or not, or went on a march or not, we showed everyone that we MUST be playing in Coventry and to coin a phrase..."they shan't defeat us".
Credit to the team...although nervy for parts of the 2nd half, I thought we played some nice football, especially in the first 25 minutes and the youngsters weren't overawed by the occasion. Defensively, I think we looked pretty tight, although I'm not 100% convinced on Allsop (the keeper, not the sponsor!). He could've cost us at the end but the back 3/5 looked pretty tight over all. Midfield again looked good overall...I thought O'Brien was excellent...a real great signing for us, Fleck technically looks a good player; maybe just needs a little better composure on the ball and only Thomas disappointed me. Good first 20/25 but was careless from then on. I wonder if Mo Coulibaly might slot in there in his place, although a slightly different player. The front two I think were our weakest department last night...not convinced on them although they're both pretty green in their Sky Blue careers, especially Nouble.
However, 3 young Coventry lads stole the show in my eyes...Willis was extremely consistent, hardworking and didn't put a foot wrong, Clarke made some excellent tackles and was dependable but Haynes...wow. What a great prospect we have in this young lad....our very own Gareth Bale! He's the type of player that I'm normally resigned to losing in the next 2-3 years. If our club moves forward how we all want, maybe he can be a fulcrum in something special.
As for Pressley...to me, this man can do no wrong. Passionate about the team, passionate about the city and passionate about taking us forward. His post-match interview showed how much this whole situation means to him. The fact that he's here and not in 'Uddersfield I think is a great sign for our future (in my opinion anyway).
The night was summed on for on about 67 mins when a chorus of 'Stand up, if you love City' rang around the ground. It was immense being there, it was intense watching it back this morning. The Sky pundits seemed amazed by the energy and passion of that. I think that moment summed up the past 18 months and how we've worked hard to get back to the Ricoh. Plenty of work to do both on and off the pitch but for a few days, the outlook doesn't matter. The here and now is special, especially when compared to Cardiff, 23 days ago.
WM.
PS. Massive, massive thanks to World in Motion...thanks for the ticket mate...great to meet you and your family, hope you had a safe journey home.