When Coventry’s 34-year stay in the top flight ended with relegation at Villa Park in 2001, cameras panned to a crestfallen fan, John Mullaney, holding aloft a cardboard sign. ‘We’ll be back,’ it read.
The context, of course, meant a swift return to the Premier League. But in many ways, the Sky Blues are already back. Back at the Ricoh Arena after years in exile at Sixfields and St Andrews. Back with steady finances. Back at the top table of English football… nearly.
It’s been a long road. After falling out of the Premier League 22 years ago, Coventry have never been too far away from farce.