I have been thinking about a new Coventry club for some time and my biggest worry is that it will struggle to unite the fans. If we look at the (somewhat different) AFC Wimbledon model, they were set up with gusto and quite a lot of momentum (national press coverage, ex-players and celebrities publicly backing them resulting in fundraising) which propelled them up the league. I worry that for us this has taken a much longer time and so our fans have gradually drifted over 12 years. I think we would find it harder to get the sort of momentum AFC Wimbledon did...but that's certainly no reason not to try!
I think a lot of things need to be in place for a new team to be seen as genuinely worthy of the fans' support. It's going to have to unify a lot of people, each with their own expectations of what it should be (what it should be called, what colour it should play in etc). I think it's important that a new club is set up in consultation with the fans to gauge their opinions and make sure it represents them, but ultimately people also need to be willing to compromise and get behind the new club whatever it's called (AFC, 1883, United etc), rather than complaining that it doesn't meet their expectations.
This is the reaction we have seen so far to Coventry United's formation, as people have been largely dismissive. I think this is justified, as they seem to have been rushed into existence, resulting in some sloppiness (the emblem and website are a little bit naff) and accusations of them being vultures. In my opinion they were set up too quickly, too soon. This could be fixed, but they will find it harder to gain support than a team launched with a fanfare and a strong, honest PR campaign.
Ultimately this is what it will need. If they can capture the support and endorsement of a variety of ex-players (Huckerby, Boetang, Clinton Morrison, Dietmar Bruck and others have all already publicly declared their disappointment/disgust at the situation), ex-managers (Sillett, Hill, Gould, etc), pundits and sports journalists (Richard Keys, Micky Quinn, Henry Winter, Geoff Thompson etc) and political figures (Ainsworth, Sinclair) then this would start the ball rolling. In order to get the support of these people it needs serious investors/directors (I don't mean stinking rich, just serious, dedicated and financially successful) with a serious structure and roadmap. Once that is in place and it captures the vocal support of said names, then combine it with flyering, posters, local radio ads, local newspaper features, promo videos, ticket offers, school visits etc would certainly start a snowball effect.
But before any of this happens, I personally can't make up my mind if it's time yet. I'm probably being idealistic in hoping *something* might happen to change our situation, but I'm intrigued to see what liquidation means and results in before a new team is formed. However I think in a few weeks/months, once the near-future is clearer, then if we are still unsatisfied (and we have every reason to believe we will), then plans for a new team need to start in earnest for a August 2014 entry into the pyramid.
For me the biggest question is who starts the ball rolling. Skybluegaz I hadn't thought of your suggestion of ACL before, I think it could be a good one, providing they appoint the right people AND the financial structure is in place to combat the sort of struggle Magpieexile mentioned
