Update from Big Dave (13 Viewers)

[jordan210]

Coventry City Chief Executive Dave Boddy has provided the update below to supporters regarding the current situation at the Club, following the Coronavirus outbreak and ahead of the new season:

I hope that all our supporters are well and safe as we all continue to navigate our way through these unprecedented times.

Work at the Club still goes on, albeit with most staff still on furlough. I would like to thank the staff that have worked since the start of lockdown to keep the Club operating, and we look forward to welcoming back in due course those staff that are on furlough.

Our hard work behind-the-scenes at the Club continues, as we prepare for the future and for the Championship season. We’ll be providing updates shortly regarding some of this work, but we wanted to update fans generally about some of these areas now.

At this moment, we are waiting to confirm our stadium for next season. This is a very important matter for the fans and for the Club and a priority for us, and we will update fans regarding this as soon as we are able to.

This has held up the sale of Season Tickets for the 2020/21 campaign. While we know some fans will purchase their Season Ticket regardless of where we play, we cannot sell these until the venue is confirmed. While we could have already confirmed a venue, I’m sure fans will understand us giving extra time to allow further work towards this matter.

However, I can tell fans that Season Ticket prices have been confirmed for next season and we hope that fans will be pleasantly surprised at the prices and we hope they will give as many fans as possible the chance to support Mark Robins and the team in the season ahead.

As mentioned previously, 2019/20 Season Ticket holders will also have the option of a separate, five game refund following the cancellation of our final five home matches of the season. The process for this in the current circumstances is something we have been working on, and there will be details of this released next Wednesday.

19/20 Season Ticket holders will also have the option to receive a discount on next season’s Season Ticket, to account for the cancellation of the game against Bury.

We are awaiting details from the EFL regarding the start date for the new campaign. The current Championship season is still finishing, but we expect the next season to begin at the end of August or mid-September. There are currently two dates being proposed by the EFL, Saturday 29th August or Saturday 12th September (not the 5th September as it is an International week, in which fixtures are being scheduled). Clubs will have the opportunity to vote on their preferred date, shortly. It is likely that this will be behind-closed-doors but we do not know this for certain at this moment, or when fans would likely to be allowed back in stadiums.

Last season, the 19/20 home and away kits were revealed on the 5th July. Due to everything that has happened, this season’s kit reveal will be later - but we expect you will get to see the new Hummel kits within the next month, and we know this is something many fans are looking forward to.

The Club Shop remains closed but following work with our retail partner Elite Group, we hope to open in the next few working days and will update supporters soon.

On the field, players will be returning to training on Monday and we will be following the EFL Return to Training protocols. This will mean some changes to how we are able to train and operate around the training ground, but it’s a day everyone is looking forward to hugely. This will involve the players and football staff being tested for Covid 19 twice a week, which is a hugely expensive exercise for football, with our half month testing bill for July coming in at £34,000!

In the last few days Gustavo Hamer arrived for an undisclosed fee and Julien Dacosta joined us too, and we’re delighted to welcome them both to the Club. The Recruitment Department have been working hard and this work will continue as we prepare for the Championship.

We are all looking forward to next season and what is ahead, and we are looking forward to seeing our supporters again. Stay safe and thank you for your support. PUSB

Dave

 

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[mr_monkey]

Basically Ricoh return confirmed isn't it

I've been so impressed with him since he arrived, I know it doesn't take much after the shower we have had in the past but he always speaks so well and openly

 

[SBT]

Sounds like the Ricoh is very much in play!

 

[Skybluefaz]

Basically Ricoh return confirmed isn't it

No I think he's saying that we could have already announced St Andrews but they are trying to get a Ricoh deal done. Chances of that happening? Who the fuck knows. Hardly gone well in the past.

 

[mr_monkey]

No I think he's saying that we could have already announced St Andrews but they are trying to get a Ricoh deal done. Chances of that happening? Who the fuck knows. Hardly gone well in the past.

Come on mate, bury the negativity, this is all positive news

 

[Skybluefaz]

With the added complication of Covid, if fans are allowed back in a reduced capacity, having thousands of people from Coventry travel to a different City every couple of weeks makes absolutely no sense. For many many reasons a Ricoh return makes sense for everybody. Lets hope they can get it done.

 

[Skybluefaz]

Come on mate, bury the negativity, this is all positive news

I certainly hope so, we can't be used as a money maker for Wasps though, we need a decent deal.

 

[chiefdave]

Not sure how anyone has read this and decided we're returning to the Ricoh. Seems exactly the same situation as last season, St Andrews confirmed but leaving it as long as possible in the hopes of being able to sort something at the Ricoh. Realistically unless Wasps have changed their stance that won't be happening.

 

[ceetee]

Well at least there is clearly something else going on other than a straight return to St Andrews

 

[mr_monkey]

I certainly hope so, we can't be used as a money maker for Wasps though, we need a decent deal.

I agree 100% and I think we have a the best people involved to get that for us

 

[mr_monkey]

Not sure how anyone has read this and decided we're returning to the Ricoh. Seems exactly the same situation as last season, St Andrews confirmed but leaving it as long as possible in the hopes of being able to sort something at the Ricoh. Realistically unless Wasps have changed their stance that won't be happening.

I really think that wasps have changed stance, there is no way they couldn't with everything that has gone on over the last few months.

If they hadn't we would already have season tickets on sale for at Andrews to give the club much needed revenue

 

[mark82]

Not sure how anyone has read this and decided we're returning to the Ricoh. Seems exactly the same situation as last season, St Andrews confirmed but leaving it as long as possible in the hopes of being able to sort something at the Ricoh. Realistically unless Wasps have changed their stance that won't be happening.

I think this is exactly the way to read it. We could have confirmed St. Andrews but we're still trying. As time moves on I'm losing hope of anything being agreed. They really do need to set out a plan for our long term future.

 

[Alkhen]

Not sure how anyone has read this and decided we're returning to the Ricoh. Seems exactly the same situation as last season, St Andrews confirmed but leaving it as long as possible in the hopes of being able to sort something at the Ricoh. Realistically unless Wasps have changed their stance that won't be happening.

That was my take. Not ideal but personally I could stomach another year at St. Andrews rather than rush into a bad deal for the sake of it at the Ricoh

 

[Liquid Gold]

Sounds like your season ticket can be basically free if you go for the option of a 5 game discount plus the Bury discount.

 

[SkyBlueCRJ]

I feel we're in a much stronger position than last summer.

Wasps clearly need the commercial revenue, we have an alternative stadium already in place if the deal falls through and I feel that another PR tirade from the Wasps camp would fall on deaf ears as the majority of their speel has been debunked over the course of this season.

But just in case their standpoint remains the same, by all means let Wasps cut their nose off to spite their face. As if the basis of any deal being agreed is reliant on the agreement of an indemnity clause, that'll prove once again they don't want the club anywhere near the Ricoh.

 

[cc84cov]

Still think we will be at St Andrews for another year at leastn

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

If we’re BCD then really the venue this takes place at is almost irrelevant. It is just a stopgap though as the moment fans are allowed back in we are back to being at a huge disadvantage. The wankers at Wasps holding the indemnity over the club would then be hurting both businesses over something that neither can control.

The EC are hardly going to have the case as a top priority either so it could still be ages for a decision.

 

[Sky Blue Pete]

No I think he's saying that we could have already announced St Andrews but they are trying to get a Ricoh deal done. Chances of that happening? Who the fuck knows. Hardly gone well in the past.

Me too

 

[Sky Blue Pete]

It’s a good update

 

[AFCCOVENTRY]

Ricoh return feels more likely that ever. No mud slinging contests.

 

[Sky Blue Harry H]

Sounds like your season ticket can be basically free if you go for the option of a 5 game discount plus the Bury discount.

I know it is understandable that some will do it, but I don't want a refund from last season (guessing that's why they say there is an option) If we only had a slight increase in ST holders and everybody took a full refund it would surely impact on revenue. I'm guessing the club hope a few who can afford it will help them out (I know some won't be able to afford not to, but would hope those that can will recognise what the club did for them last season)

 

[Great_Expectations]

Always impressed with Boddy, he is another big contributor to the success of CCFC on and off the pitch (stadium withstanding). I like his openness.

I read the statement as wanting to return to the Ricoh and attempting to buy as much time as possible to achieve that, but by no means a guarantee. It’s absolutely the right thing to have Coventry playing in Coventry, but it has to be under the right circumstances.

If it’s Birmingham then so be it, I’ll be there.

 

[Corrado]

Sounds like your season ticket can be basically free if you go for the option of a 5 game discount plus the Bury discount.

As i missing something - i cant see it mentioned there will be a 5 game discount - just the Bury one. He mentions a refund for the 5 games if we wanted it. I think season ticket holders who are financially secure should waive their right for a refund, but that is just my opinion.

 

[jto123]

I want to return to the Ricoh, but I also have huge anxiety regarding what a deal will include. We can't take one step forward to take two steps back. Surely guarantees would have to be:

1. A ten year contract (this is generous. Most clubs would want a better foundation for their future then this).
2. Pitch condition. Not sure how this could be guaranteed. Perhaps that Wasps pay for maintenance, but that we control management?
3. Revenue from tickets and stadium purchases (food, drink etc).

Interested to hear if anybody disagrees with this? Personally I think it would be short sighted to want anything less.

 

[fernandopartridge]

That was my take. Not ideal but personally I could stomach another year at St. Andrews rather than rush into a bad deal for the sake of it at the Ricoh

TBH with you, the club could move forward on the basis of playing at St Andrews with consistent ST prices, there is precedent for moving back early season (and if they're BCD it doesn't matter anyway) if we need to. Big risk on the take up of ST but i think there is a big risk on it regardless of where we play due to covid.

 

[Liquid Gold]

I know it is understandable that some will do it, but I don't want a refund from last season (guessing that's why they say there is an option) If we only had a slight increase in ST holders and everybody took a full refund it would surely impact on revenue. I'm guessing the club hope a few who can afford it will help them out (I know some won't be able to afford not to, but would hope those that can, will recognise what the club did for them last season)

I won't be asking for one either, got more than enough entertainment out of my ticket last year.

 

[Sky Blue Harry H]

TBH with you, the club could move forward on the basis of playing at St Andrews with consistent ST prices, there is precedent for moving back early season (and if they're BCD it doesn't matter anyway) if we need to. Big risk on the take up of ST but i think there is a big risk on it regardless of where we play due to covid.

I'll buy a ST. even if I don't go for a bit due to Cov-id. Again, it's a support the club or risk its future for me.

 

[Limey]

If we do come back we can't be leaving again the following year.
It has to be long term this time round and at a deal that allows us to compete for promotion from champ (relegated prem sides excepted).
Wasps in the shit. Time to split the ownership.

 

[clint van damme]

No I think he's saying that we could have already announced St Andrews but they are trying to get a Ricoh deal done. Chances of that happening? Who the fuck knows. Hardly gone well in the past.

that's how I read it.

 

[cooperskyblue]

Lets hope they can get something sorted for a long term solution at the Ricoh it is we want and need now being back in the championship.

Could SISU not buy half the Ricoh or offer to buy half the ricoh from Wasps? And have a 50/50 split ownership. That or a long term deal.

Always impressed with Dave Boddy, this type of update and open communication with the fans was severely lacking prior to his arrival. Good stuff!

 

[clint van damme]

Still think we will be at St Andrews for another year at leastn

be really disappointed if we are.

 

[SkyBlueCRJ]

I want to return to the Ricoh, but I also have huge anxiety regarding what a deal will include. We can't take one step forward to take two steps back. Surely guarantees would have to be:

1. A ten year contract (this is generous. Most clubs would want a better foundation for their future then this).
2. Pitch condition. Not sure how this could be guaranteed. Perhaps that Wasps pay for maintenance, but that we control management?
3. Revenue from tickets and stadium purchases (food, drink etc).

Interested to hear if anybody disagrees with this? Personally I think it would be short sighted to want anything less.

Ten years is hugely ambitious. I'd suggest that a more realistic option that Wasps would agree to is probably 2 years with an option of a third.

Maintenance would cost far more than management surely depending on your meaning, so I can't see this being agreed to and I think Wasps would probably want us to make a fairly reasonable contribution towards the pitch given that its quality really is far more important for us than it is for them.

Unsure what Wasps would consider as 'fair' for commercial revenue. Again, I just can't see Wasps agreeing to us keeping all the revenue earned from F&B or other commercial income such as parking etc. They didn't last time so why would they now? Also, lets just say for the sake of argument maximum capacity is allowed in stadiums next season (obviously it won't be), do you honestly think Wasps will willingly allow us to take all earned revenue from F&B given our attendances are likely to increase? Whilst games are likely to be played BCD for the foreseeable, Wasps will still inevitably have one eye on this.

 

[ccfcricoh]

I do think that if the club expected to be at St Andrews again, Season tickets would be on sale by now. They clearly think there is a chance we will be at the Ricoh.

St Andrews was confirmed on 7th June last year, all be it that the season before clearly hadnt been delayed.

 

[Liquid Gold]

Ten years is hugely ambitious. I'd suggest that a more realistic option that Wasps would agree to is probably 2 years with an option of a third.

Maintenance would cost far more than management surely depending on your meaning, so I can't see this being agreed to and I think Wasps would probably want us to make a fairly reasonable contribution towards the pitch given that its quality really is far more important for us than it is for them.

Unsure what Wasps would consider as 'fair' for commercial revenue. Again, I just can't see Wasps agreeing to us keeping all the revenue earned from F&B or other commercial income such as parking etc. They didn't last time so why would they now? Also, lets just say for the sake of argument maximum capacity is allowed in stadiums next season (obviously it won't be), do you honestly think Wasps will willingly allow us to take all earned revenue from F&B given our attendances are likely to increase? Whilst games are likely to be played BCD for the foreseeable, Wasps will still inevitably have one eye on this.

I'd instantly walk away at a 2 year deal, we need long term stability not to kick the can down the road.

 

[mark82]

I'd instantly walk away at a 2 year deal, we need long term stability not to kick the can down the road.

5 years is what the club were looking for when me & Pete spoke to them earlier this year.