Alistair was a huge fan of the 'Close but no cigar' Coventry City era. Principally the teams from Ndlovu-Quinn (1992-93) through Hucks-Dublin (1997-1999) then finally the short lived Keane-Roussel side (1999-2000).
Following this, I think the chilly Tuesday night draws against Rotherham Utd, following relegation, proved too much for the poor orchard picker and he decided to shift his emotional portfolio over to Spurs and Man U.
Can't say I blame the lad; it's the perennial problem of being a 'distance-supporter', no ancestral link to the City, poor form and an even bleaker outlook up ahead. So it becomes a no brainer when you've got to travel 40 miles or more to get here. I did a similar thing with Northampton Rugby a few years back. We live in a consumer society and sports clubs market themselves as brands. People like Alistair are a direct result of that. I haven't got a problem with it in all fairness-more revenue for the club.
I think Eddie Jordan's career path as a City fan is very similar to Alistair's by the way. Plus, according to the British Medical Council, there is also a phenomenon known as 'latent Coventry City fan'. This is where everyone from Clive Owen to Dermot Murnaghan profess to always having supported the Sky Blues. This 'effect' takes place following FA Cup wins or sustained periods in the top six.
(Hate mail from Cov Rugby fans can be directed to my bogus PO box below)
PO Box Astonvilla0