What Coventry City means to me? Well, I'm a Coventry kid. Hand in glove I suppose
My dad took me up one day and it may well have only been a reserve game, but I was immediately hooked. There could never be another team for me from that point on.
First real tangible memory for me was being at a show at the old Coventry Theatre with my family. It was the late 60's and the Sky Blues were at home to the mighty Man Utd, complete with the giants at the time that were Best, Charlton, Law, Stiles etc. The same Man Utd that would go on to win the European Cup just a few short months later, beating Benfica 4-1.
My dad told me I was too young to go to the game and that we all had to go to the theatre instead.
City were bottom of the table and Man Utd top. It was a foregone conclusion. Defeat was certain.
Anyway, we were sat watching the show and then suddenly the performance was momentarily stopped to puzzled looks from the audience. Up steps one of the cast on stage to address the auditorium. Out of the blue he proudly announced that City had won 2-0. We had beaten the mighty Manchester United!
I pretty much don't remember any of the show after that. All I could think about was the City and the thrilling victory. The Telegraph on the Monday hailed the win as if we had won the World Cup all over again.
I will never, ever forget the beaming grin I had on my face that day and I'm pretty sure I woke up the next day still smiling.