On what is traditionally one of the best days of the season for attendances, conceding a home game is something not to be taken lightly. But thanks to the lack of effort from Coventry City Council and builders Laing O’Rourke, the cash stripped Sky Blues were forced to move their first game of the 2005/2006 Championship campaign.
In an ideal world, Coventry City FC and it’s supporters would have been compensated for this forced fixture reversal but we live in an far from ideal world and so a mad scramble for a meagre allocation of 1400 tickets for the away part of the Jarrold Stand ensued amongst the Sky Blue Army.
All tickets have long since gone and if you know of any spares please let us know as we have a list of loyal supporters desperate for a ticket.
City travel to Carrow Road, with the scandalous defeat at Port Vale meaning that only two matches out of seven were won in pre-season. Hopefully, this has all been put right on the training ground this week and Coventry City supporters can go into the game hopeful of at least getting something from the 300 mile round trek to East Anglia.
After a lengthy search, Micky Adams has finally landed a keeper in Stephen Bywater who has joined on loan until the end of 2005 and the keeper who finds his chances limited at West Ham United may get the nod over Clayton Ince.
Marcus Hall is doubtful whilst Stuart Giddings is definitely out and Adams may decide to sign Paul Watson who was one of the better players in pre-season and field him at left back with loanee Richard Duffy on the right side of defence. Robert Page and Matt Heath are expected to be the central pairing.
In midfield, Skipper Stephen Hughes, Michael Doyle, James Scowcroft and possibly Andy Morrell may start with Stern John and Gary McSheffrey in attack.
Norwich boss Nigel Worthington has concerns over former City midfielder Youseff Safri, Jason Jarrett, Paul McVeigh and Ryan Jarvis. Darren Huckerby is expected to play.
The last time City played at Carrow Road was on a rainy night in November 2003, with only 210 City supporters in the ground, City drew 1-1 in a game they should have won. Gary McAllister scored from the penalty spot.
City’s form against Norwich is P 97 W 43 D 28 L 26 F 145 A 120
The Canaries, like City have not hit top form in pre-season but are highly fancied for this game and the league. Coventry are 4-1 outsiders whilst Delia’s boys are 13-8 on although evens is about the best odds you are likely to get. Considering that most ex City players score against us, those who like taking money off the bookies may consider staking a few quid on Darren Huckerby as first goalscorer.
If you are one the 1400 with a ticket, then watch out for the stewards. Problematic to say the least over the years with City supporters, expect the Norfolk Gestapo to force everyone to sit down and clamp down hard on the slightest thing.
You can get to Carrow Road by taking a main road into Norwich and getting on the A47 ring road. The ground is well signposted from here, via the 'Trowse' turn off.
By Rail:The ground is approximately a five-minute walk from the station. From the station turn left and head for the Morrissons supermarket and the ground is visible behind that. Alternately, on exiting the train station, walk along 'Riverside Road'. The ground is at the end of this road.
There are plenty of decent places to eat and drink in what is a lovely city with its historic cathedral.
Also on Saturday,City U18's are away to Birmingham City at 11am.