The reply from Patricia Brown in thr Customer Services department in the Preston based offices of the Football League says: "At its meeting last week, the Board of The Football League (which consists of six club representatives, Football League Chairman Sir Brian Mawhinney and Independent non executive director Ian Ritchie) discussed the issue of Coventry City's fixture schedule for the 2005/06 season. Having considered the matter in detail the Board asked Coventry City to make alternative arrangements for any games they are unable to stage at the Arena.

The numerous complications associated with the compilation of the fixture schedule make it impossible to schedule the club three away games at the start of the season. With clubs being paired within the schedule for policing and security reasons one alteration can easily dislocate a number of other fixture dates, creating an even greater problem.

In previous seasons neither Bolton Wanderers nor Stoke City were originally allocated three away matches - Bolton Wanderers were scheduled to play Newcastle United at home but the match was postponed due to Newcastle United's European commitments. Stoke City were scheduled a home fixture against Bradford City, but Bradford City agreed to reverse the fixture.

The League has agreed to continue its dialogue with the club over the issue to help it reach a practical solution to this problem."