The Sky Blues returned from Sixfields in early September to an eager crowd of 27,306. Nobody knew that the Ricoh Arena - purpose built at public expense - was all but sold.
Replacing Wilson and others proved difficult. There was the Worcester fiasco and, by the end of February, a twelfth change of manager since Gordon Strachan’s departure in September 2001.
What now? Salary cap protocol is a reality, the club’s match-day and stadium income as little as Yeovil’s; avoiding incurring further debt a formal condition imposed by the authorities.
Attendances have slumped to under 8,000. Magnificent core supporters, rewarded with just one top-six finish in forty-eight seasons, are kept to a corner of the Arena.
The SCG seeks to make sense of such things. It now participates in CCFC board meetings on a quarterly basis, and has continued to extend its profile and representativeness.
SCG members Pat Abel and Jonathan Strange initiated the introduction between the Very Reverend John Witcombe and Joy Seppala which galvanised negotiations over a return to the city.
Peter Ward, chairman of the SCG, said in an article for Coventry City's programme against Crewe: “I am pleased the current board has recognised the importance of consultation with supporters and has embraced the SCG for this purpose.
“It has been a significant challenge to keep the SCG going through the most volatile period in the club’s history. Thanks to my colleagues on the SCG, the regular meetings - including discussions with the board - are providing supporters with a mechanism to ensure their voice is heard.”
contact@ccfcscg.co.uk