Without Fans There Is No Football

Last updated : 29 May 2014 By Duncan Whitley

In January 2014, a group of Coventry City fans launched an e-petition on the HM Government website, requesting that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee revisit its work on football governance through a short inquiry into Coventry City FC, currently relocated 35 miles out of Coventry to Northampton Town.

When I contacted Ivor Hellor to ask if he and other AFC Wimbledon fans might sign the e-petition, he responded immediately that he would love to talk to Sky Blues supporters about what it can mean to be in control of destiny of your own club. And so, this conversation was recorded on 22nd February 2014 at Kingsmeadow.

The interview is edited together with sound recorded from Coventry City away matches during 2013-2014, and from the last ever match at Highfield Road. For most fans, watching "home" matches at Northampton's Sixfields ground is not an option, and the Sky Blues faithful have demonstrated their support for Steven Pressley's team throughout the season, by turning out in impressive numbers for away matches.

The e-petition on the HM Government website can be read and signed here: fixfootball.co.uk. 100,000 signatures will trigger consideration of a Backbench Business Committee debate.

To hear the interview, please click on http://vimeo.com/92082407