The Coventry City Former Player Association are pleased to announce that popular Sky Blues former striker Bamberdele ('Dele) Adebola is our 'special guest' at CCFC's Saturday home game against Blackpool. The Sky Blues will be hoping to get back on track with a win after that disappointing 'smash and grab' staged by Plymouth Argyle at Home Park last Saturday when the Sky Blues made more than enough chances to win handsomely. There are two home games in a row now so six points could easily restore our push towards the play-off spots.
Nigerian born (23rd June 1975) but brought up in Liverpool, young 'Dele cut his footballing teeth with Crewe Alexandra from 1993. Hitting 46 goals in 152 first team appearances prompted a 1998 chance with Birmingham City for £1m. A similar hit rate at St Andrews led to a move to Crystal Palace for season 2002-03. Garry McAllister then brought the big man to Highfield Road in 2003 though he really came good under gaffer (and CCFPA member) Micky Adams.
Dele at the Ricoh
Unforgettably, 'Dele scored a brace in the Sky Blues first ever game (and win) against Q.P.R. at the Ricoh in 2005-06 (CCFPA committee man Claus Bech Jorgensen got the opener)! This was on top of also scoring in the 6-2 demolition Derby game in the farewell match at Highfield Road at the end of the previous season. A unique achievement! By the time this popular front man moved on to Bristol City in January 2008 he had clocked up 36 goals in his 182 first team appearances.
A genial giant of a striker, 'Dele became a bit of a wandering star, first loaned to Burnley and Bradford City whilst at CCFC and then having spells with Forest, Hull, Notts County, Rochdale and Wrexham after leaving Ashton Gate in 2009. He ended his career (in 2013) with non-league Rushall Olympic in his late 30s. A career total of over 750 first class appearances is something to be proud of.
'Dele at Legends Day 2018
'Dele still regularly attends our Legends Day reunions and makes charity appearances for our Legends XI. 'Dele was last here in May for Legends Day 2018
Look out for 'Dele in the Family Zone and 'around the lounges' before the game meeting Sky Blues fans young and old, and again post-match on stage with CCFPA's Billy Bell down in Lady Gs at the Arena's G-Casino. There should be many other former Sky Blues, Association members attending the game as well.
If you really can't make the game 'Dele will also be 'riding the airwaves' doing live match-day commentary and analysis with the BBC CWR team. Better to turn up and watch the Sky Blues, hopefully, bag all three points from the Tangerines to confirm their play off potential in League One!