Coventry City manager Steven Pressley and his assistant Neil Macfarlane attended an open meeting of the Sky Blue Trust tonight.
After a minute silence to remember those who lost their lives in the Hillsborough Disaster twenty four years ago, Pressley, spoke about his only goal for City as a player and when asked how important the Academy was, said that he academy is vital for all football clubs and that several of the most successful teams in Europe are academy based.
After speaking about Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, Pressley said that there were some excellent young players at his former club Falkirk however do not under estimate how good our young players are here.
Neil MacFarlane, Pressley's assistant said that the first game they watched at City was the U21s 3-0 defeat at Leeds and that Conor Thomas, Billy Daniels etc, are all excellent prospects.
Pressley said that something he was bringing in was making the transition between U16s, U18s, U21 and first team easier and smoother by playing similar tactics.
Moving on to first team matters and Pressley said: "We do not want to be 'Comfortable Coventry' next season. " I'm going to develop a team that's going to be good enough to push towards the Championship. However I'm also focused on building strong foundations for the future of Coventry City Football Club.", whilst Neil Macfarlane added: "We want to lay these foundations for long after we have left."
After urging the City support to keep up the fantastic support, Pressley, admitted that it was vital that the club got rid of the transfer embargo as soon as possible with Neil Macfarlane adding: "Get the recruitment right and we'll be set."
One question from the floor asked How much does the FFP rules effect things? and Pressley replied: " I've been told players will only leave for football reasons."
Pressley said that it was vital that we have pace in the final third and that we need more goals from other sources next season rather than Leon, Baker etc.
On players leaving, Pressley said: "Every player has his price but we'll do our upmost to keep everyone."
On Pre-season, Pressley said: "First pre season game is..... Barcelona. Only joking it's Nuneaton."
On Cody MacDonald, Pressley said; "I didn't call him back. We do not have the players available that suit his style. Terrific attitude and needs to improve his link play."
Pressley admitted that the Spanish way of playing has influenced me heavily and that he no longer kept in contact with Sandy Robertson whom he was at City with for nine months although he did keep in touch with Leigh (Step Over) Jenkinson.
Pressley said that City had to be more resiliant and in order to go up we have to become more resilient and have to know how to win a game 1-0 or 2-0.
He admitted that he was not looking at the Scottish Manager's job in the future and said: "Absolutely not atm! Hasn't helped the careers of many managers hast it?! It needs years of input to get the national team back up there."
When asked what Steven Pressley brings to the club, Neil Macfarlane said: "He is very focused and will work 24/7 (as will I) to get the team up there."
When asked if will we have to make big changes to get up next season?, Pressley replied: "Trimming down the team from 34 players to make a much tighter group."
The City boss was also asked if you could would you shut the CT stand to get an atmosphere similar to the JPT games and replied: "That's something we will have to consult with you guys and get your opinions."
Pressley admitted that he had loved his time here so far and admitted that he had been given assurances by SISU that he hoped will come into fruition.
He joked that he wrote out his shopping list when asked what he writes in his notepad during a game but said I always carry a notebook on me. During a game it's just tactics etc.
When asked by Jim Twyneham on if he had identified the area needed to improve? Pressley replied: I've seen improvement with the squad since my arrival. Adam Barton has improved alot.
Pressley admitted that the SISU Out chants were not affecting the players and said: "I haven't had any comments on it by the players. Results unite fans and players."
Pressley said that he had spoken to former City boss Mark Robins and said; "Me and Mark Robins spoke for a while at an U21 game and he spoke fondly of the club and players."
Pictures copyright of Covsupport News Service/ KH