Amidst all the negativity surrounding Coventry City’s off-field problems, Sky Blues fans from the Keep Cov in Cov campaign have decided to do something positive and make a concrete contribution to football in Coventry, by sponsoring the away kit of long-standing City Club, Coventry Sphinx.
In the absence of the Sky Blues, Sphinx are the highest ranking team playing in Coventry. The Club was founded over 60 years ago in 1946 and has its roots in the Coventry motor industry, very much part the City's heritage. Michael Orton, from Keep Cov in Cov, (kcic) explained: “Friday at the Emirates was awesome. The team and fans were both brilliant, doing us proud on the pitch and with the kcic WHY/WHEN signs gaining fantastic coverage of our plight. But we’ve also been thinking how we can make a concrete contribution to football in Coventry. Having looked at various options we heard that Coventry Sphinx needed a sponsor for their away kit so were delighted to step in and help a great local team combined while also spreading the kcic message in a positive way”
The Sphinx away shirt now bears the kcic logo – pictured below - a Sky Blue ribbon with the words ‘Keep Cov in Cov’. Coventry Sphinx’s Chairman, Dannie Cahill, added: “We as a club rely heavily on sponsorship to compete every season so the contribution from kcic is very welcome. We are also delighted to welcome people to games at Sphinx Drive. Our gate figures have increased this season and the players really appreciate the extra support.”
Sphinx currently stand 8th in the Midland Football Alliance but with games in hand are looking to regain a place higher in the table. Just two years ago Sphinx finished in 3rd place, just 4 points off the one automatic promotion place, but had they won the league, would have been denied promotion due to ground requirements – another reason why sponsorship is so important.
Coventry Sphinx are at home this coming Saturday, 1 February, kick off 3pm. Parking is free at Sphinx's home in Stoke - Sphinx Drive off Siddley Avenue, CV3 1WA - and entrance is just £5 for adults and £3 for concessions. Under 16s are free if they are with an adult, which is excellent given all the concerns about the next generation of football fans in Coventry.