The decision by Mr Justice Hickinbottom this morning in a sixty second hearing to award the Judicial Review in favour of Coventry City Council was not unexpected.
Had the lawyers from Coventry City’s owners SISU stuck to their point in court then the verdict may have gone in favour of the Sky Blues but because so many asides, a lot of which was not relevant was brought out by the lawyers, SISU’s case dramatically weakened and it was no surprise that the verdict went in favour of the Council.
SISU, who appear to be staying at the club until someone gives them the money they think they are owed for “investing” in the club, have said in a statement this morning that they will appeal but it really is pointless as the damage has already been done by this verdict and what little faith there was in the owners of Coventry City Football Club has now gone.
Coventry City Council have called for the Sky Blues to return to the Ricoh Arena as soon as possible and this has to be the best way forward for the club.
There is an offer to fund rent on the table and it needs to be accepted. The club cannot continue playing at Sixfields, a venue which was told by the Football League to improve its facilities. It is counter-productive to the playing staff and manager who has gone on record as saying that it is not helping his recruiting of players and a venue not good enough for the staff who have to work there and the supporters.
No-one is denying the fact that a club needs its own stadium from which it can attempt to make money and if the club were to build a community stadium which could also host the matches of local clubs who are keen to progress at their own levels such as Coventry City Ladies, Coventry Sphinx etc, then their current stadium plans might be plausible but whilst it remains in the planning stage, Coventry City can only raise funds and support for this venture if they are back in Coventry.
Therefore, we call upon all parties to end their feud, forget any appeals and work towards bringing Coventry City FC back to the city of Coventry before the start of the 2014/2015 season.